the december third sunday 11, of advent...
TRANSCRIPT
Parish StaffParish StaffParish StaffParish Staff Phone: 610-269-8294 Fax: 610-269-2487
www.stjosephrc.org
332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. McLoone Pastor
Rev. Anthony T. Rossi Parochial Vicar
Rev. John E. Donia Resident
Deacon Jim Bogdan Permanent Deacon
Deacon Edward R. Schiappa Permanent Deacon
Ms. Karen Dawson Parish Services Director/ Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary
Mrs. Jo-Ann Funkhouser Bookkeeper
Ms. Lisa Grillo Elder Care Program Manager
Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist
Ms. Julie Wiant Business Manager
Ms. Jeannine Zack Parish Secretary
SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool Phone: 610-269-8999 Fax: 610-269-2252
www.stjosephrc.org
Sister Catherine Irene, I.H.M. Principal
Sister Diane Licordare, I.H.M. Vice Principal
Mrs. Julie Fitzgerald Secretary
Parish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education Program
Phone: 610-873-8798 Fax: 610-873-5466
www.stjosephrc.org
Mrs. Kathy Thomas Director of Religious Education
Mrs. Mary Ann Korpics Assistant to the D.R.E.
ConventConventConventConvent Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
484-593-4352
Celebration of the Eucharist Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sunday: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 4:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Holy Days of Obligation As Announced
Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Anointing of the Sick Any sick or hospitalized parishioner who is in need of the Sacrament of the Sick should contact the Parish Office.
Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Holy Family Chapel in the Holy Family Center.
Morning Prayer Monday—Friday at 6:30 a.m. in Church.
Devotions The Holy Rosary: Recited before the 9:00 a.m. Mass daily.
Miraculous Medal Devotions: Every Tuesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.
Novena to Saint Joseph: Every Wednesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.
Divine Mercy Chaplet: Every Thursday after the 9 a.m. Mass.
Litany to the Sacred Heart: First Friday of the month after the 9 a.m. Mass.
First Saturday Devotions: The First Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
December 11, 2016
The Third Sunday
of Advent
ANNOUNCED MASSES
NEXT WEEKEND
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 5:00 PM Deceased Members of the Manetta-Pace Families
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Deceased Members of the Romanelli & Capriotti Families 9:00 AM Charles T. Scott 10:30 AM Don & Marie Lammers 12:00 PM George Bird 4:00 PM Nicola, Adelina & Tony Ursini
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 7:00 AM Edward Kokoszka 9:00 AM Alma N. Palance
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 7:00 AM In Honor of Saint Lucy 9:00 AM Eileen Delphais
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 7:00 AM Margaret Frentzen 9:00 AM Sara Irwin
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 7:00 AM Suzanne Gallagher 9:00 AM Martin & Agnes Bucha
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 7:00 AM Connie Bevilacqua 9:00 AM Joseph Ryan Roch
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 8:00 AM Joan Iandoli
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 5:00 PM Deceased Members of the Colella Family
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Ann Trolio Cross 9:00 AM James & Josephine Anderson 10:30 AM Martena Polinsky 12:00 PM Capt. William Boyd, USN, Retired 4:00 PM Joseph A. Duffy & Joseph P. Duffy
The Sanctuary Candle burns in honor of St. Lucy.
Please remember in your prayers all those who have died:
Marguerite Chicosky and Kathleen McVeighMarguerite Chicosky and Kathleen McVeighMarguerite Chicosky and Kathleen McVeighMarguerite Chicosky and Kathleen McVeigh
BAPTISMS
Congratulations to the following children baptized on December 4.
ALLISON PAIGE BARR, KINSLEY ELIZABETH MEIER, COLIN RYAN MOORE, DAKOTA FAITH WINKLER,
LOUIS TRIPP WINKLER, AND SAVANNAH NATALIE WINKLER
Parents of babies to be baptized are asked to please register for Pre-Jordan, a baptism preparation program at Saint Joseph Parish, recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. You can find the class dates and register either online via our website or by filling out a form in the parish office or the Saint Katharine Drexel Room in church. For more information, contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or [email protected].
MARRIAGE
Couples planning to marry are asked to meet with their parish priest as soon as possible after their engagement and to enroll in a marriage-prep program (Pre-Cana) at least six months prior to the wedding. Our spring Pre-Cana weekend is April 28 & 29. Registration forms are available on our website and in the St. Katharine Drexel Room in Church. For more info, contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or [email protected].
�those who are sick: Sylvia Anderson, Shirley Barham, Paula Barry, Mina Massimini Bender, Patrick Bonani, Philomena Bruno, Marcia Bukay, Allison Carcella, Judy DiFonzo Cazillo, Marie Ciarlone, Bill Cleveland, Dolly Colella, Andrew Collette, Anita Conant, John P. Conway, Baby Michael Corrigan, Jason Cozzone, Carrie Grosso, John Cruice, Dominic D’Antonio, Marianne DeSeve, Evelyn Dulik, Tony Gene Eby, Bill Feathers, Gladys Felice, Mark Gottman, John Guttman, Phoebe Guyer, Philip Haggerty, Cathie Harper, Ann Hauster, Doreen Hindo, Joseph Huss, Mark T. Klimowicz, Father Larry Kozak, David Kurtz, Frank Lucas, Christine Nestor, Robert Mancuso, Anthony Mango, Sr., Nicholas Massari, Linda Massucci, McBeth Family, David McFarland, Jim McGowan, Pat Melcher, Ida Messina, Marena Marie Meyers, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Sue Patrick, Mimma Patrono, John Pelarcik, Florence Popadick, Msgr. Joseph Rauscher, Lynn Reily, Sue Rizzo, David W. Rothhaar, Doreen & Don Sadowski, Christopher Sauk, Karen Sambuco, Mildred Seeds, Margaret Shannon, Laura Shorter, Baby Jessica Shue, Sister Mary Stanislaus, Margaret Timothy, Reece Gabriel Weeks, Mary V. Williams, Jack Zanine, & Ronald Grant Zimmerman.
...those who are serving our country: Brandon W. A’Hara, Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Caytie Castells, Specialist Andrew Clauhs, Ensign Morgan S. Dankanich, Sarah Debarberie, Lt/Cpl. Shane Desiderio, Staff Sgt. Christopher Deutsch, Staff Sgt. Ian Deutsch, Captain Joseph S. DiBerardinis, 1st Lt. Mark Edwards, Danny Fuller, Jeffrey Fuller, 1st Lt. Matthew Glisson, Leslie Harkness, 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Harris, Brent Joshua Horrocks, LCPL. Steven Houser, Jacob Hudson, Zachary Kish, Christopher J. Korpics, Mark T. Korpics, Peter Kurtz, Andy Landmesser, Major Paul D. Lang. PFC. Sgt. Christopher Madden, Krzysztof Malarz, Spc. Nicholas Massari, Major J. Kevin McKittrick, Pvt. Francis Misantone, 2nd Lt. Ryan Misero, Pvt. Jake Moffitt, Lt. J.G. Brian Muka, Pvt. Ian Donoghue-Neider, PFC Nicholas Odgers, Sgt. Bradley Panichelli, Alex Rozon, Pvt. 1st Class John Sauerzoph, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia, Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Vincent E. Short, III, Jeremy Solnosky, Ryan Strehl, LTJG Sean Sweeney, Bryan Williams, Josh Woodward and Vincent Yarch.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent can be found at #864(A).
Names will be kept on the sick list for 3 months. Call the parish office to add/remove/re-add names.
A L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o r
December 11, 2016
Dear Friends,
Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” Although Advent is a season of penitence and preparation, today is always set aside by the Church to relax and rejoice in the Lord. All of our readings today deal with Christian joy. This may seem not in keeping with the overall mood encouraged for Advent, but it is most definitely in keeping with what we need to feel, and it is definitely appropriate for those who embrace stewardship as a way of life.
Stewardship is, of course, based upon an “attitude of gratitude” and today is a day to focus on the joy that results from that gratitude. Father Henri Nouwen was a well-known Catholic priest, professor, writer, and theologian. In describing the significance of this particular day, Father Nouwen clarified the difference between joy and happiness. He said, “While happiness is dependent upon external conditions, joy is the experience of knowing that we are unconditionally loved by God, and nothing — not sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death — can take that love away. Joy can be present in the midst of sadness.”
This “joy” that is reflected in lives of stewardship was also emphasized by Pope Francis, who said in his homily for Gaudete Sunday in 2014, “Today is a day of joy. Rather than fretting about all we have not done or accomplished to prepare for Christmas during Advent, we need to think of all the good things God, and life, has given us.”
We are a large and growing parish that goes from the very young to the very old. But we are also a parish that does care and should care for each other in charity. I am impressed by the spirit of giving throughout the year and how the concept of stewardship is lived and practiced here. Thank you to all who have been participating in our Giving Tree this year once again. As good as it is to reach out and help someone in need at the holidays, do not forget to make God present to those closest to you. Take the time to share your God-given gifts with those who might just need a little of your time, a friendly visit or a long put-off phone call. The most important gifts are never bought in a store but only come from the heart.
I will be speaking at all the Masses this weekend to make sure we are once again a Warm, Welcoming and Witnessing parish this Christmas. Make sure you do your part to make all of our visitors and parishioners feel welcome at all of our Christmas services and hopefully they will want to come back week after week!
We give thanks and appreciation to the James J. Terry Funeral Home for sponsoring our Parish Calendars once again this year. Please take a calendar for your home or maybe one for a neighbor who cannot get to church.
Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!
Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor
Coffee and
Donuts Sponsored by the
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus cordially invite you to enjoy Catholic fellowship over Coffee, Juice and Donuts after the 10:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, December 11 in the Cafeteria.
Your generous support of our Council has enabled us to accomplish great things this past year through our Service Programs focused on Church, Community, Culture of Life, Family and Youth.
Next month, we’ll offer the same at another Mass.
St. Andrew Dinner The parishes in our area are sponsoring a St. Andrew Dinner for young men (ages 16-22) who are open to the call to the priesthood. The evening consists of evening prayer, dinner and conversation with priests and seminarians. It will be held on Monday, December 12 here at St. Joseph Parish.
St. Andrew Dinners are named after the Apostle who, in the Gospel according to John, brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus. The dinner is an opportunity for young men in our deanery to come together to meet with one another and with area priests to discern the call to the priesthood.
RSVP to Fr. Rossi at [email protected].
Christmas Flowers and
Decorations Remember your loved ones at Christmas! Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost of all our beautiful Christmas decorations in and around the church. Bring the names of your loved ones and a donation to the parish office by Sunday, December 11. We are asking a donation of $10 for each loved one being remembered.
The list of names will be published in the
bulletin on December 25. Names submitted after December 11 will be listed in the January 1 bulletin.
Names of deceased: (Please pr int clear ly to ensure the name is spelled correctly)
1.___________________________________
2.___________________________________
3.___________________________________
4.___________________________________
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
What does Advent look like at your house? How do we prepare our hearts for the greatest gift we’ve ever been given? Use our parish subscription to FORMED to explore this Advent study that looks at the mystery of the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, and the events surrounding the arrival of Jesus. Go to formed.org and enter our parish code: 13f195
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
The following is a description of the symbolism of the Advent Wreath in the Catholic tradition.
The circular evergreen wreath represents God’s unending love for us and our eternal life with Him.
Each candle represents 1,000 years. For 4,000 years, the world waited for their Savior.
The lighting of the candles symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world.
Three violet candles and one rose candle shows a contrast of the darkness of sin to the light of the world.
• Weeks One and Two: We light two of the violet candles representing prayers, penance and sacrifice. “LOVE and FAITH.”
• Week Four: The final violet candle is lit that represents peace on earth, and brings us the “HOPE” that the Lord’s 1st coming into the world gave us and the anticipation of His 2nd coming to judge the living and the dead.
Our wreath is constructed of specific greens that also have meaning. The evergreens are eternal life, the holly and its red berries are the crown of thorns and His precious blood, the laurel represents victory over persecution and suffering, the cedar is strength and the pinecones are a symbol of Christ’s Resurrection.
Please enjoy this beautiful season, The St. Joseph Art and Environment Committee
Breakfast
with Santa Saturday,
December 17
Saint Joseph School Cafeteria Two Seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Tickets Tickets $5/person
Children under 2 years of age are FREE! (Tickets will only be sold at the door)
Breakfast IncludesBreakfast IncludesBreakfast IncludesBreakfast Includes Pancakes, Sausage, French Toast Sticks, Fruit Juices,
Coffee, Tea, Milk and MORE! Christmas Crafts will be provided.
Sponsored by the Saint Joseph Squires
Santa Arrives Santa Arrives Santa Arrives Santa Arrives at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.
• Week Three: The rose candle is lit to represent “JOY” that the birth of Christ is almost here.
Advent by
Candlelight
Nearly 150 ladies took part in St. Joseph Parish's 2016
Advent by Candlelight. Thank you to our speaker, Rebecca Dougherty, our event coordinators, our table hostesses, and all who participated in this beautiful and blessed evening!
Special
Parish Office Hours Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
9 a.m. to 12 noon
Sunday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Closed
Monday, December 26 - Day after Christmas
Closed
Saturday, December 31 - New Years Eve
9 a.m. to 12 noon
Sunday, January 1 - New Year’s Day
Closed
January 2 - Day after New Year’s Day
Closed
The King’s Men invite you on a
A Journey Through Advent: Liturgical Cycle with Bishop Robert Barron
Join the King’s Men this Advent as they explore Bishop Barron’s homilies presented by Lighthouse Catholic Media.
Each week through Christmas, follow along with the readings below that will correspond with the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.
Meetings are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center (unless noted below). Listed below are the weekly readings.
For more information, contact Bill Reagan at [email protected].
December 15
4: Isaiah 7: 10-14, Romans 1: 1-7, Matthew 1: 18-24 (Gathering at Victory Brewing company 8:00 p.m.)
December 22
Isaiah 9: 1-6, Titus 2: 11-14, Luke 2: 1-14
Giving Tree Gifts Due on Wednesday, Gifts Due on Wednesday, Gifts Due on Wednesday, Gifts Due on Wednesday,
December 14!December 14!December 14!December 14!
Thank you to those who have participated in the Giving Tree Project. If you haven't participated yet, there is still time. Please take an ornament, purchase the gift, and
return the gift under the tree by Wednesday, December 14.
If you have any questions, please call Nick at 610-308-1757.
Once again, thank you for participating in this great project to help make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas!
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
ADVENT 2016
Neighboring Penance Services Thursday, December 15 at 7 PM
St. Patrick Church in Malvern
SS. Simon & Jude, West Chester
Saturday, December 17 from 9 AM-11 AM
St. Elizabeth Church, Uwchlan
Monday, December 19 at 7 PM
St. Maximilian Kolbe, West Chester SS. Philip & James, Exton
Tuesday, December 20 at 7 PM
St. Elizabeth Church, Uwchlan
St. Joseph Parish Penance Service
Wednesday, December 21 at 7 PM
Help Deck
our Halls
for
Christmas Please join the members of the Art and Environment Committee as we gather to decorate our beautiful church for our Christmas Liturgies.
When: Friday, December 23 starting at Friday, December 23 starting at Friday, December 23 starting at Friday, December 23 starting at
11 a.m.11 a.m.11 a.m.11 a.m.
Decorators of all ages are most welcome.
Questions? Contact Amy Piro 610-308-5273
Christmas
Masses
Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM Midnight
Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25
8 AM, 10 AM and 12 Noon
Parish Religious Education News
Office: 610-873-8798
P.R.E.P. Thank you
Many thanks go out to our Kindergarten families and all who donated toys to make Christmas special for boys and girls they do not know, making Christmas a bit happier for them.
We looked like Santa’s helpers toting the big bags of toys to our cars for delivery.
Sacrament News
Please continue to pray for the children of our parish who will receive sacraments in the coming months. Those in second grade will experience God’s great mercy and forgiveness for the first time on January 25 & 26; then First Communion on May 6. Our Confirmation candidates will prepare with a retreat day on February 25 and then receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Bishop McIntyre on April 1.
Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Starting December 27, office hours Monday-Thursday
will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you have an evening event, please make sure to pick up the key before that time.
Saint Joseph Lottery Calendar 2016-2017
Available in the Parish Office! Cost: $100
Winner! November 27
Marilyn & Ed MillerMarilyn & Ed MillerMarilyn & Ed MillerMarilyn & Ed Miller $150
For questions and info, call Joan Angiulo at 610-806-2142.
P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s Hospitality Thank You
We gave thanks Thanksgiving Day for having the Ensor Family, Large Family, Helen Lyons & Claire McGovern helping with the reception that was held after the 9:30 AM Mass. Parishioners who attended were so grateful, as were we, to these wonderful volunteers for giving their precious time and doing all they did on this very busy day to make this gathering so special.
Gratefully, Pat Wishing and Karen McManus
Knights of Columbus Christmas Crab Cake Sale Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Crab Soup & Crab Appetizers Pick-up on Thursday, December 15, 5-7 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center, Room 3
Orders taken by phone or email only.
Must have by Sunday, December 11!
*** Please call or email your order quantity for the products below ***
Please pay at the time of pick up.
Smith Island 3.25 oz. Crab Cakes – retail $5.95 (select 4, 6 or 8): x $ 5.00 per = $_______ Dozen Smith Island 3.25 oz. Crab Cakes – retail $68: x $60.00 per = $_______
Crab Critter Appetizers (bag of 50) – retail $15.95: x $14.00 per = $_______
Maryland Crab Soup (1 qt.) – retail $11.35: x $10.00 per = $_______
St. Joe’s Family Pak (1 doz. cakes, 1 bag critters, 2 quarts soup) _____ x $90.00 per = $_______
To order, call 484-553-2961 or email [email protected] with your order quantity. http://www.welovecrabcakes.com/
Perfect Gift or Stocking Stuffer! The St. Joseph School
Home & School Association's Green & White Gala is selling raffle tickets for a $10,000 prize!
Tickets are $100 each and ONLY 300 Tickets will be sold! The winner will be drawn at the Green & White
Gala on 2/11/17. Need not be present to win.
To purchase a raffle ticket, please contact Beth Gray at [email protected]
P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s Feed the Hungry: Lend a hand to help Safe Harbor
On the first Friday of every month, St. Joseph parishioners prepare, deliver, and serve dinner to 25 women residents at Safe Harbor in West Chester.
Would you like to be part of this fulfilling – and needed – outreach?
We need volunteers to: • Prepare one of the components of the meal – a main
dish, a vegetable, a starch, a salad, and a dessert. • Be part of the team that delivers and serves the meal.
We arrive at Safe Harbor at 4 p.m., serve between 4:30 and 5 p.m., then go home. You can volunteer every month or on a rotating schedule.
If you are interested, or if you would like to learn more, please contact parishioner Elizabeth Sokol at
Our next meal day is Friday, January 6. Thank you.
Children’s Liturgy
of the Word
(CLOW) This beautiful ministry is designed for children in grades K-3 to be able to listen to the Word of God at Mass in language that they are better able to understand during the 9:00 Sunday morning Mass.
An older child may accompany a younger sibling. Children of preschool age must be accompanied by a parent. All children should make use of restrooms before Mass begins.
Please contact Leif Erickson at [email protected] for more information if you are considering volunteering as a shepherd or leader.
St. Joseph School
News
The Foundation for Catholic Education was formed to support Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each county in the Archdiocese also has its own Advisory Council to further assist all of its Catholic schools. The Foundation and the Advisory Councils were formed to develop strategies to sustain and increase enrollment, ensure a solid future for our schools and to effectively utilize EITC, OSTC, and private funding. Every year, our school receives substantial funds from the Foundation and we are able to provide a great deal of financial aid to many of our families. One way that the Foundation and the Chester County Advisory Council raise funds is through their Annual Hall of Fame Gala. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or businesses that have advanced Catholic education.
This year, Tom and Bridget DiAntonio (Senna, Grade 3) have been honored because of their continuous support of our parish and school. Most of the funding for our playground was a result of their generosity and the generosity of their matching gift programs. They also contributed to our air-conditioning project. Their commitment to Catholic education extends to Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic School and to Roman Catholic High school!
We congratulate Tom and Bridget for this honor. We thank them for their commitment to St. Joseph Parish and School.
On a side note, Senna DiAntonio is a very lucky young lady. She took some chances on a locked-box and had 2 opportunities to win the grand prize. The first key didn’t open the box. The second key did Senna won 14 Chrome Books for our school! What a great evening it was for everyone!
Congratulations and God bless Tom, Bridget, and Senna DiAntonio!
Parish Registration
Sunday, January 29 Sunday, January 29 Sunday, January 29 Sunday, January 29 at 10 a.m. . . . in the Saint John Neumann Room of the Church.
As a new parishioner, this provides you with a chance to meet our parish Priests, School Principal, Parish Services Director, Director of Religious Education and members
of our Stewardship Committee.
Christ’s Healing Hands A ministry for those affected by addiction.
Inspiring individuals and families who are affected by addiction to join together
in prayer as a community of faith.
COMMUNION PRAYER SERVICE
Monday, December 12
7:00 p.m. In the Chapel in the Church
Electronic
Giving Options
If you need a convenient way to make your contribution, we encourage you to check out our new electronic giving options. To set up a one-time donation, visit us online at http://stjosephrc.org and locate the Online Giving button which can be found under the RESOURCES tab “Give to St. Joseph Parish.”
Helping Other People Everyday
(H.O.P.E.) Rides require 48 hours notice.
HOPE provides rides to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and other necessary errands.
To request a ride for the week of 12/12, please contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or
Diane Sweeney at 610-269-3438. To request a ride for the week of 12/19,
please contact Lisa Mattioni at 610-269-9025 or Ann McLaughlin at 610-269-8550.
HOPE is in great need of additional group drivers. We have six groups of drivers who are asked to drive once or twice for their group's scheduled week, every six weeks. Most rides are completed in 1-2 hours, round-trip.
For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041, or at [email protected].
Poor Box Collection December 4: $306.00
The Poor Box for December is for the Lord’s Pantry
S t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i p
From the loneliness of his prison cell John the Baptist asks of Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” The weeks before Christmas offer much to be joyous about, celebrating with family and friends, the glitter of seasonal decorations, the excitement of gift giving and receiving. But in our midst there are the lonely and neglected, the poor, the hospitalized, the wayward, the shut-ins. There are those seemingly without hope. To whom should they look? Discipleship in the Lord includes being good stewards of others. Are there those in our family, our neighborhood, our community to whom we can reach out to show them a sign of Christ’s presence in their midst? (International Stewardship Council’s December Newsletter)
Shopwithscrip.com
Provides lots of Gift Cards for
Christmas!
Sign up with Shopwithscrip and a percentage of your orders can be credited to your school tuition or donated to St. Joseph Parish! Perfect for Christmas Gifts! Shopwithscrip.com also offers ScripNow that allows you to print store gift cards fast! Perfect for last minute gifts!
December Mercy Hospice Schedule
Group 3 - Old Fashion Beef Stew
Group 4 - American Chop Suey
Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574.
Sunday, December 4 Collection Total
$85,290.99
Ordinary Income: $32,542.33 (606 envelopes)
Loose Cash: $2,600.57
Weekly EFT: $5,700.75 (207 participants)
Monthly EFT: $34,815.00 (352 participants)
Weekly Credit Card: $380.00 (16 participants)
Monthly Credit Card: $9,252.34 (106 participants)
Collection Total: $85,290.99
Retirement Fund Retirement Fund Retirement Fund Retirement Fund for the Religious for the Religious for the Religious for the Religious
Total $14,145.17
Thank you for your generosity!
Aid For Friends We are in need of two visitors to deliver meals from the freezer in the Holy Family Center to two clients in the area. One is in Parkesburg and would be every two weeks. The other is in Thorndale and would be once a week.
Call Debby O’Keefe at 610-269-8032 for more information if you can help.
Good Works, Partner Church
Perhaps you are looking for a way to make a difference in someone's life? Join us as we partner with Good Works, on the third Saturday of the month (volunteer one month or every month) to make repairs on a home of someone in need. Bring along your teenage children, no experience is required. Make a difference in someone's life, while enjoying Christian fellowship, and even a good lunch!
Email [email protected] for more info or to sign up for a Saturday.
Bridge of Hope In this ministry, parishioners form teams to sponsor a single mother facing homelessness. The team provides friendship to the woman and her family by taking turns calling her, spending time together, and being a reliable support structure at a time when she most needs encouragement. Contact Cheryl Miles at
St. Joseph Mom’s Group St. Joe’s Moms Group meets each Tuesday after 9:00 a.m. Mass from 10 to 11:30 in the Parish Meeting Center behind the school. It’s a great opportunity to worship and then get together with other moms for a little bit of socializing while the kids play. For questions, please contact Liz at 610-316-
9406 or [email protected].
The Loaves and Fishes Project
With the Loaves and Fishes Project, giving is as easy as 1-2-3:
• Grab a can of soup, a box of pasta, or any non-
perishable item from your cupboard as you dash out the door to Mass.
• Drop off your donation in the “Loaves and Fishes” closet on your right as you come into church.
• Enter the church with the warm feeling of a nourished soul!
The Loaves and Fishes team will deliver the items to the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown.
Feel free to contribute to this “ongoing food drive” once a week, once a month, once a year - anytime. As a church family, we can make a much appreciated contribution and a significant impact to a charity that helps over 700 families every week.
Please contact Nancy Farrington at [email protected] or 610-620-3619 for more info.
Volunteer with Project Linus Involves knitting or crocheting blankets/quilts for critically ill children and distributing them to hospitals in our area. Want to help? Donate a blanket to your local Project Linus. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. Call Shirley Miller at 610-269-4702. Please do not bring the blankets to the parish office or church.
P a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p s
On Thursday, December 15, the King’s Men will be meet at Victory Brewing Company at 8 p.m.
The King’s Men (18 & over) enjoy authentic fellowship, engage in learning and lively spiritual discussion and are challenged to live a more integrated and full Christian life!
Contact Bill Reagan at [email protected].
Charismatic Prayer Group
Charismatic prayer group meets on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in the chapel as we deepen our prayer life, deepen our relationship with the Lord, and worship as a community. For info, call Joe McCahon at 610-716-3084.
Legion of Mary The Legion of Mary meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in
the Parish Meeting Center. Is Our Blessed Mother calling you? Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Jim McGowan at 610-812-4160.
The Creighton Model
Fertility Care Discover what every couple needs to know, and what every woman has a right to know!
The Creighton Model Fertility Care provides a system that helps married couples mutually value, respect and understand their combined fertility by promoting shared responsibility and marital bonding. This natural system for planning and avoiding pregnancy views children as gifts and empowers women to manage PMS, menopause, infertility and other health problems.
The first introductory session will be held here at St. Joseph Church Thursday, January 5 at 6 p.m. in MR 1 in the Parish Meeting Center.
There is no fee or obligation.
For more information or to make a reservation contact Alex DeRose at 717-557-3313 or [email protected].