What was Joe's first parish assignment as noted in the novel, Wheat That Springeth Green?

Joe’s first parish assignment as an assistant symbolizes the problems with a world of faith over works. The parish symbolizes the impact of a pastor who dedicates himself too much to the reclusive life apart of a contemplative priest. As Joe learns during his five-year stint, the parish runs only through the supervision of the parish secretary/housekeeper. Within the Catholic faith, often a parish reflects the perception and theological convictions of its pastor. No one doubts the devotion, spiritual commitment, and religious intensity of Father Van Slaag. But the extraordinary time he spends apart from his parish congregation and away from the day to day business of running a parish ensures that the parish, as a symbolic setting, represents the impact of such a hands-off administrator. The parish is not a disaster. It is not in disarray. The parish simply lacks heart, the community feel that comes from a hands-on pastor. Father Van Slaag not only has little social grace but has little interest in such concerns. He offers his life of devotion, prayer, and sacrifice as a model for emulation for his congregation. As the name of the parish suggests, this initial appointment gives Joe an important look at what happens when faith and prayer are not in balance with the Church’s works, what happens when the Church abandons its commitment to its own people.