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

www.stjoesdtown.org Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. McLoone Pastor

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.stjoeschooldtown.org Sister Catherine Irene, I.H.M. Principal

Sister Rita Doyle, 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.stjoeprepdtown.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

Saint Joseph Parish 338 Manor Avenue ~ Downingtown, Pennsylvania, 19335

Founded in 1851

Third Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014May 4, 2014May 4, 2014May 4, 2014

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.

Saint Joseph Church Mission Statement Motivated by our belief in Jesus Christ and bound together by our Roman Catholic

faith, we are a parish that seeks to respond to the Gospel invitation by living as God's

people. Baptized into Christ Jesus, confirmed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and

nourished by the Eucharist, we are a community that gives glory to God and proclaims His message of love and salvation.

BAPTISMS 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.

Upcoming sessions are May 10 and June 14 (Saturdays) 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 KarenD@stjoesdtown.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 fall date is being determined. Please go to http://archphila.org to find a session

offered in other locations throughout the Archdiocese. For more information,

contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or KarenD@stjoesdtown.org.

…those who are sick: Alfredo, Anne Beebie, Teresa De Feo Bellanca, Mina Massimini Bender, Steve

Berman, Patrick Bonani, Philomena Bruno, Leonard Bucklin, Bonnie Calvey,

Allison Carcella, Thomas Carroll, Caroline Casenta, Judy DiFonzo Cazillo, Jennifer

Cockerill, Anita Conant, Mildred Connor, Baby Michael Corrigan, Jason Cozzone,

Ryan Cromwell, John Cruice, Dominic D’Antonio, Pamela DeFazio, Eduardo

DeLeon, Paul DiFonzo, Tony G. Eby, Mary Ellen Edwards, Lillian Esposito,

Gladys Felice, Tom Fieweger, George Forczek, Cathy Gold, Charles Gold, Grace

Geiner, Katrina Hall, Cathie Harper, Nick Inman Amanda Jennings, Cameron

Kiefer, Kenny Klunk, Sr., Joseph Koval, Jr., David Kurtz, Melissa Lane, Ann Lang,

Merrel Long, Anna Mandala, Nicholas Massari, The Mcbeth Family, Joseph

Mesure, Selim Miah, Sara Moylett, Mary O’Donnell, Bill Pashinski, Rudi Pascual,

Florence Popadick, Florence Richards, John Richards, Sue Rizzo, Deanna Roache,

Sue Russell, Don & Doreen Sadowski, Felix Santana, Christopher Sauk, Ann

Schlanser, Angela Scianammea, Charles Scott, Tinamarie Sgro, Margaret Shannon,

Robert Sheddy, Amy Grace Shorter, Laura Shorter, Angela Siuzdak, Sister Mary

Stanislaus, Mary Sullivan, Francis Hugh Sweeney, Agnes Timothy, Randall

Williams and Seth Wright, Jackson Winner.

...those who are serving our country:

Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Scott Bradley, 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, Peter Forner, Jr., Danny Fuller, Jeffrey Fuller, 1st Lt.

Matthew Glisson, Leslie Harkness, 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Harris, Brent Joshua

Horrocks, LCPL. Steven Houser, Zachary Kish, Christopher J. Korpics, Mark T.

Korpics, Andy Landmesser, Major Paul D. Lang. PFC. Tim Liermann, 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.

Joseph Burns, DeFlaviss Family, Edward

Dexter, Lawrence Eckenrode, Kirk

Lannon, Robert Russell, Oscar Weekley

and the Deceased Members of the Saint

Joseph Parish Prime Timers.

SATURDAY, MAY 3 5:00 PM Jean Patrick

SUNDAY, MAY 4 6:00 AM For the Parishioners 7:30 AM Jean-Paul Houle 9:00 AM Andrew A. Cozzone (2nd Anniversary) 10:30 AM For the members of the Saint Joseph Memorial Society

12:00 PM Danny Duffy 4:00 PM Paul Luzenski

MONDAY, MAY 5 7:00 AM Maria Berta Florez 9:00 AM Anthony Ursini TUESDAY, MAY 6 7:00 AM Anthony & Christina Viola (Living) 9:00 AM Stanley, Erelene, James & Anne Chrupcala WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 7:00 AM Peg Flynn 9:00 AM Sadie Keane

THURSDAY, MAY 8 7:00 AM Lewis & Theresa Capriotti 9:00 AM Joseph Ryan Roch

FRIDAY, MAY 9 7:00 AM Thomas Woodward 9:00 AM Mario DiFrancesco SATURDAY, MAY 10 8:00 AM Domenic & Rose Ulissi

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

SATURDAY, MAY 10 5:00 PM Tomasina Colella

SUNDAY, MAY 11 6:00 AM For the Parishioners 7:30 AM Deceased Members of the Trolio/Woodruff Families 9:00 AM Irene Zima 10:30 AM Michael Yasick 12:00 PM Peter & Mary Short 4:00 PM Lucy Stefanelli

Today’s Readings Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter can be found at #904 (A).

The Sanctuary Candle burns in memory of Andrew A. Cozzone.

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle burns in

Joseph Ryan Roch.

May 4, 2014

Dear Friends,

The following is a description of the new painting of Abraham and Isaac from Adrian Martinez, the artist.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

Monsignor McLooneMonsignor McLooneMonsignor McLooneMonsignor McLoone

PastorPastorPastorPastor ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Abraham and Isaac” Oil on Canvas (mounted on board) 9 feet by 6 feet Installed in St. Joseph Church, April 23, 2014

This painting tells a dramatic story from the Bible in stark terms. I toned down my usual pallet and pared down distracting elements because I wanted the image to be recognizable and comprehensible to the entire congregation of St. Joseph’s, regardless of where they might be sitting. Also, the unimaginable suffering involved in this story fiercely burns away all superfluous elements to a single fraction of a second.

For over a thousand years, Catholic artists have struggled to depict the essential meaning of a particular story in a single static image. Elaborate traditions of iconography evolved and artists often became schematic illustrators of huge narrative cycles. It was never imagined that within only 100 years, the aristocratic grandeur of the saints and prophets changed into something far more familiar.

Such is the case with Abraham and Isaac. Until the end of the 16th century this particular Bible story was infrequently painted. Medieval and Renaissance artists tended to create pictures filled with a serene and sacramental air, often depicting graceful and symbolic gestures void of unseemly urgency. Renaissance drawing was self-consciously beautiful and balanced, regardless of the tragic event involved. With the Counter Reformation, the Abraham and Isaac story attained iconic status depicting a single terrible moment often in the most lurid, melodramatic terms.

In this painting I have attempted to blend two cultural threads: Renaissance clarity of design and intent, and a Baroque sense of drama. Abraham is about to end his line by killing a beloved son with his own hands at the command of God. The father’s face is resolute without a trace of melodrama. He stands motionless like a gleaming pillar in the terrible darkness, hesitating to fulfill the dreadful command. Isaac, in brilliant scarlet, raises his hand more in surprise than in self-defense. He cannot yet imagine the unimaginable. Neither is, at that instant, aware of the resolution provided by the sacrificial ram reverentially bowing at their feet. I have imagined the ram as a major part of the story but it is not immediately recognizable. Like Abraham and Isaac in the painting, we ourselves don’t quite see - it takes a moment to notice and comprehend the dark shape on the bottom to the right of Isaac. In this particular moment of shifting aesthetic perception is contained a metaphor for the spiritual comprehension of God’s plan. Nothing has changed and everything has changed quicker than the flash of lightning in the bottom left of the painting or the angel wing hovering above.

Adrian Martinez Downingtown, Pennsylvania April 24, 2014

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

Abraham and Isaac Abraham and Isaac Abraham and Isaac Abraham and Isaac ---- Artist NotesArtist NotesArtist NotesArtist Notes

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 Family Potluck Dinner

and Prayer

Your entire family is welcome to attend St. Joseph’s monthly Family Potluck Dinner & Prayer Evening beginning Saturday, June 7th following the 5 p.m. Mass!

Celebrate Mass Share a meal

Pray a decade of the rosary

If you would like to build new friendships and grow in your faith as a family, mark your calendars! More details to come! To get involved in this new family ministry, please come to an information night, Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the Saint John Neumann room in church! ALL are welcomed!

Second Collection

Catholic Home Missions This weekend, May 3 & 4

Ladies

Night Out

Walking With Purpose:

Seven Priorities That Make Life Work Come join us and see what WWP is all about!

Wednesdays, May 21 – June 11 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Saint Joseph Church, Parish Meeting Center

Contact Laura White at lauralenwhite@hotmail.com or 610-787-9100.

Parish Forum on Rediscover Catholicism

Please join our parish community on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in the chapel for a discussion on Rediscover Catholicism, the book that was given out to all families at Christmas and, again, at the beginning of Lent. What did you think? How can we apply the book’s concepts here at St. Joe’s? Come to listen, share, and rediscover.

Knights of Columbus

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, May 4 from 6:30 AM – 12:00 Noon School Cafeteria

$3.00 for 12 years and under, $6.00 for all others. Meal includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea, juice & milk. Baked Goods from our parishioners will also be on sale.

Tickets will be available at the door.

Change for Life On Mother’s Day weekend after each Mass, the Knights of

Columbus will be handing out empty baby bottles. Please

take one home and fill it up with spare change and bring it

back filled by Father’s Day on June 15. Money collected

will help pay for our pro-life buses going to Washington

D.C. next year. Any extra money will go to local pro-life

causes in the area such as Chester County Women’s

Services, Birthright of West Chester, and Generation Life.

Prayer for the Unemployed Saint Joseph, as the foster father of the Lord, witnesses in a unique way to the care of the family and providing for its spiritual and material needs. Employment is one of these most important materials needs. The Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker on Thursday, May 1, 2014, invites us to turn to him, Protector of the Universal Church and all of us, to ask his assistance for the unemployed who often feel utterly alone, abandoned, and many times guilty about their situation. Our prayers for the unemployed are a sign of our own concern and a hope for God’s providence in a most challenging situation.

Petition for the Unemployed For all those unemployed and seeking work

to provide for themselves and their families,

may the protecting help of Saint joseph the Worker

bring a swift end to their burdens and difficulties

and a renewed confidence in God’s providence.

Let us pray to the Lord.

Second Collection May 10, 2014

For Camilla Hall Renovation campaign

Our Second Collection on May 10-11 will support Camilla Hall’s Renovation Campaign. St. Joseph is making a parish gift to the Capital Campaign to renovate Camilla’s nursing/retirement home. Since many of the IHM Sisters who have worked here at St. Joseph have been or currently are residents of Camilla, and since many of the sisters who now serve the parish will likely spend time in Camilla eventually, we look forward to making a parish gift toward this effort and continuing to support them as they have always supported us. Thank you!

Congratulations! Two Hundred and Fourteen parish youth received First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 3. We are grateful to parents, guardians,

teachers, catechists, and our priests for their support and efforts to prepare the children for this most special moment in their lives. May their next, and every, reception of Jesus in the most Holy Eucharist be just as special for them as this first time.

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, May 18, at 10 a.m.

Located in the Church, Saint John Neumann Room.

ASCENSION OF THE LORD

MASS SCHEDULE Holy Day of Obligation, Thursday, May 29

Wednesday, May 28

7 PM Vigil

Thursday, May 29 7 AM, 9 AM

12:05 PM, 7 PM

Please Note Confession Times *There will only be 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM

Confessions on Wednesday, May 28 due to the vigil for Ascension Thursday.*

PLEASE NOTE

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

• The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

• There will only be 8 AM morning Mass.

Ascension Thursday, May 29

• The Parish Office will be closed. It will open again on Friday, May 30 at 8 AM.

Honor Our

Blessed Mother

During the

Month of May

Please join us as we honor our Blessed Mother during the month of May.

Parish May Procession • On Thursday, May 15, please join us for our Annual

May Crowning at 7 p.m. in the church. Students who received their First Holy Communion or Confirmation this year are invited to wear their dresses, suits, and gowns.

Bring Flowers to Honor Mary • Following the May Procession through the end of May,

we invite you to bring flowers from your garden to surround the Blessed Mother statue that will sit in the narthex during the rest of the month.

Religious Education News

PREP News Registration for 2014-2015 is now open! Please log onto the PREP website at www.stjoeprepdtown.org for all necessary information. Everything can be completed online. Contact the PREP Office at 610-873-8798 if you have any questions about signing up for next year.

Congratulations!

Pictured to the left are Erika Nance, Samantha

Polidori, Jennifer

Doerdelmann and

Eric Cooper who received the sacraments of Baptism,

First Holy Communion

and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on

Saturday, April 19.

Congratulations all!

Pictured below are Paige Jones, Landon Jones, Scott Jones, Brooke Jones, Cassie Jones, Karen MacIntyre,

Sam Graef, and Pam Rosfelder who were received into

full communion in the Catholic Church on

Saturday, April 26 at the 5 p.m. Mass.

Pictures to the left are

Jason Pennington and

Dale Marques

who were received into full communion in the

Catholic Church on

Sunday, April 27 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

HELPWANTED!!! This is a community event, run byparishioners, for the enjoyment of our

families, friends, and community bene�iting the parish.

Weneedmanyvolunteersforactivities.

Please check out our website for volunteer information and sponsorship

opportunities.

You can also link to our Facebook page and volunteer sign up from there.

http://stjoesfestival.com/ .

LiveBandScheduleJune 17

Hopwood (Throughout the evening)

June 18

TheSurvivors(6-8 pm) & TheFloats (8-10pm)

June 19

4-PlayBand (Throughout the evening)

June 20

TheBulldogs (Throughout the evening)

June 21

FernRock (Throughout the evening)

Bingo every day in the air

conditioned Cafeteria, near the

Baked Goods Table

CallingAllBakers

If you would like to donate

baked goods for the

Festival please contact Rose

Graveno at 610-269-0165 or

610-269-1516.

Bottles of ‘cheer’ for our cheer

wheel.

Do you have unopened bottles of

wine or spirits that you just won’t

get to? Why not donate them for use

in the festival Cheer Wheel booth.

Just drop off your bottles at the

parish of�ice with a note directing

them to the Festival Cheer Wheel.

St. Joseph Community Festival June 17-21 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday

6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Every Night is Family Night - Ride All Night Long $25

BeerGarden

Adults come on by the beer

garden for a quick drink and

access to the adult small

games of chance.

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 5/5,

Please contact Diane Sweeney at 610-269-3438 or Mary DiGregorio 267-2407525.

For the week of 5/12,

Please call Lisa Mattioni at 610-269-9025 or Ann McLaughlin at 610-269-8550.

HOPE is in need of additional Coordinators. Coordinators make calls to find drivers who can bring clients to their appointments.

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

May Mercy Hospice Schedule Group 1 - Chicken Supreme

Group 2 - Deep Dish Turkey Pot Pie Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574.

As today’s gospel reveals, the first meal shared with the risen Lord happened in a place called Emmaus. Perhaps there is no better time to reflect on this story than in those prayerful moments at Mass when we return to our place after receiving Holy Communion. Those few moments give us an opportunity to reflect on our Stewardship of Christ’s presence within us. We have a chance to practice hospitality by inviting Jesus into our hearts to walk and talk with us about our own Emmaus journey. We can relive once again the time when he broke bread for the disciples. And just as they did, we too can recognize Christ in this meal we have just shared with others.

Poor Box & Children’s Collection Sunday, April 27 Poor Box: $352.00

Children’s Collection: $6.78 April Total: $1,655.51

The collection for April was for Birthright. The collection for May will be for Good Works.

Collection Totals Sunday, April 27

Regular Collection

$29,016.39

Ordinary Income: $21,349.00 (654 envelopes)

Weekly EFT: $5,086.50 (180 participants)

Collection Total: $29,016.39

Additional

Easter Sunday Collection April 27: $9,076.00

Total to Date: $105,997.10

Say “Yes” to Autogive! AutoGive is a safe and easy way to contribute on a monthly or weekly basis to the parish in a consistent manner.

All you need to do to sign up is fill out a form in the parish office, attach a voided check and drop it in the collection basket or turn it into the parish office and by next weekend you can be AutoGiving!

For more questions, please call the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

Shopwithscrip also offers ScripNow that allows you to print cards fast! Perfect for last minute gifts and vacations! Here are a few Scripnow stores!

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

Aid For Friends Volunteers prepare individual meals for the homebound in the area. They pick up containers from the Holy Family Center and the vestibule of church, fill them at home (often by simply cooking a little more at dinner and setting aside a portion), and return the meals to the Aid For Friends freezer in the Holy Family Center. Every contribution is important, from one meal a month, several a week, or something in between. Whether you contribute regularly or once in a while, you’re making a difference. Contact: Debby O'Keefe at 610-269-8032.

Legion of Mary This group of men and women demonstrates and deepens their devotion to our Blessed Mother through prayer and service. Active members meet weekly for prayer and discussion of the work of the past week. They routinely visit hospitals and nursing homes, say the rosary with groups of homebound parishioners, and stand ready to assist the pastor when needed. Auxiliary members support the work of active members by praying the rosary and legion prayers daily. Contact Mimma Patrono at 610-384-7933 for more information.

2014

Saint Joseph Lottery Winners

April 20 579 $150 Pat Panichelli

April 21 244 $125 Mary Logiurato

April 22 773 $125 Calendar Still Available

April 23 036 $125 Calendar Still Available

April 24 184 $125 Calendar Still Available

April 25 513 $125 Calendar Still Available

April 26 173 $125 Calendar Still Available

For more information or questions, please email StJoeLotteryCalendar@verizon.net or call

Joan Angiulo at 610-486-6552.

Mom’s Group Speaker Event

Mark your calendar for Tuesday May 6, at 10 a.m.! All moms are welcome to hear Fr. Eduardo de la Torre, LC, speak and answer questions about raising children to grow in their relationship with Christ. We will meet in the Parish Meeting Center. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. There will be babysitting available for anyone who wishes to use it.

RSVPs are not required, but help us be sure we have enough refreshments for all!

RSVP to Victoria at v.d.bako@zoho.com.

PRIME TIMERS

The Prime Timers next meeting is May 7, 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center. Sr. Catherine and the St. Joseph school children will present a musical program; refreshments will be served. All seniors are welcome! Tickets will also be available at the May meeting for the June 4 picnic, catered by Yoders, cost: $12; call Josephine Campagna for further details - 610-380 -0823.

The King’s Men will meet on Thursday, May 8

at 8 p.m. in the Parish 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!

Visit thekingsmen.us/ for info or contact Bill Reagan at B_reagan@rocketmail.com.

YouthMinistryNewsUpcomingSt.JosephYouthMinistrySchedule:

Friday, May 9 – Public and Homeschool 8th Grade Retreat: Keeping Faith in High School

Wednesday, May 14 – 6 – 8th grade outdoor kickball – Weather permitting

Friday, May 16 – St. Joseph School 8th Grade Retreat

Friday, May 23 – CYO 6 – 8th Grade – Integrating Sports into Faith @ 7p.m. with Dodge Ball and Pizza.

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

Charismatic Prayer

Group Our charismatic prayer group meets on Thursdays at 7:30, beginning May 8. Please join us in the chapel as we deepen our prayer life, deepen our relationship with the Lord, and worship as a community. Note that we will not meet on May 15 (parish May procession) or May 29 (Ascension Thursday).

Upcoming Meetings Officers’ Meeting Monday May 12 at 7:30 p.m. Council Meeting Monday May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Bring items for Lord’s Pantry. Nominations for officers for 2014-2015 Fraternal year.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP is an umbrella term for certain natural methods used either to achieve or postpone pregnancy. The practice of NFP is in accord with the faithful, fruitful, and permanent nature of marriage, and with every couple’s call to responsible parenthood. NFP respects the natural rhythms of the body and promotes shared responsibility for childbearing between husband and wife. Couples learn to identify and appreciate the signs of fertility in their own bodies. It is effective in helping to achieve as well as to postpone pregnancy. It is holistic and free of harmful side effects and allows users to work with the body rather than against it. It encourages couples to be open to the gift of children and to cooperate with God’s plan for a loving and fruitful marriage. To register go to: http://phillycatholiclife.org/natural-family-planning/ Scroll down for online registration and times and locations available.

We will be having a 2-class session here at Saint Joseph Church

June 7 - Parish Meeting Center, Room 4

June 14 - Holy Family Center Conference Room 9:30 am – 11:30 am

To register for this class enter "Group # NFP 3321" Please contact Chris Grove grolc@aol.com or

call 610-322-4601 with any questions.

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

Wednesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at Saint Agnes Chapel for Praise & Worship Adoration

Are you in your 20s and 30s and looking for other Catholics your age? CYACC (pronounced "kayak") exists to offer social, spiritual, and service opportunities to young adult Catholics in the local area. Check us out on Facebook, at www.cyacc.org, or by emailing cyacc1@gmail.com. See you on Wednesday!

Archdiocese of Philadelphia News

Wedding Anniversary Mass The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the 5:15 pm Vigil Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M, Cap. will be the principal celebrant. All married couples and their families are invited! Special seating will be designated for couples celebrating 50 years and 25 years of married life. No prior registration is required.

National Catholic Bible Conference The National Catholic Bible Conference is Returning to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia! Have you ever wondered how to make sense of the Bible? Do you wish you could sit down with the Scriptures and hear the voice of God speaking to your heart? Do you want to learn an authentically Catholic approach to reading the Bible and sharing its wisdom with others? If so, there's a conference for you on on June 27 and 28, the National Catholic Bible Conference will return to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The theme of this year's event is "Scripture: The Heart of the Father." Learn from gifted Catholic speakers and biblical scholars, including Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Mark Hart, and Tim Gray. Registrations are currently being taken.

For more information, please visit CatholicBibleConference.com or call 1-888-842-2853.

MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat

Tuesday, May 6 at Malvern Retreat House, Fr. Christopher Walsh will direct a retreat for mothers who are raising children with disabilities and also those who have adult children with disabilities. There will be time to pray, reflect, and chat with other mothers. To register or for more information please contact Malvern Retreat House at 610-644-0400, malvernretreat.com or Sr. Kathleen Schipani at 215-587-3330, or sr.kschipani@archphila.org.

June 13-15 Retreat Malvern Retreat House (MRH) is hosting a retreat on June 13-June 15 (Father’s Day weekend, 6-3 Group). This year’s guest speaker is Gary Zimak. Gary Zimak is a Catholic Evangelist, Author, Radio Host and popular Catholic speaker. The retreat will also feature two fantastic Retreat Directors Fr. Michael Shea, C.M. and Fr. John Corbet, O.P.. You can learn more about MRH at http://sixthreegroup.com The cost of the weekend is a suggested free-will offering of $235 and a $25 deposit is recommended (but not required to reserve your room). For more info on MRH, this weekend or other retreats, please contact Parish Representative Anthony De Cesaris at anthony@decesaris.com.

BISHOP SHANAHAN NEWS Annual Spring Concert & Art Exhibit

Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited and a free will offering will be accepted.

Calling all World War II Veterans Report to Duty!

Honor Flight Philadelphia, a local non-profit organization, is currently looking for World War II veterans who would like to travel with us to Washington, DC for a day of honor and recognition to view those memorials dedicated to your service and sacrifice to our great nation at NO COST to the veteran. Our next Honor Flight Trip is scheduled for June 21, 2014. Transportation, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided as well as memorabilia, a Heroes Welcome home and USO style show featuring the Manhattan Dolls singing songs of the ‘40’s. Although we can never repay you for your service, an Honor Flight trip is a small token of our appreciation for your service to our great country and our freedom.

Please contact JoDean at 610-627-1494 or philjodean@aol.com