As we welcome our new Ottumwa parish, Saint Joseph, I would like to introduce the parish logo. It is simple and straightforward: in the center is an image of Saint Joseph gazing lovingly and holding on to the infant Jesus.

In turn, Jesus is looking at the viewer – that is, each one of us – and he seemingly asks us to show our love for Saint Joseph as he places his hand on his foster father’s chest. As Jesus entrusts himself to the care of Saint Joseph, so too, let us place our trust in him to guide and inspire us in our spiritual journey.

Note also the lilies that are resting on Saint Joseph’s shoulder. These white flowers symbolize chastity, a virtue that this great saint modeled in his life as husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the circle surrounding this image is the name of the parish, its location, and foundation year. On the sides are the initials “SMV and “SP”, representing the two parishes, Saint Mary of the Visitation and Saint Patrick, that were merged to form the new one.

Finally, there are four red crosses which are the international symbols of healthcare and medical services, which are meant to remind us of the former Saint Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa, for which the new parish is named.