Dear Friends of Morning Star,
It is no secret that my life story since ordination in 1966 has been inexorably
intertwined with the “life” of Morning Star Boys’ Ranch. On the verge of my 74th year,
I write you today to share that those two life paths are reaching a “Y” in the road.
Both Bishop Skylstad and the Ranch Board of Directors have agreed to accept my retirement
as director of Morning Star. This has been in the planning since 2001, but actually making
it a reality, to be honest, is difficult to describe.
Forty years of joyous activities, fighting for financial survival, boys becoming champions,
sweeping changes in family life and culture all come to mind.
I simply cannot tell you how much your support for the Ranch, and often for me personally,
has meant. We have grown from an overcrowded, sparsely furnished building surrounded by mud
and confusion to one of the best boys’ residential home programs in the country.
God, a vision based on the Gospel, a loving and dedicated staff, self-less board members
and your long-standing willingness to share with us have made this possible.
As the Ranch prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the boys we serve today are as much
or more in need of your help and understanding as our boys were 50 years ago.
With this in mind—and you know it would not be like me to pass up a chance to ask for
your support of our mission—a Support-A-Boy envelope is enclosed. The Support-A-Boy
endowment of which we use only the interest provides long-term funding for our spiritual,
emotional, social and educational programs.
Please know you will remain in my prayers, and please keep me and Morning Star in yours.
God bless you,
Father Joe
(Rev.) Joseph Weitensteiner
