Our Lord Jesus Christ,

King of the Universe

November 26, 2017

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.

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

Rev. Francis J. Mulranen Resident

Deacon Jim Bogdan Permanent Deacon

Deacon Edward R. Schiappa Permanent Deacon

Mr. Allen Austin Director of Youth Ministry

Ms. Karen Dawson Parish Services Director/

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator

Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary

Mrs. Jo-Ann Funkhouser Bookkeeper

Ms. Anna Kozlowska Elder Care Program Manager

Mr. Dennis Luminella Maintenance Supervisor/

St. Joseph Cemetery Supervisor

Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist

Ms. Julie Wiant Business Manager

Ms. Jeannine Zack Administrative Assistant

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

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

Frank Detweiler, John DiBartolomeo, Michael Doyle, Sr. Esther Neary,

Thomas Shone, Faye Taraschi, Nicola, Adelina, Joseph and Tony Ursini & Ben Valocchi

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 5:00 PM William Allen Grier (1st Anniversary)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Deceased Members of Romanelli & Capriotti Families 9:00 AM Linda Massucci 10:30 AM William Grier 12:00 PM James T. Rae 4:00 PM Baby Thomas Joseph Maslo, III

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27 7:00 AM Michael Doyle, Sr. 9:00 AM Franklin Rebalsky

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 7:00 AM Michael Doyle, Sr. 9:00 AM Peter & Mary Short

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 7:00 AM Amina Valocchi 9:00 AM All Souls

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 7:00 AM John J. Weston 9:00 AM Dennis O'Donnell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 7:00 AM Mary R. Mento 9:00 AM Sadie Keane

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 8:00 AM Holy Souls

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 5:00 PM Adam Erdman

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Deceased Members of the Manetta and Pace Families 9:00 AM Barbara Mento (5th Anniversary) 10:30 AM For the members of the St. Joseph Memorial Society

12:00 PM Barbara Travaglini 4:00 PM Baby Thomas Joseph

The Sanctuary Candle Burns in Memory of Mary R. Mento.

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle burns in memory of Adam Erdman.

BAPTISMS

The names of children baptized on Sunday, November 19 will appear in the December 3 bulletin due to an early publication

deadline for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

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 KarenD@stjosephrc.org.

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 date is March 23 & 24. Registration forms can be found on

our website at www.stjosephrc.org. For more information, contact Karen

Dawson at 610-269-8294 or karend@stjosephrc.org.

�those who are sick: Frank Baker, Rhonda Battenfelder, Marcia Bukay, David & Connie Bull,

Joseph Carlin, Ellen Cassidy, Marie Ciarlone, Dolly Colella, Anita Suleski

Conant, Baby Michael Corrigan, Connie Daily, Jame Dickinson, Mary

Doyle, Judy Fazzini, Carrie Grosso, Marilyn Humphrey, Mary K. Jordan,

Maren Kaniewski, Owen Kopko, Father Larry Kozak, Crystal Leff, Sylvia

L. Mango, Jim McGowan, Patricia Melcher, Jenny Moylett, Julia

O’Connell, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Dave Parker, Florence Popadick, Julian

Quiroz, Joseph Renda, John Richards, Sue Rizzo, Frank Robertson,

Christopher Sauk, Marie Scopa, John Schreiber, Christine Robertson

Schwartz, Brian Sheehan, Baby Jessica Shue, Ed Shultz, Mike Smith, Lucy

Spadaro, Agnes Timothy and Mrs. Walt.

...those who are serving our country: Brandon W. A’Hara, Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Caytie

Castells, Specialist Andrew Clauhs, Ensign Morgan S. Dankanich, Capt.

Joe DeAngelis, Sarah Debarberie, Lt/Cpl. Staff Sgt. Christopher Deutsch,

Staff Sgt. Ian Deutsch, Captain Joseph S. DiBerardinis, Sean Doyle, 1st Lt.

Mark Edwards, Sargent Ian Fay, Danny Fuller, Jeffrey Fuller, 1st Lt.

Matthew Glisson, Leslie Harkness, 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Harris, Daniel J.

Heil, Steven Houser, Jacob Hudson, Victoria Jones, Zachary Kish,

Christopher J. Korpics, Peter Kurtz, Andy Landmesser, Lt. Col. Paul D.

Lang. PFC. Sgt. Christopher Madden, Krzysztof Malarz, Spc. Nicholas

Massari, Major J. Kevin McKittrick, Pvt. Francis Misantone, 2nd Lt. Ryan

Misero, Lt. J.G. Brian Muka, Pvt. Ian Donoghue-Neider, PFC Nicholas

Odgers, Sgt. Bradley Panichelli, Lt. Ted Pease, Alex Rozon, 2ndLt. Joseph

W. Rule, 1st Lt. Eric F. Satterthwaite, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia,

Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Pvt. Nick Scott, Jeremy Solnosky, Ryan

Strehl, LTJG Sean Sweeney, Bryan Williams, Josh Woodward and Vincent

Yarch.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

TODAY’S READINGS

The readings for Christ the King Sunday can be found at #1027.

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 November 26, 2017

Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, called by most Christ the King. Pope Pius XI established the feast in 1925 as a response to secularism, a way of life that leaves God out of humankind’s thoughts. It is intended to remind us of Christ’s royalty over each of us as individuals, over our families, over our society, and certainly over all governments and nations. Simply put, Christ is God, the Creator of the Universe, and thus the supreme power over all things.

The First Reading from Ezekiel points to what kind of king the Lord is. Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest. He went into exile in Babylon along with many other Israelites. The parallels between this reading and Christ as the Good Shepherd are clear. As a Good Shepherd, Christ was a different kind of king. The recommended Psalm Response for today is the beginning of Psalm 23, one with which most are familiar. “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me.” As is normally the case, Ezekiel through God is telling us that we must trust in the Lord. We must serve Him. That is what Christ the King is all about. It begins with us accepting Christ as our King and Savior.

St. Paul in the second reading directly addresses Christ’s kingship when he writes of the Lord, “When he hands

over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.” God has granted a measure of rule and authority to humankind, but Paul is telling us that is merely temporary. Jesus will take His place as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus could not be more direct than He is in the Gospel Reading from St. Matthew. The reading opens with “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious

throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him’.” He goes on to make a direct reference to the Lord as a Good Shepherd (as in the First Reading from Ezekiel), and then the Lord goes on to say something similar to St. Paul in the Second Reading, which culminates with the statement “so that God may be all in all.”

Perhaps the most poignant part of this Gospel is Jesus’ review and repeating of what are in effect the Corporal Works of Mercy: “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me; ill and you cared for me; in prison and you visited me.” That is how we truly recognize and participate in the Kingdom of God, by emulating what Christ is talking about. Jesus lived in utter simplicity, almost poverty. He was rejected by all the great and mighty men of His world. Yet He would and does “sit on the throne of His glory,” and we acknowledge Him as our King.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor

Rite of Acceptance This Sunday, November 26 at the 10:30 AM Mass

This weekend, we gather the RCIA catechumens and candidates publicly for the first time to declare their intention to the Church, and the Church accepts them as persons who intend to become her members. God’s grace is bestowed on each person. This takes place after the homily so the entire community of believers is represented. Sponsors present each catechumen and candidate to the Church. Each is embraced by the Church as her own, with a mother’s love and concern.

The Church will continue to nourish them with the Word of God and sustain them by means of her liturgical celebrations. They will receive additional blessings as we journey toward Easter to help them remain strong in their desire to receive the sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation and Eucharist.

This year’s catechumens (those not yet baptized) include: Aaron Norris, Walka Jordan, Wesseh Jordan, Cooper Jordan. Our candidates for full communion of the Catholic Church (those baptized into another ecclesial denomination) are: Zachary Brown, Lamai Costanzo, Kelsey Dohoney, Prince Jordan, Scott Marcum, Michael Martin, Susan Sussman. Candidates who are baptized Catholics seeking to complete reception of the Sacraments of Initiation are: John Mordoski.

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First Holy Communion

Attire Collection Please consider donating your used First Holy Communion dresses and suits so they can be donated to local parishes in need. Contact Claudia Eells at tpeells@verizon.net to set up pick up or drop off.

All Souls Envelopes November is the month when we pray especially for our beloved dead. Here at Saint Joseph Parish we will remember in a special way at all Masses this November those whose names have been submitted. If you would like your loved ones included in these prayers, please fill out one of the All Souls envelopes, which can be found in the Saint Katharine Drexel Room in church and return it to the Parish Office. The envelopes will be placed on the Altar throughout November.

Book of Names for the Deceased This month, you are invited to list the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book of names for the deceased, located in the narthex of the church. Parishioners and visitors to our church write names in this book every November to help honor and memorialize those we have loved who have returned home to God.

Grieving During the Holidays Please join us for a one-night support program to help you this holiday season as you cope with the loss of a loved one.

The program will be held on Tuesday, November 28

from 7-8:30 PM in the Holy Family Center. Deacon J im Bogdan and members of our Grief Support Group will facilitate the program.

St. Joseph Parish

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

P.R.E.P.

Volunteers Needed

2-3 adult or high school teen volunteers needed to assist in the classroom at 5 PM on Mondays or 5 PM on Tuesdays.

Sacrament News Reconciliation/Eucharist packets are due back the week of November 26 .

Summer PREP Pilot Program July 30-August 10, 2018

Catechists wanted Limited number of student spaces available.

Details to follow.

Letter from Archbishop Chaput

2nd Collection for the

Retirement Fund

for the Religious

Next Weekend, December 2 & 3

Dear Friends in Christ,

During the special Year for Consecrated Life proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter to the Church highlighted the importance of consecrated religious life for the mission of the Gospel. Pope Francis, reiterating the teaching of Saint John Paul II, reminded us that “consecrated life is a gift to the Church, it is born of the Church…(and) deeply a part of her.”

Our many consecrated Religious, men and women, in the Archdiocese have lived out this precious ecclesial gift in their ministries of education, caring for the sick and marginal, and in various apostolic endeavors. These consecrated persons have energized and brought vitality to the Church’s efforts for evangelization. Both in active ministry and in contemplative life, we recognize the countless fruits of their dedication.

With sincere gratitude to our religious congregations and recognizing the pressing difficulties they confront with declining numbers and with costly obligations for the care of their aging members, each year our Archdiocese participates in the national Retirement Fund for Religious Collection. This appeal enables us to demonstrate genuine appreciation for their service and their increasing needs.

As Archbishop, I ask that you remember all our consecrated men and women in your prayers and in generous support of this national collection scheduled for December 2-3. I am confident that your concern will be greatly rewarded. May the Lord’s peace be with us all.

Gratefully in Jesus Christ,

+Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. +Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. +Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. +Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

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St. Joseph

School News

Open House Dates for St. Joseph School

November 28

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. November 29

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

December 12

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

December 17

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Call the school office with any questions at 610-269-8999.

ST. JOSEPH ELDER CARE St. Joseph Church Elder Care Program provides care management services for older parishioners and their caregivers. The mission of the program is to help seniors meet their needs and enjoy wellbeing and high quality of life. Some of the services may include securing in-home assistance, long term care planning, help with utilizing benefits and resources, and addressing crisis situations. Geriatric Care Manager will meet with you at home or at the parish rectory. Services are free and confidential. Please call Anna Kozlowska at 610-269-7480 to take benefit of the program or to obtain more information. We are looking forward to meeting with you!

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, December 10 in the Cafeteria.

Advent by Candlelight We warmly invite you to be part of a beautiful evening that brings women together to celebrate, share and reflect on the

true meaning of Advent.

Please join us on Sunday, December 3 from 7-9 PM in the School Cafeteria as we enjoy warm drinks, delicious desserts and a festive spirit. Karen Leonard will offer us her insights on the Friendship of Women. Please come and invite the special women who grace your life. All are welcome and a free will offering will be accepted.

Please contact Joene Merlo at 484-467-6772 or joenemerlo@gmail.com to RSVP, host a table, to volunteer in another way or to obtain more information.

Save the Date!

Breakfast with

Santa

Saturday,

December 9

Saint Joseph Cafeteria Two Seatings at 8:30 AM and 10 AM

Watch the bulletin for more details.

Sponsored by the Saint Joseph Parish Youth Group

Parish RegistrationParish RegistrationParish RegistrationParish Registration Sunday, December 3 Sunday, December 3 Sunday, December 3 Sunday, December 3 at 10 a.m. . . .

in the Saint John Neumann Room in Church.

Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary Friday, December 8

Holy Day of Obligation

Masses will take place at 7 PM (Thursday Vigil),

7 AM, 9 AM, 12:05 PM, 7 PM

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

Advent,

a Love Story of inexplicable Hope December 5 and 12

7-8 p.m. in the Chapel Come to either/both sessions.

No registration/cost required.

Please join us this Advent as Deacon Jim Bogdan presents an Advent program to help us create the conditions in our hearts and homes to encounter Christ who comes to love and heal us. Deacon Jim will teach us about the Ten Steps of Love that invigorates our spiritual life while also rejuvenating and healing our family life and all our relationships.

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Parish Office Hours Office Hours are:

Monday-Thursday: 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.

14th Annual 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 available in the

church parking lot

4:30PM - 6:00PM on Saturday, December 9

8:30AM -12:00PM on Sunday, December 10

Encourage your family to donate items they have never worn, quickly outgrown or upgraded. Children’s toys, clothing and sporting equipment are the focus this year. Plush animals and adult clothes are not being accepted. New toys or baby items are welcome! In addition, flat screen TVs, small electronics and Christmas decorations will be 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: Email pattyknechthhc@gmail.com.

Thanks for your ongoing support! Over 3,000 families have been served since Holiday Hope Chest first opened their doors in Chester County. This is only possible due to the generosity of families from St. Joe’s and others in the community.

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 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 24. Names submitted after December 10 will be listed in the December 31 bulletin.

Names of deceased: (Please PRINT clearly to

ensure the name is spelled correctly)

1.___________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

3.___________________________________________

4.___________________________________________

Enthronement of the Enthronement of the Enthronement of the Enthronement of the

Sacred Heart of JesusSacred Heart of JesusSacred Heart of JesusSacred Heart of Jesus The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a way to

honor Our Lord by making a special place for Him in our

homes. In 1675 Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary

Alacque in Paray France and asked her to help spread

devotion to His Sacred Heart. He gave St. Margaret Mary

12 Promises for those devoted to His heart. The 9th Promise

says “I will bless the homes in which an image of My Heart

shall be exposed and honored.” Two members of the

Legion of Mary would be happy to bring you a blessed

picture and help you with this brief ceremony. To schedule

the Enthronement or for more info, call Jim McGowan 610-

812-4160.

The Giving Tree Project Has Begun!

This weekend marks the start of the Giving Tree Project.

Please take an ornament, purchase the gift, and return the wrapped gift with the tag attached under the tree by

Wednesday, December 13.

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 contact Nick at 610-308-

1757.

And if you're free on Friday, December 15, and would like to help sort the gifts, just let us know!

Once again, thank you for participating in this great project to help make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas!

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Electronic Giving Options

If you need a convenient way to make your contribution, we encourage you to check out our 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.) 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 11/27, please contact Mary Sweeney at 610-269-0604.

For the week of 12/4, please contact Nancy Coccetti at 610-269-3036 or

Leslie Curtis at 610-203-9318.

For more information, contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or

helenmlyons@yahoo.com.

November Mercy Hospice Schedule

Group 1 - Stuffed Peppers Group 2 - Mexican Chicken

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

Stewardship Corner

In today’s Gospel, Saint Matthew offers a compelling vision of the end-time, when the people of all nations are brought before the Lord to give an account of their lives and actions. Interestingly, the sheep, the righteous ones, are rewarded for having acted with love and compassion without having recognized the face of Christ in others. Good stewards recognize those in need of their care as gifts from God. They know that they are instruments of Christ’s active, loving presence in the world.

How will we treat others this week: our family members, neighbors, customers, strangers? What accounting will we make to the Lord for their care?

(International Catholic Stewardship Council’s November Newsletter)

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 fast! Perfect for last minute gifts!

Poor Box Collection

November Total to Date: $1,580.00

The Poor Box total for Sunday, November 19 will appear in the December 3 bulletin

due to an early publication deadline for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The Poor Box for November benefits the families in need of assistance at St. Joseph Church.

The Poor Box for December will benefit The Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown.

Sunday, November 19 The collection total for Sunday, November 19

will appear in the December 3 bulletin due to an early publication deadline for the

Thanksgiving Holiday.

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.

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 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.

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, November 30 at 7:30 PM in the Par ish Meeting Center .

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, December 1. Thank you.

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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.

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.

Get into the

Holiday Spirit The St. Joseph Prime Timers are

having their holiday luncheon at the

Downingtown Country Club on

Wednesday, December 6 Wednesday, December 6 Wednesday, December 6 Wednesday, December 6

from Noon to 3 PM.

Please contact Agnes at 610-269-2765 or

Mary at 610- 269-3650 for tickets.

The cost is only $26 for

a choice of chicken, beef, or fish.

St. Joseph Festival Meeting All interested in participating in the effort to stage the annual 2018 St. Joseph Community Festival are invited to the second general Festival Meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the Par ish Meeting Center, Room 3.

This is truly a parish-wide event and requires parish-wide effort to organize and run this major fund-raiser. There are opportunities to help in the various sub-committees. Please consider attending this informational and socialization event for the festival.

If you have any questions, please email Bob Angiulo (bobangiulo@gmail.com ) or Jack Ousey (john.ousey@verizon.net),

Festival Board Co-Chairs.

Attention all Prayerful Women!

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Spiritual Motherhood

Become a Spiritual Mother: Adopt a Philadelphia Priest Today!

With the Blessed Virgin Mary as our model, we seek to provide each priest with a Spiritual Mother, who will commit to anonymously adopt him and pray for him and his vocation as long as she lives. The Philadelphia Commitment Form can be found at on the Archdiocesan Home Page: http://archphila.org/home.php or at stmariagoretti.net. For questions, contact Rosemary Doyle at 215-368-5875 or Maria Richardson at 215-721-0199.

Talk Radio for Catholic Life

Relevant Radio (640 AM) www.relevantradio.com

Download the FREE mobile app and listen live!

Intellectual Disabilities and

Autism Help-Line Do you need help accessing services and supports for someone with an intellectual disability or autism? The CSS Developmental Programs Help-Line is available to answer your questions. Call 484-472-5041 or e-mail IDDhelp@chs-adphila.org

Do you have unused

Mobility Equipment? Joni and Friends, a faith-based charity serving the disabled, is requesting donations of mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches). The equipment is restored and then delivered to those in need in developing countries. Donations are tax deductible. For info or to donate, contact Larry Easton at 315-416-1716 or leaston78@gmail.com.

Malvern Retreat House

Advent Day of Reflection

An Advent Day of Reflection will be held at Malvern Retreat House on Wednesday, December 6. It will be directed by Fr. Matt Guckin. To register or for more information, please visit malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.

Spirit Power Day of Reflection

Malvern Retreat House will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception this December 8 by offering the Spirit Power Day of Reflection. This year's theme will be: Here Comes Jesus. The retreat will be directed by Grammy-Nominated Singer/Songwriter Marty Rotella, Fr. Stephen DeLacy, Anna Iatesta & Anne McGlone. Please visit malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400 for more information.

Flame of Love Retreat Malvern Retreat House is hosting a dynamic Advent retreat for men and women with gifted retreat director Fr. James Blount. This December 15-17 weekend retreat will focus on the theme: Why Shop Until Y ou Drop When Y ou Can

Purchase the Pearl of Great Price? For more information or to register, please visit malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.

CYACC Young Adults: 'Discipleship'

Are you a Catholic adult in your 20s and 30s? CYACC (pronounced "kayak") exists to offer you social, spiritual, and service opportunities in the local area. This week, we welcome Claudia Robuck from St. Agnes parish in West Chester for a talk on discipleship! Please join us this

Wednesday November 29, at SS. Peter and Paul Church, West Chester at 7:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information please check www.cyacc.org or follow us on facebook/twitter.

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Pilgrimage to the

HOLY LAND with Fr. Jim McGuinn,

Assistant Pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish June 10 -21, 2018

For info, contact Select International Tours at 800-842-4842

or visit www.selectinternationaltours.com.

Pray as volunteer Helpers Of God’s Precious Infants at

VIGIL for LIFE

Saturday, December 2, 2017

8:00 A.M. Mass Saint Agnes Church

231 West Gay Street, West Chester

followed by Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood

8 South Wayne Street, West Chester

God in the Old Testament:

Kind or Cruel? For centuries, Christians have struggled to understand how God is revealed in the Old Testament. Our image of God can have a profound impact on our relationship with Him.

On Monday, Dec. 4 at 7 PM, Kelly Anderson, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, will give an engaging and informative talk on this subject at Saints Peter and Paul Church, West Chester.

Afterward there will be time for meaningful discussion and refreshments in the Parish Hall. Come join us as we learn more about this fascinating topic!