parish staff - st joseph parish...

Parish StaffParish StaffParish StaffParish Staff Phone: 610-269-8294 Fax: 610-269-2487

www.stjosephrc.org

460 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. McLoone Pastor

Rev. Anthony T. Rossi Parochial Vicar

Rev. Matthew W. Guckin Resident

Deacon Jim Bogdan Permanent Deacon

Deacon Edward R. Schiappa Permanent Deacon

Mr. Ken Chrusch Director of Youth Ministry

Ms. Karen Dawson Parish Services Director/ Adult Faith Formation Coordinator

Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary

Mrs. Jo-Ann Funkhouser Bookkeeper

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 Sister 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.

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.

The Second

Sunday of Advent

December 7,

2014

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the following children who were baptized Sundays November 23 and November 30.

ANDREW NICHOLAS BISS, JONATHAN DANIEL BISS, ALEXANDER EDUARDO BROWN, ALLISON CATHERINE GRIMES, JACK WILSON HUGHES, NICHOLAS JAMES OCCHUZZO, NOELLA FRANCES PORRINI AND BENNETT MILLARD ROSE.

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. Our next available session is Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration information can be found on our website or in the brochures in the Saint Katharine Drexel Room. 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 next Pre-Cana weekend is April 17 and 18. Flyers are in the Saint Katharine Drexel Room, on the parish website at www.stjosephrc.org and in the parish office. For more information, contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or [email protected].

�those who are sick: Sylvia Anderson, Paul Barnhouse, Tony Bello, Mina Massimini Bender, Patrick Bonani, Page Brophy, Philomena Bruno, Nathaniel Burt, Allison Carcella, Caroline Casenta, Judy DiFonzo Cazillo, Anita Conant, John P. Conway, Baby Michael Corrigan, Jason Cozzone, John Cruice, Agnes Cunniffe, Dominic D’Antonio, Paul DiFonzo, Linton Dorfman, Evelyn Dulik, Lisa Esworthy, Gladys Felice, Arnold Fernandes, William Ferracone, Foley, Cathy Gold, Charles Gold, John Guttman, Phoebe Guyer, Cathie Harper, Ann Hauster, Cyn Hechinger, Doreen Hindo, Nick Inman, Kenny Klunk, Sr., Patricia Kundert, David Kurtz, Ann Lang, Robert Mancuso, Joseph Massaini, Nicholas Massari, The McBeth Family, Kathy McGroarty, Pat Melcher, Lynn Memola, Marena Marie Meyers, Guy Milbrandt, Xavier Miniaci, Jim & Mary Ann Paserba, Bill Pashinski, Florence Popadick, S. Pratt, Carol Purvis, Lynn Reily, Sue Rizzo, Christopher Sauk, Charles Scott, Margaret Shannon, Melissa Shellenberger, Laura Shorter, Edward Smith, Sister Mary Stanislaus, Tammy Strater, Hillary Taub and Ronald Grant Zimmerman.

...those who are serving our country: Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Scott Bradley, Captain Stephen M. Carroll, U.S. Army Medical Corps, Specialist Andrew Clauhs, Sarah Debarberie, Lt/Cpl. Shane Desiderio, Staff Sgt. Christopher Deutsch, Staff Sgt. Ian Deutsch, 1st Lt. Joseph DiBerardinis, Jennifer Dunn, 2nd. Lt. Mark Edwards, Spc. Sean Foreman, 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, Andy Landmesser, Major Paul D. Lang. PFC. Sgt. Christopher Madden, Spc. Nicholas Massari, Pvt. Francis Misantone, 2nd Lt. Ryan Misero, Lt. J.G. Brian Muka, Pvt. Ian Donoghue-Neider, Sgt. Bradley Panichelli, Alex Rozon, Vincent E. Short, III, John Stagliano, III, Ryan Strehl, Bryan Williams, Josh Woodward and Vincent Yarch.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Please call the parish office (each month)

if you would like to add/remove someone’s name from these lists.

Today’s Readings Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent can be found at #862(B).

Rosemary Branigan, Katie Castaldi, Anna Delpaggio, Peg Flynn, Michael Miller, Ellen Porcelli,

Robert W. Reed, Sr. & John Rigolizzo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed

Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation

7:00 AM James & Kathleen Watson

9:00 AM Frank DiFrancesco

12:05 PM

7:00 PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 5:00 PM Andrew Mento

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 6:00 AM For the Parishioners

7:30 AM Luigi & Carmella Muzii 9:00 AM Eva M. Dougherty 10:30 AM For the members of the St. Joseph Memorial Society

12:00 PM Swede Aver 4:00 PM Margaret “Peg” Flynn

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 7:00 AM Annemarie Carella

9:00 AM Manetta & Pace Families

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 7:00 AM Anna Bullock

9:00 AM June E. Hanley

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 7:00 AM Rose Ottaviano

9:00 AM John Zerbato

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 7:00 AM Lucia Taraschi 9:00 AM Bill Pacinelli

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:00 AM Santa Lucia

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

The Sanctuary Candle burns in memory of Santa Lucia.

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle burns in memory of the deceased members of the

Collette & Lapierre Families.

Please remember in your prayers all those who have died:

Mary Lou Powell

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 5:00 PM George Bird

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 6:00 AM For the Parishioners

7:30 AM Sara Irwin

9:00 AM Amina C. Valocchi 10:30 AM Don & Marie Lammers

12:00 PM Joseph Duffy

4:00 PM Lawrence Eckenrode

December 7, 2014

Dear Friends,

This weekend finds us celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent. I hope and pray that you will not allow the Season of Advent to get lost in the busyness and commercialization of Christmas. We need to WAIT, not rush and recognize our great NEED for a Savior! Advent should serve as a prelude to the celebration of the infant birth of Christ. We need to be ready and prepared for many things but most importantly for the coming of Christ and nothing else!

Part of waiting for the Lord’s coming includes being ready. Sin and injustice weaken our readiness. They rob us of joy. Advents seeks to restore this joy by our acts of repentance. The Sunday readings of Advent include the stories of John the Baptist proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and for one mightier who is coming and who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. To more fully prepare for the Messiah, we need to acknowledge our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. Make sure you avail yourself of the many times the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered each week and go to confession before Christmas. Part of that preparation involves a loving and honest acknowledgement of all that is unloving, unfaithful and unjust in our lives.

This week will also find us celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. Please note our mass schedule in this bulletin for Monday, December 8th and the Blessing of the Manger Scene that evening after the 7:00 p.m. mass On this holy day of obligation, we celebrate the church’s belief that the Blessed Mother, though conceived and born as all of us are, was preserved free from all sin from the moment of her conception, that she “might be

a worthy Mother for God’s Son, an image of the Church, the Bride of Christ, and a model of holiness” for all God’s people. The Virgin Mary, under this title of the Immaculate Conception, is Patroness of the United States and all the Americas, and we see, in her generous cooperation with God’s saving plan, a challenge to give of ourselves unconditionally in the loving service of God and our neighbor.

In a very special way we wish our Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary a very special feast day. Their example to us imitates Mary’s selfless love and they inspire us by their way of life. Our parish has been blessed by their presence and participation for many years and we continue to be blessed daily by their commitment and zeal for the Lord. Happy Feast Day Sisters!

Our bulletin is filled with many good things for you to do to get in the spirit of the holidays but always to remind you what the upcoming holidays are all about. Take time to reflect on our great need for a Savior and see how God is calling you to recognize His presence in your life. Remember that Giving Tree Gifts are due back by this Wednesday, December 10.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

Monsignor McLooneMonsignor McLooneMonsignor McLooneMonsignor McLoone Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor

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

A Prayer for the World Meeting of Families

God and Father of us all, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior, you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church.

May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world be united to one another in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, guide all families, especially those most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always seek your truth and live in your love.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.Amen.Amen.Amen. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!

There will be a different theme each month leading up to the World Meeting of Families (September 2015) based on the 10

chapters of the Preparatory Catechesis “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

December’s theme is The Mission of Love God works through us. We have a mission. We are in the world for a purpose - to receive God’s love and to show God’s love to others. God seeks to heal a broken universe. He asks us to be his witnesses and helpers in that work.

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

Parish Registration

Sunday, December 7, at 10 a.m. Located in the Church, Saint John Neumann Room.

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 Wednesday, December 10. 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 21.

Names of deceased: (Please pr int clear ly to ensure the name is spelled correctly)

1.___________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

3.___________________________________________

4.___________________________________________

Substance Addiction Ministry Team

St. Joseph Parish is forming a new ministry to help people face the challenges that accompany addiction. The mission of the Substance Addiction Ministry Parish Team includes:

• Increasing awareness by aiding those affected by addiction through education about ministries and groups within the parish and the community at large.

• Providing a safe, confidential place for healing rooted in Catholic Spirituality and Faith Tradition.

A formation meeting for this new ministry will be held on Tuesday, December 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 3 of the Parish Meeting Center (behind the school). Please join us if you would like to learn more about becoming part of this ministry and talk about ways to form and grow the ministry.

Please Help the

Giving Tree Project! Giving Tree Gifts Due on Wednesday,

December 10! 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 10. Make sure you pay attention to specific instructions on the tag like not wrapping certain gifts and adjusted due dates. 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!

Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

Monday, December 8

Holy Day of Obligation

Masses will take place at 7 AM, 9 AM, 12:05 PM, 7 PM

The Blessing of the Outdoor Nativity will take place following the 7 PM Mass.

2nd Collection Retirement Fund for the Religious

This weekend, December 6 & 7.

Holiday Hope Chest Please consider donating like-new or new items to this community event. Chester County families in financial need will enjoy a day of free Holiday shopping due to your generosity.

The donation truck will be in the church parking lot 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6

8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7

Children’s clothes and toys are the items in demand. Plush

animals and adult clothes are not being accepted.

Be sure the items are in like-new and working condition. Please avoid excessively large or heavy items. 100% of the funds/goods collected directly assist Chester County families.

Any questions: Call Duane or Patty Knecht at 610-873-

6120 or Email [email protected].

Malvern Retreat House

Monsignor McLoone received four gift certificates for a regularly scheduled retreat at the Malvern Retreat House. Anyone interested in going on a retreat in 2015 should visit www.malvernretreat.com and look over their many retreat offerings.

If you are interested in one of the gift certificates, please contact Monsignor McLoone at 610-269-8294.


Luminaries that Last

Supplies are Limited! Order Now!

Order deadline is December 15. For your convenience orders may be picked up in the par ish office dur ing normal business hours beginning the week of December 15 through December 21.

If you have any questions, please contact Ken Chrusch at 610-269-8294 or [email protected].

I would like to purchase ___ boxes of 12 for $36 per box

Name______________________ Phone Number_____________ Email Address____________________

• Reusable throughout the year and easy to set up.

• Comes with LED tea light candles that flicker like real candles and burn for up to 100 hours.

• Can be weighted down with water if necessary.

• Stacks for easy storage. • Looks great and eliminates the mess/hassle of

paper bags, sand and real candles.

• Support St. Joseph Youth Ministry with your purchase.

2014 Saint Joseph Lottery

Winners

November 16 445 $150.00 Calendar Still Available









November 25 111 $125.00 Ray M. Duff


November 27 576 $200.00 Simon F. Keane


November 29 328 $125.00 Dave & Sherry Castaldi

Sweepstakes Calendars for 2015

are on sale now!

Looking for a Christmas gift? With the sweepstakes calendar, you can give someone

the chance to win every day of the year in 2015. Just pick a three-digit number and buy a ticket (a “lottery calendar”).

You may purchase a calendar after any of the Masses

the weekend of December 13-14. They will be on sale in the Saint John Neumann room. Proceeds will help fund the purchase of a stained glass window for the church.

Calendars cost $100 and your three-digit number is good for all of 2015.

Advent Reflection

with Fr. Rossi Please join us for an Advent Reflection on the prayers of this beautiful season of hope in the liturgies of Advent. May we together come to a deeper knowledge of the word made flesh.

Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m.

Meeting Room 3 in the Parish Meeting Center.

Holiday Office Hours Friday, December 12

Open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day

Closed

Friday, December 26 - Day After Christmas Closed

St. Joseph Parish

Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORING

PENANCE SERVICES St. Maximilian Kolbe

Monday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth

Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.

St. Patrick

Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.

SS. Simon & Jude

Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.

SS. Philip & James

Monday, December 22, 7:00 p.m.


1 Enrollment code: ALLBF6AD3239

2. Go to www.ShopWithScrip.com and click on “Not a

Member?” (under Member’s Login)

3. Follow the four simple steps and click “I Accept.”

4. Enter your enrollment code and click “Join.”

5. Sign up for PrestoPay. A banner will appear after you have logged in that tells you that you do not have a PrestoPay account. You must then select “click here” to

initiate an account.

6. You will need to enter the required banking information

and click “Next” to submit.

7. GLSC will verify the account within one to two business days. You will then receive a code which must be verified

by calling Jo-Ann Funkhouser at 610-269-8294.

8. While GLSC offers an option to pay by check, we do not offer this option. Online Manna ordering is by

PrestoPay only – you must establish a PrestoPay account

in order to receive your Manna orders.

9. Orders received before Monday at 11 a.m. will be

available Thursday after 1 p.m.

SIGN UP FOR SHOPWITHSCRIP!

Follow these steps:

Do Your Christmas Shopping With MannDo Your Christmas Shopping With MannDo Your Christmas Shopping With MannDo Your Christmas Shopping With Manna! a! a! a! Is someone you know hard to buy for? Do your friends and family prefer gift cards?

Do you not have the time to shop for presents this year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, sign up for ShopwithSrip.com!

Shopwithscrip.com allows a percentage of your order (different stores give different percentages) to go to Saint Joseph

parish or if you have a child in Saint Joseph School, the parish shares the percentage with you and you receive a tuition

credit! There is no limit to the number of family members that can sign up and contribute to the same child/children!

• ScripNow - allows you to print gift cards depending on the store.

• Reload Cards - Certain stores allow you to reload money right to the gift card! This is perfect when you need gas or

groceries!

Additional Christmas

Manna Order! An additional Manna order will be placed on Friday, December 19 for any extra manna cards that need to be purchased before Christmas. Please order them by 11 a.m.

The cards will be available to be picked up on Tuesday, December 23.

Thank you!

Parish Office Inclement Weather Policy

The winter weather is here! Saint Joseph Office has a formal office closure policy.

• If St. Joseph School is closed due to inclement weather, the parish office and PREP office will be closed.

• All daytime and evening activities will be cancelled as well.

You can always check our Facebook page as well!

2014 Christmas Schedule

Parish Penance Service Wednesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.

Confessions Saturday, December 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Christmas Masses

Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)

Wednesday, December 31—5:00 p.m. Vigil Thursday, January 1, 2015

8:00 a.m., 10.a.m. (Ecuadorian Community Mass) 12:00 p.m.

(no confessions)

Christmas Eve 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM

12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 Noon

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

Good Works Partner Churches Partnering with Good Works, Inc. of Chester County, this ministry helps homeowners living in substandard housing by working hands-on and side-by-side with them once a month to make their homes warmer, safer, and drier. Its mission is to extend God's love and replace hopelessness with the hope of Jesus Christ. Since starting this ministry in 2001, parishioners have completed more than 55 homes. For more info, e-mail [email protected].

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.

For the week of 12/8,

Please call Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041. For the week of 12/15,

Please call Diane Sweeney at 610-269-3438 or Mary DiGregorio 267-240-7525.

HOPE is in great need

of additional drivers and coordinators.

To volunteer to drive, please contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or

[email protected].

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.

Today’s second reading is about Christ’s coming again, “The day of the Lord,” Peter calls it, but that day isn’t December 25. It’s that other day, that second-coming-day about which Peter is concerned. He waits with great hope and anticipation for God to remake the earth into a place of perfect justice and peace. And he sets some demanding goals for the Christian community as it awaits that final day of accounting and reconciliation: strive to be at peace, without spot or blemish. Christian stewards work for peace.

As we await the coming of Christmas, what can we do to promote peace in our homes, workplaces, community and world?

New Online

Electronic Giving If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our new electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. To set up a recurring giving schedule or 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.” If you are already enrolled in our electronic giving and need to make changes to your contributions or update your banking or credit card information, you can complete them online as well. Or if it’s easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office. Please contact Jo-Ann Funkhouser if you have any questions or need assistance enrolling.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Poor Box & Children’s Collection Sunday, November 23 & 30

Poor Box: $1,209.00

Children’s Envelopes: $19.23

November total: $2,427.20

The November collection was for the families in need of assistance at Saint Joseph Parish.

The December collection is for the Lord’s Pantry.

Collection Totals Sunday, November 23

$31,151.55

Ordinary Income: $23,632.50 (615 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $2,435.55

Weekly EFT: $5,083.50 (184 participants)

Collection Total: $31,151.55

Sunday, November 30

$31,784.46

Ordinary Income: $24,031.50 (641 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $2,669

Weekly EFT: $5,083.50 (184 participants)

Collection Total: $31,784.46

St.JosephYouthMinistryNewsKAIROS 2014

December 11 through December 14

Saint Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, PA For: High School Juniors & Seniors

Cost: $235, includes bus transportation & accommodations

For info contact Elizabeth Riordan at 215-857-3760 or Ken Chrusch 610-906-7100

Annual Christmas Caroling & Bingo at

the Coatesville Veterans Hospital

What grades are invited? 7th – 12th graders

When: Wednesday, December 10 What time: 6:15 p.m. bus departure

What to bring? A bingo gift (ex. nonperishable snacks or toiletries. No mouth wash or cologne). Contact Ken Chrusch for more details.

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

The next King’s Men meeting will take place on Thursday, December 11 at 8:00 p.m. in the Par ish Meeting Center .

Come and meet other Catholic men (18 & older) and enjoy authentic fellowship, engage in learning and lively spiritual discussion and be challenged to live a more integrated and full Christian life!

Contact Bill Reagan at [email protected].

Find out what St. Joseph

Moms Group is all about!

St. Joseph Moms Group meets each Tuesday (Sept-June) after 9:00 a.m. Mass from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 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 spiritual renewal and socializing while the kids play. Feel free to come and go as you are able.

For more information, please contact Victoria Bako at [email protected]

Children’s

Liturgy of the Word

Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place every Sunday during our 9 a.m. Mass.

Just prior to the First Reading, children in 1st through 3rd grade will be called forth to gather in the front of the altar. They will receive a blessing, then proceed with an adult leader to the chapel. There, they will hear approved versions of the readings for the Mass at a level they better understand and trained leaders will invite them to share their reflections on the Gospel. The children will be escorted back into church to join their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

If you have questions or would like to become involved in this program, please contact Kathy Thomas at [email protected].

Let the little

children come to

me!

Walking with Purpose All Women are Invited!

Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or Sundays 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where the condition of the heart is more important

than the condition of the road.

Questions? Contact Laura White at 610.787.9100 or [email protected] or www.walkingwithpurpose.com

Charismatic Prayer Group

Our 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 more information, please call Joe McCahon at 610-716-

3084.

Prime Timers Tickets are on sale for the December 10 Christmas Luncheon to be held at The Downingtown Country Club at 12 noon. The cost is $26.00 with your choice of beef, chicken or fish. There will be a special visitor and Christmas music; remember to wear something red! Please contact Debbie Hastings at 610-873-9977 to purchase your ticket.

Mark your calendar for our January 7 meeting. We will be playing bingo so you do not have to bring anything but yourself! Prizes will be purchased by the board activity committee. This is a different Bingo so come join us. There is no cost to play and refreshments will be served. Hopefully the weather will be snow free!

L o c a l N e w sL o c a l N e w sL o c a l N e w sL o c a l N e w s CYACC

Are You a Young Adult in Chester County? If you're a Catholic adult in your 20s or 30s, we want to meet you! Catholic Young Adults of Chester County (CYACC - pronounced "kayak") exists to offer you social, spiritual, and service opportunities. Check us out on Facebook,

at www.cyacc.org, or request more info by emailing [email protected].

Archdiocese of

Philadelphia News

Archbishop's Lecture Series Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m.

Speaker Professor David L. Schindler

Topic Theology of the Body, the Gender

Distinction and Religious Freedom A lecture that examines how our understanding of what it means to be male and female directly impacts a society, its understanding of God, and the meaning of

human freedom.

Location

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

More info

http://www.phillyevang.org/lectures/

Listen to Archbishop Chaput’s

Sunday Homilies Online!

You can listen to Archbishop Chaput’s Sunday Homilies anytime at http://archphila.org/archbishopchaput/homilies/index.htm.

The Archbishop’s homilies are also available as Podcasts on iTunes.

Please Note The Tour of Europe Trip previously advertised in the bulletin

with Fr. Guckin is cancelled.

Discernment Retreat December 12-14

Friday 6 p.m. - Sunday 1 p.m. Villa Maria House of Studies

Young women (18-35) are invited to join us for this retreat which focuses on the IHM Charism and the importance of listening to God's call and discovering the many ways that God speaks to us. Time will be included for personal and communal prayer as well as the opportunity to interact with the sisters in Formation. Contact [email protected] or 610-889-1553.

Advent Retreat Day for Women IHM Spirituality Center, 1140 King Rd, Immaculata, PA 19345

“Discovering the Shape of Your Emptiness: Encountering Christ Within”

December 10, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Presenter: Jeannine Peters

For info and/or registration, contact Sister Barbara Cook at 610-647-4136 or visit www.ihmimmaculata.org.

Mark your calendars now for the 21st Annual

Mom Heart of the Home Spring Day of Renewal

March 21, 2015 • 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sts. Simon and Jude Meehan Center, West Chester

Calling all moms, grandmothers, step-mothers, or women of nurturing nature. Do yourself a favor…Plan ahead to spend the day with us!

Give yourself this one day out of 365 to slow down and replenish your spirit. Deep-en your relationship with God and Mary, Our Mother. The day includes times of reflection with all of our amazing, inspirational morning and afternoon speakers. Registration opens in December.

For more information please visit http://www.mom-heartofthehome.org to see what we’re all about!

parish staff - st joseph parish...

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