Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph’s,

My name is Anna Maria Sirianni and as you may know from one of Msgr. Swiader’s summer bulletin columns, I have been employed here as the Director of Human Services. I served for over twenty years as the Parish Outreach Coordinator at St. Anthony’s Church in Oceanside, so I have knowledge and experience in this field, but there is everything for me to learn about your community here and how St. Joseph’s responds to its neighbors in need. And for that process of learning, I am counting on each of you for your help, input and suggestions.

I was so pleased to see that the logo of St. Joseph’s Human Services is a depiction of the People of God, who, after being nourished at the table of the Eucharist, proceed out into the world to minister to others. This is how we live out the mandate of the words of dismissal at the end of Mass, which also form part of the logo: “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” In peace and with joy we serve Jesus by feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowing, visiting the sick and working for justice.

Since the essence of this work is an expression of our discipleship, Msgr. Swiader and I have agreed to change the name of the program to Parish Social Ministry. This designation captures the idea that the services are based in the local parish, that they are services offered by neighbor to neighbor, and that they are services rooted in the Gospel.

I am looking forward to meeting you and becoming part of the St. Joseph’s Family. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Anna