Archbishop Burke Helps St. Joseph's Conclude Centennial

Archbishop Raymond Burke came to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial Sunday to mark the end of the church's yearlong centennial celebration by celebrating Mass. Approximately 500 people, mostly church members, gathered to worship, pray and reflect in their octagonal church.

When nearly 50 members of the church's Life Teen group swarmed the Archbishop after Mass to get their picture taken with him, there was enough energy in the sanctuary to power the church for another 100 years.

This is something that many will remember for years to come.

"He's the first one (Archbishop) I've met," said 16-year-old Katie Hentrich of Imperial... "It's cool, it's neat."
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As the Archbishop began to speak, some snapped pictures with their cell phones.

The vitality and enthusiasm of younger Catholics is certainly inspiring, and there can be no doubt that Archbishop Burke elicits this kind of response because of his fatherly love and devotion to his people.

Pastor [John] Brennell said that commitment one year ago by the Archbishop afforded the church the opportunity to celebrate each month during the year and for the lead-up to the Archbishop's visit. "So, Archbishop, you were worth waiting for," he said. The congregation applauded.

The congregation applauded...As do most of the faithful of St. Louis.

Post Dispatch story link here.