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.,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.

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

www.stjosephrc.org

332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

Rev. Stephen F. Leva Pastor

Rev. Anthony T. Rossi Parochial Vicar

Rev. John E. Donia Resident

Rev. Francis J. Mulranen Resident

Deacon Jim Bogdan Permanent Deacon

Deacon Edward R. Schiappa Permanent Deacon

Mr. Allan Anderson Business Manager

Mr. Allen Austin Director of Youth Ministry

Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary

Ms. Anna Kozlowska Elder Care Program Manager

Mr. Dennis Luminella Maintenance Supervisor/

St. Joseph Cemetery Supervisor

Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist

Mrs. Carol Orphanos Bookkeeper

Ms. Joan Robertson Interim Director of Parish

Services

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. Mary Jane McGeehan Administrative Assistant

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

ConventConventConventConvent Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

484-593-4352

September 23, 2018

The Twenty-Fifth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

TODAY’S READINGS

The readings for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time can be found at #1000.

Please remember in your prayers all those who have died:

James DiVeterano

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the following children baptized last weekend.

WILLOW LENORA KELLER, KNOX PHILLIP STUART,

GABRIEL ANTHONY VACCA, AND

BRIDGET EILEEN & DANIEL RICHARD WILSON

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 the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

MARRIAGE

Congratulations to the following couple who were married in July:

CHRISTINA MARIE DILEO AND STEVAN PATRICK NELSON

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. Registration forms can be found on our website at www.stjosephrc.org. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

�those who are sick: Frank Baker, Faber Botero, Ashlyn Brown, Marcia Bukay, David & Connie Bull, Ellen Cassidy, Tony Cipriano, Virginia Cipriano, Dolly Colella, Anita Suleski Conant, Baby Michael Corrigan, Amelia D’Ginto, George Forczek, Dave Goldstein, Karen Goldstein, Carrie Grosso, Michele Halis, Liam Hawk, Ryan Hieb, Danielle Horack, Crystal Leff, Dolores Leifholt, Ellen Lis, Carleton Lyman, Sylvia L. Mango, Wendy Martini, McBeth Family, Justin McCarthy, Jim McGowan, Pat Melcher, Diane Milshaw, Anna Moschitta, Katie Nejman, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Florence Popadick, Helen Redick, Sue Rizzo, Msgr. Francis Schmidt, John Schreiber, Cathy Sirhal, Mike Smith, Dot Swisher, Agatha Szafran, Agnes Timothy, Francis Van Buskirk, Bobby Voldish, and Elizabeth Van Voorhes.

...those who are serving our country: Brandon W. A’Hara, H.N. Katesiree Cannon Boson, Caytie Castells, Ensign Morgan S. Dankanich, Capt. Joseph S. DiBerardinis, Nicole Doyle, Sean Doyle, Capt. Mark Edwards, Sargent Ian Fay, Daniel J. Heil, Victoria Jones, Zachary Kish, Peter Kurtz, Lt. Col. Paul Lang, Krzysztof Malarz, Major J. Kevin McKittrick, Capt. Andrew C. Oddo, PFC Nicholas Odgers, 2ndLt. Joseph W. Rule, 1st Lt. Eric F. Satterthwaite, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia, Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Pvt. Nick Scott, Corporal Jeremy Solnosky and LT Sean Sweeney.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Every three months we will remove names from the military and sick list. This is to help ensure that our lists are always up to date. Please call the parish office to add/remove/re-add names. Thank you for your patience.

Altar Flowers are in memory of

Danny Stewart

The Sanctuary Candle for the week burns

in memory of Thekla C. Hickman

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle for the

week burns in memory of

Joseph Amato (50th Anniv.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 5:00 PM James P. Kelly

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Kathleen McGinley 9:00 AM Joseph Ryan Bryne 10:30 AM James R. Donohue

12:00 PM Robert William Peoples 4:00 PM Roberto and Aurora Advincula

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 7:00 AM Dominic Binh Than 9:00 AM Mary Doyle

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 7:00 AM Bill Grier 9:00 AM John W. Mattioni

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 7:00 AM Danny Stewart 9:00 AM Paul Korte'

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 7:00 AM Joseph Panichelli 9:00 AM Frank Jr. and Michael Nadelstumph

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 7:00 AM Ari Arteaga 9:00 AM Jean Marie Robertson

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 8:00 AM Michele' DiFrancesco

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 5:00 PM George Dailey, Sr.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Kay D'Alesio

9:00 AM Jim & Julia DiMartin 10:30 AM Carol Rizzo (25th Anniv.) 12:00 PM Mario D' Urso

4:00 PM Patricia Ostrowski

September 23, 2018 Dear Parishioners,

The three years I spent at Saint Charles Seminary were very important years for me. Although I was

eventually invited to “move on” from Saint Charles, it really was there, in the very early days of praying about a

vocation that I realized that this is what the Lord was asking of me. It was also there that I made some of the best

and longest friends of my life, many of whom I still have in my life. All in all, other than the “go somewhere else”

part, it was a wonderful experience. I remember always being struck by the Seminary seal or Coat of Arms which

at the top has the word “Humilitas.” Humilitas, humility, humbleness, all attributes that I believe the seminary,

each seminary I attended tried to instill in us and, attributes that would seem to be an important part of the life of

any woman or man who desires to follow Jesus.

Our Gospel today finds the Disciples being very human. As they make their way, with Jesus, from Galilee

to Capernaum Jesus reveals yet again, something very intimate and very difficult to these close friends of his, “The

Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will

rise.” Imagine hearing Jesus speak those truths and then having to deal with all of the emotions that I would think

come with that realization. But the Disciples, well they were very busy discussing who was the greatest. Not

exactly the focus Jesus was looking for I would think.

The very human reaction of the Disciples while not really the one Jesus was hoping for speaks of a need for

humility in our lives, in our relationship with God. In order to truly be Children of God, followers of Jesus we must

allow him to be in the lead, he must be first and we must follow. I believe that is the only way this whole idea and

truth of Discipleship works. “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all,” service

in the name of Jesus to our sisters and brothers, that is true Humilitas, true Discipleship.

Thank you to everyone who worked to make my Installation Mass and reception so wonderful, my family is

still talking about my new home and all of you. It was a wonderful evening and a very beautiful Mass and more

than I hoped for. As I told many parishioners, now you are stuck with me. Together we will answer the Lord’s call

to Discipleship here in Saint Joseph Parish.

Peace, Fr. Steve Leva

W e e k l y L e t t e rW e e k l y L e t t e rW e e k l y L e t t e rW e e k l y L e t t e r

St. Joseph Cub Scouts Pack 2

Fall Fundraiser

Mum Sale! September 29 & 30

After all Masses - while supplies last! Do you need mums for fall planting or decorating?

Come see what we are selling! 9 in. mums $7 each or 3 for $20

Variety of colors

Ushers Needed!

We are looking for additional ushers to help out during

Mass each weekend.

Ushers assist with seating, take up our collections, and give guidance to parishioners during the reception of the Eucharist. You would be assigned to the Mass you usually attend each week, and will have a terrific usher

team to work with. We will provide training/guidance.

Please call Ed Reid at 610-269-4453 if you would like information or would like to be a part of our usher ministry. Thank you!

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

Women’s Spiritual Book Study

“Compassion is a way of life—an inner posture of how to be

with suffering, both our own and others, and a desire to move

that attitude into action. A radical change unfolds in us when

compassion becomes a way of life…” Joyce Rupp in

Boundless Compassion

This fall we will be praying with Joyce Rupp’s book

Boundless Compassion.

This is a 6-week study beginning on Thursday, September 20. There will be 2 sessions held per week on Thursdays—a morning session and an evening session. Both sessions

are the same material so you only need to attend one.

All meetings will be held in the St. John Neumann

Room in the church. The Thursday morning session will be held from 9:45-11:15 a.m. and the Thursday

evening session will be from 7-8:30 p.m.

The book can be purchased at any book seller. Each week is broken down into daily reflections and prayers. Please

come to the first meeting having prayed with and ready

to discuss the first week.

Any questions or to register please contact Pam Seymour at

pseymour@spiritualdirectors.net or 484-678-1653.

Job Opening Full Time Parish Administrative Assistant

We are looking for a qualified individual to fulfill the role of Parish Administrative Assistant. This is a full time job Monday through Friday. The ideal candidate will be a person who has a minimum of 2 years’ experience in administrative support, and is proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Power Point and Publisher. The candidate should have sound interpersonal communication and organizational skills and an ability to relate effectively with others. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Father Stephen Leva at frleva@stjosephrc.org.

Join Us for

Walking with Purpose A Women's Bible Study at Saint Joseph Parish

Walking with Purpose is a Catholic women’s bible study program that aims to bring women of all ages to a deeper relationship with Christ through scripture. We have over 140 participants and growing!

Share in dynamic discussions of spiritual truths and connect with other women to build meaningful friendships as we learn, pray, and serve together. To register, go to https://campscui.active.com/orgs/StJoeWWP?season=2480608. Childcare is available during the Tuesday & Wednesday Sessions.

For more information, go to www.walkingwithpurpose.com or email

frannieota@gmail.com.

Registration Now Open!

START

DATE

COURSE

OFFERED

TIME LOCATION

Mon.,

Oct.1

Keeping in

Balance Fearless

& Free

7:00 -

8:30 PM

Parish Meeting

Center

Tues.,

Oct. 2

Fearless & Free

9:00 -

11:00 AM

Parish Meeting

Center

Wed.,

Oct. 3

Keeping in

Balance Fearless

& Free

9:00 –

11:00 AM

Parish Meeting

Center

St. Joseph Parish

Library Located in the Parish Office.

Open during office hours.

New titles recently added to our Library. Look for them in the “New Titles” display.

Into His Likeness by Edward Sr i (248.4 Sr i). An in-depth exploration of how to live as a disciple of Christ. When God Is Silent by Luis M. Martinez (232.9 Mar). Finding spiritual peace amid the storms of life. The Apostles And Their Times by Mike Aquilina (270.1 Aqu). Archeology, history and scripture unveil what life was really like during the Apostolic Age. The Bible Blueprint by Joe Paprocki (220.6 Pap). A blueprint metaphor to help understand the structure and organization of the Bible. 101 Surprising Facts about St. Peter’s and the Vatican by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, S.T.L. (914.6Kir). A whirlwind tour that uncovers the secrets and surprising facts about Vatican City and its famous church.

The Loaves & 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 delivers 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 nmfarrington@gmail.com or 610-620-3619 for more info.

St. Joseph Parish

Religious Education Program Contact us at 610-873-8798 or www.stjosephrc.org/prep

P.R.E.P. News Registration

Please visit the PREP page on the parish website at www.stjosephrc.org for registration information for children entering Grades K-6 or contact us at PREP@stjosephrc.org or 610-873-8798.

Adult Volunteers, thank you! We were in great need of volunteer catechists and other helpers and many of you came forward. If you can spare the time we would love to have one awesome adult to sit at the desk in the school lobby during the 5:00 session on Mondays, as well as two amazing people to work with a group of 1st graders on Mondays at the 6:45 session. Please consider joining us in sharing our faith with the parish children and helping them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact the PREP Office for more details.

A shout out to our Homeschool Families ~ please let us know if you have children of Sacrament reception age this year, for Reconciliation and Eucharist.

Liturgy of the Word with Children (CLOW)

Join the children in grades K-3 on Sundays during the

9:00 a.m. Mass. Please contact Leif Erickson at leife100@gmail.com if you would like more information about being a Leader and/or Shepherd for our children in grades K-2/3. Volunteers are always welcome.

Sacrament News

Packets of information for PREP and homeschooled children receiving Reconciliation and Eucharist are now available in the PREP Office on the second floor of the school. Please pick them up at your earliest convenience.

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 Safe Environment Training

Protecting God’s Children Saturday, September 29 from

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Meeting Center, located behind the school.

To register go to: www.virtus.org

Join St. Joseph Parish Visit the Parish Office to fill out a registration form. A member of the parish staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. If you have further questions, please call the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

Blessing of the

Animals The blessing of your pets will take place on the

front patio of the church on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Downingtown Life Chain Mark your calendars for October 6 to attend the Downingtown Life Chain at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

More info to follow.

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 Sunday, October 14 in the Cafeteria.

New

Parish Office

Hours

Monday-Friday - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Parish Office is now closed for lunch

from 12:00 -1:00 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 the office closes.

Please Note!

RCIA Call to Holiness

Join us in the Holy Family Center conference room

Wednesday, 9-26-18 at 7:00 PM

Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and

Magisterium

(Take the driveway between the Convent and Rectory. Park and enter the building behind the Rectory.)

RCIA is for those who have never been baptized, baptized in another denomination, or completing reception of the Sacraments of Initiation if already baptized a Catholic. Contact Kathy Thomas for more information (kathyt@stjosephrc.org or 610-873-8798).

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

ST. JOSEPH ELDER CARE St. Joseph Parish Elder Care Program provides care management services to older parishioners and their caregivers. The mission of the program is to help seniors enjoy wellbeing while aging in place or in the long term care setting. Some of the services may include securing in-

home assistance, help with accessing benefits and resources, addressing crisis situations, and planning for the future. A Geriatric Care Manager will meet with you at your home or at the parish office. Services are free and confidential. If you or your loved one needs help, please call Anna Kozlowska at 610-269-7480. We are looking forward to serving you!

Learn, live, love your faith: To help you learn, live, and love your faith, St. Joseph Parish has purchased a subscription to “Formed,” which gives you free access to dozens of online programs about our Catholic faith.

To access FORMED: ⇒ Go to www.formed.org

⇒ Enter our Parish Code: 13f195

⇒ Set up your profile

You can access the programs from your computer, tablet, or phone – anytime, anywhere.

There is information and programs on a variety of topics for children, teens, and adults.

Perpetual Adoration If the Pope himself gave you a special invitation to visit him in the Vatican, this honor would be nothing in comparison to the honor and dignity that Jesus himself bestows upon you with the invitation of spending one hour with Him in the Blessed Sacrament. "The divine Eucharist bestows upon the Christian people the incomparable dignity." (Pope Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei)

If you have never visited our Adoration Chapel, please avail yourself of this special place that we are so lucky to have day and night at our parish. Do you already visit? Our chapel has a steady stream of visitors both day and night. However, there are many hours without a committed adorer, and almost all hours are in need of co-adorers.

Please prayerfully consider committing to an hour or sign up to be a co-adorer. Contact Peg Cassidy at

ptcassidy1980@gmail.com

Mass at Saint Joseph

Cemetery On Sunday, October 28, at 2:30 p.m., Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Cemetery on Glenside Road in Downingtown, to

remember all the deceased loved ones buried in our cemetery.

All are invited to attend. Please bring your own lawn chair for seating.

Saint Joseph

School News

Interested in St. Joseph School? Call the Parish Office at 610-269-8999 for more information or for an appointment today to visit our school. We look forward to meeting with you!

Update Your Information! Have you moved, been married recently, changed your phone number or email address, or made any other changes in your household? Please call the parish office or email roed@stjosephrc.org to update your records.

Mass of Anointing We invite you to join us for our Annual Mass of

Anointing Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.

The Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of strengthening, peace and courage for all Christians who are seriously ill, injured, about to undergo surgery or a procedure, struggling with an addiction, suffering from a decline due to advanced age or in danger of death. Family members and friends are welcome. A light lunch will

follow in the cafeteria.

R.S.V.P. by October 16

to the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

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 cherylm@BridgeofHopeLCC.org.

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

Sign up with Shopwithscrip and a percentage of your orders can be credited to your school tuition or donated to St. Joseph Parish! Order by 11 AM on Mondays and they will be ready for pick up on Thursdays. Shopwithscrip.com also offers ScripNow that allows you to print store gift cards in minutes! These are perfect for last minute gifts

or planning vacations, home renovations, new

appliances, etc.!

Go to www.shopwithscrip.com to establish an account and place your gift card orders. With PrestoPay, Scrip’s secure web payment method, the whole transaction from selection to purchase is taken care of online. Once you have signed up for PrestoPay, Scrip will directly debit your checking account for the amount of your order plus a 15 cent transaction fee. This payment method is similar to other online purchases that you make, for example if you order from Amazon. Your cards will be sent to the parish office each Thursday and available for pick up during office hours. Questions? Need help signing up? Call the office at 610-269-8294.

Poor Box Collection September 16 Total: $430

September Total to Date: $959

The Poor Box for September will benefit the St. Joseph Church Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Helping Other People Everyday

HOPE is a transportation ministry which provides rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and other necessary errands.

Rides require 48 hours notice.

For the week of 9/24, Please contact Nancy Coccetti at 610-269-3036.

For the week of Oct. 1, Please contact Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631 or

Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041

For more information, contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or helenmlyons@yahoo.com.

Sunday, September 16 Regular Collection Total

$ 26,867.00

Masstimes.org When you are vacationing or traveling, visit

Masstimes.org & find a church anywhere in the world!

September Mercy Hospice Schedule

Group 1 - Southwest Chicken with Corn and Rice Group 2 - Stuffing-Crusted Creamy Chicken

Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574.

Regular Collections Fiscal year July 1 2018-19 2017-18

Year to date $470,887 $492,760

In today’s Gospel, we learn that the disciples of Jesus had been discussing among themselves who was the greatest. Jesus is about to turn their idea as well as our society’s idea of “greatness” upside down. He embraces a child and tries to help the Twelve understand that to be great is to be focused on something other than themselves. Jesus teaches that true “greatness” lies in being a good steward of those who are not great: welcoming one who is not viewed as great by our society’s standards, like the child, the innocent, the vulnerable, the suffering, those who are outside our comfortable circle of family, friends, companions and colleagues, those who need a welcome. Jesus redefines our notion of greatness. How do we define greatness? Is our notion of greatness consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ?

(Interna�onal Catholic Stewardship

Council’s September Newsle�er)

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. If you are interested in volunteering on a rotating schedule or if you would like to learn more, please contact parishioner Elizabeth Sokol at ebsokol47@gmail.com. Our next meal day is Friday,

October 5. Thank you.

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

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 gwpartnerchuch@gmail.com to sign up.

Legion of Mary The Legion of Mary meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in

the Church’s Saint John Neumann Room. Is Our Blessed Mother calling you? Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Jim McGowan at 610-812-

4160.

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.

Prime Timers This group welcomes men and women 50 years of age and

older. It holds theme meetings on the first Wednesday of

each month, September through June, in the Parish Meeting

Center. The club sponsors trips ,social events, and gives

donations to the Lord’s Pantry and Saint Martha’s, as well

as other worthy causes. Please call Mary at 610-269-3650

or Paul at 610-873-2794 for additional information.

The King’s Men (18 & over) offers a time with other men to engage, discuss and challenge you into living a full Christian life. Every meeting starts with a rosary, a 15- minute spiritual exercise, 30 minutes for discussion and 15- minutes of challenges among your peers. The Next King’s Men meeting will take place on Thursday, September 20 in

the Parish Meeting Center at 7:30 PM.

Youth Group News

There are a few changes for this year: • There will be one Youth Group for grades 8-12. • We will meet every Sunday after the 4:00 Mass in the

PMC

• Dinner will be served in the Parish Meeting Center (Not the cafeteria)

• The reception of Confirmation has moved to the 7th Grade. Religious Education will hold a meeting in October to explain the changes. Keep an eye out for the date in the bulletin.

Important dates this Fall:

October 7 : Life Teen Fund Raiser November 2-4 : Tentative retreat weekend

We are looking forward to seeing you all!

Aid for Friends Meals are needed for elderly, isolated local neighbors. Packets of pans are available in the church office or in the St. Katharine Drexel room in church. Please pick up a packet, make some meals, freeze and place in the Aid For Friends freezer in the Holy Family Center as soon as possible. A visitor will deliver them. For more information contact Debby at dokeefe19@hotmail.com.

St. Joseph Mom’s Group St. Joe’s Moms Group meets each Thursday 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 lizhennessey@gmail.com.

C.Y.A.C.C. (Catholic Young Adults of Chester County)

The Importance of Building an Offline Community

Have you ever been scrolling through your newsfeed, only to feel like everyone is out in the world on some adventure except you? Yes, social media keeps us connected, but it also causes us to stop seeking real, authentic, and genuine community, because we think we have an online community at our fingertips. God is a communion of persons and we are called to a trinitarian life. We are made for community. This Wednesday September 26 we welcome Allen Austin, a project manager for Ascension and an experienced youth minister. He will share his real life experiences, give advice, and perhaps share some of his hilarious stories about journeying through life with the community he has built. Join us at 7:30pm in SS. Peter and Paul, West Chester. For more information please check out www.cyacc.org or follow our Facebook page. You can always email us at cyacc1@gmail.com for more details.

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

Crafter Alert!

Simpson Meadows will host their Annual Craft Fair to benefit the Caring Friends Fund on October 20 from 9 AM-2 PM. For application forms, please call 610-269-8400. Great family friendly day filled with fine handcrafts, food, “Granny’s Attic”, and homemade baked goods.

40 Days For Life

The Fall 40 Days for Life begins on Wednesday,

September 26th and ends on Sunday, November

4th. This campaign has been taking place twice a year since 2007 and has helped to bring more attention to

abortion and has resulted in the closing of many clinics.

Many cities in the United States and other countries participate in this event. During this period, you are asked to pray and fast for an end to abortion. In addition to your private prayer and fasting, you are invited to stand and peacefully pray at the Planned Parenthood in West Chester

where abortions are performed each week.

Information about St. Joseph Parish day, Saturday, October 13th will be in upcoming bulletins. Please help to spread the word about this important community outreach. If you would like more information, please contact Pat DiPietro, 610-873-2093 or pjd1953sphs@gmail.com.

Bishop Shanahan

Ice Hockey Club

Bishop Shanahan Ice Hockey Club is hosting a Meet and Greet on Sept 30 from 4:15-5:15 at Ice Line in West Ches-ter. Players of all ages and skill levels are invited!

For more information visit www.shanahanhockey.org. For questions contact Mike Veneziale at mikev@johnrock.com.

Monsignor Bonner H.S.

Special Alumni Reunion

For the founding Classes of ‘57, ‘58 and ‘59

The reunion will be held at Springfield Country Club on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from Noon to 4:00 PM. If you are one or know of someone else, please contact Dave Breen at 484-802-6646 or by email, Breenltdab@aol.com

Shroud Encounter

Shroud Encounter will be hosted at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester on Saturday September 29 at 1:30 pm. This highly acclaimed dramatic visual experience examines the mystery of the Shroud of Turin like a CSI investigation; presented by Russ Breault an internationally recognized expert on the Shroud. Experience this fast paced 90

minute big screen encounter revealing and examining clues, exploring the science, history and mystery of the Shroud. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Admission is $10 / person, under 16 free. A self-guided tour of the Man of The Shroud Exhibit

featuring a full size replica of the Shroud, and a 90 panel display of scientific and historical information will be open for free public viewing.

For tickets and additional information visit www.kofc11319.org or contact St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Office at 610-399-6936.