The 1st Sunday of Advent

December 3,

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

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

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

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

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 & Pace Families 9:00 AM Barbara Mento (5th Anniv.) 10:30 AM For the members of the St. Joseph Memorial Society

12:00 PM Barbara Travaglini 4:00 PM Baby Thomas Joseph Maslo, III

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 7:00 AM Erma Zaccaria 9:00 AM McCormack Family

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 7:00 AM Michael Doyle, Sr. 9:00 AM Donald Schneeman

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 7:00 AM Faye Taraschi 9:00 AM Joan McHugh

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 7:00 AM Arthur G. Humphrey, Jr. 9:00 AM June E. Hanley

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 8:00 AM Calvin Bostelle

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 5:00 PM Helen Fenimore (20th Anniv.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Charles Broomell, III 9:00 AM Herbert Hartmann 10:30 AM Josephine Lectora 12:00 PM George Bird (10th Anniv.) 4:00 PM Helen Moyer

The Sanctuary Candle Burns in Memory of Luigi & Carmella Muzii.

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle burns in memory of Cassie and Kathleen Arroyo.

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the following children baptized on November 19 & 26.

RYAN JOSEPH KENNEDY, LUCA VINCENZO POLVERINI,

HURLEY JAMES RAMOS-BRENNAN,

GIOVANNI VICTOR RAMOS-BRENNAN,

REILEY SABRINA RAMOS-BRENNAN,

PATRICK JAMES WATSON AND BLAISE ALEXANDER WEISMAN.

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, Mildred Seeds, Brian Sheehan, Baby Jessica Shue, Ed Shultz, Mike Smith, Lucy Spadaro, Geri Talucci, 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, 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 the 1st Sunday of Advent can be found at #859.

Names will be kept on the sick list for 3 months. Call the parish office to add/remove/re-add names.

Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation

Friday, December 8 7 PM Vigil (Thurs.),

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

A L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o r December 3, 2017

Dear Friends,

Today, the First Sunday of Advent, marks not just the beginning of our preparation for Christmas, but also the beginning a new liturgical Church year for us as Catholics. Advent extends over the next four Sundays, literally culminating on Christmas Eve this year. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word Adventus, which means “coming.” Like Lent, this is a preparatory season, one that has us looking forward to and waiting for something greater.

We are aware that the One who is coming is Christ, but that means more than just Christ’s birth at Christmas. It also means the coming of Christ into our lives through grace and the sacraments of Holy Communion and reconciliation. However, its ultimate meaning has to do with preparing for Christ’s second coming. In that regard, over the past few weeks our readings from Holy Scripture have very much centered on being prepared for that final coming. Today’s readings continue that theme.

We hear readings from Isaiah often at this time of year because that prophet foretold in such accurate detail the coming of the Messiah, of Christ. In addition, there is a certain poetry to the way Isaiah writes. The closing of our First Reading is “Y et, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” What an eloquent statement about who God is, and who we are as well! However, even if we understand that we are God’s creation, as is everything, for God to truly form us we must be open to Him and to His direction and guidance.

Advent is a time for us to develop our relationship with God, so we are the “work of His hands.” There is a clear explanation in this reading that one of the great obstacles to God being an intimate part of our lives is our sinfulness. This is a time when it is important to address that obstacle, to reconcile with God, and with many others in our lives perhaps, so that we can indeed be prepared and fulfill God’s wishes for us.

The Gospel Reading from St. Mark opens with “Be watchful! Be alert!” This is the same message we have heard over and over in recent weeks. We do not know, cannot know, when Jesus is coming or when our own lives will end. There are two ways to look at that: the cynical way is “I don’t know so it really does not matter.” This Advent season is a time when we should come to grips with the reality that it does matter. As Jesus reminds us, we need to be alert, eager, and ready for His coming. But we tend to put that preparedness off, which is the human way we often respond. Now is the time for each of us to commit ourselves to getting prepared by embracing the many opportunities afforded us during Advent and then Christmas.

Happy Advent! May it be a time of grace and readiness for all of us.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

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

2017 Day of Sanctification for Priests

Prayer for the Day of Sanctification for PriestsPrayer for the Day of Sanctification for PriestsPrayer for the Day of Sanctification for PriestsPrayer for the Day of Sanctification for Priests

Lord our God,

who in governing your people,

make use of the ministry of Priests.

Grant to these men a persevering obedience to your will,

so that by their ministry and life

they may gain glory for you in Christ.

Who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

The priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia assemble

each year for a day of prayer and reflection on the Sacred

Priesthood.

This year, our priests will gather with Archbishop Chaput at

Saint Charles Seminary on Monday, December 4, for the

2017 Day of Sanctification for Priests.

Please pray for all priests of the Archdiocese, especially

this weekend and Monday, with the following prayer from

the Roman Missal.

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.

The Giving Tree Project Has Begun!

Still Time for the Giving Tree Project! There are still tags on the tree, and, if you haven't participated yet, there is still time. Please take an ornament, purchase the gift, and return the gift under the tree by Wednesday, December 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 call Nick at 610-308-1757. Once again, thank you for participating in this great project to help make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Advent Memorial

Opportunity Memorialize your loved one this advent with a gold-plated bread plate. Item will be engraved with your loved one’s name. This opportunity is $1,250. Please call Julie Wiant at 610-269-8294 if you are interested.

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

What does Advent look like at your house? How do we prepare our hearts for the greatest gift we’ve ever been given? Use our parish subscription to FORMED to explore this Advent study that looks at the mystery of the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, and the events surrounding the arrival of Jesus.

Go to formed.org and enter our parish code: 13f195

Breakfast

with

Santa

Saturday, December 9

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

$5/person Children under the age of 2 are FREE

(Tickets will only be sold at the door)

Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, french toast sticks,

fruit juices, coffee, tea, milk and more!

Christmas crafts will be provided!

Sponsored by the Saint Joseph Parish

Youth Group

Santa Arrives Santa Arrives Santa Arrives Santa Arrives

at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.at 9 a.m.

Cello Concert

Please join Liam Corrigan for a cello concert and light reception.

Liam is 11 and is a member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Strings Ensemble.

The performance will be held in the chapel following the 12:00 mass on December 10.

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.___________________________________________

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

ADVENT 2017

Happy Feast Day This week, we wish our Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary a very special feast day. They will renew their vows on the feast of the Immaculate Conception at the 9 a.m. Mass. Their example to us imitates Mary’s selfless love and they inspire us by their way of life. Our parish has been blessed by their presence and participation for many years and we continue to be blessed daily by their commitment and zeal for the Lord. Happy Feast

Day, I.H.M. Sisters!

Sister Jeanne Baker, I.H.M.

Convent Superior,

School Liturgy Planning & Tutoring

Sister Dorothy Goodrich, I.H.M.

Pastoral Minister at St. Martha’s

Sister Christina Joseph, I.H.M.

Pastoral Minister at St. Martha’s

Sister Diane Licordare, I.H.M.

School Vice Principal

Sister Catherine Masino, I.H.M.

School Principal

Sister Hannah Miller, I.H.M.

School 4th Grade Teacher

The Meaning of the

Advent Wreath

The following is a description of the symbolism of the Advent Wreath in the Catholic tradition.

The circular evergreen wreath represents God’s unending love for us and our eternal life with Him.

Each candle represents 1,000 years. For 4,000 years, the world waited for their Savior.

The lighting of the candles symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world.

Three violet candles and one rose candle shows a contrast of the darkness of sin to the light of the world.

• Weeks One and Two: We light two of the violet candles representing prayers, penance and sacrifice. “LOVE and FAITH.”

• Week Three: The rose candle is lit to represent “JOY” that the birth of Christ is almost here.

• Week Four: The final violet candle is lit that represents peace on earth, and brings us the “HOPE” that the Lord’s 1st coming into the world gave us and the anticipation of His 2nd coming to judge the living and the dead.

Our wreath is constructed of specific greens that also have meaning. The evergreens are eternal life, the holly and its red berries are the crown of thorns and His precious blood, the laurel represents victory over persecution and suffering, the cedar is strength and the pinecones are a symbol of Christ’s Resurrection.

Please enjoy this beautiful season, The St. Joseph Art and Environment Committee

Please join the

Chester County

Choral Society for Buon Natale here at St. Joseph Church!

Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The repertoire includes

• Gloria from Vivaldi’s Gloria

• Durante/Pergolesi’s Magnificat

• Shepherd’s Chorus from Amahl

• Dormi, Dormi, Bel Bambin

• Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle

• Gesu Bambino

• Carol of the Italian Pipers

To purchase tickets and for more information, go to www.chestercountychoralsociety.org

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

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.

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

in the Saint John Neumann Room in Church.

2nd Collection for the Retirement Fund

for the Religious This Weekend, December 2 & 3

Please be as generous as possible. Thank you!

Red Cross Blood

Drive Thank you to the members of the parish and community who came out. 57 pints were collected on Black Friday to

support this life-saving mission. If you missed us, you can always find other opportunities to be a donor or a volunteer at www.redcrossblood.org.

St. Joseph Parish Library The Library Staff is happy to announce the names of the winners and their prizes in the Library Raffle that was held on Monday, November 27, 2017:

Jane Desiderio

Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life

Pam Rosfelder A History of the Church in 100 Objects

Sean Coble Christmas Classics - DVD Set of Christmas Stories

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who participated in our Raffle.

Special Parish Office Hours Friday, December 8

Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

Closed

Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, December 25 - Christmas Day

Closed

Tuesday, December 26 - Day after Christmas

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Joseph

School News

Open House Dates for St. Joseph School

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.

Joseph’s People

Christmas Party Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 PM

in the school cafeteria

For all un/underemployed and your family. A great evening of fun including dinner, music, singing, band performances, Santa of course, friendship and fellowship. Come and bring a family member or friend. We have presents for the kids. Questions? Call Cheryl 610-304-4010 or email JPCheryl@verizon.net

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

Saint Joseph Cemetery Saint Joseph Cemetery Saint Joseph Cemetery Saint Joseph Cemetery Our parish cemetery is a beautiful, quiet spot located off Glenside Road in Downingtown. We have many traditional burial plots available and a Columbarium to hold cremains of loved ones. If you are interested in purchasing a plot or a niche for the future for yourself or your loved ones, call the parish office at 610-269-8294.

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.

Thank you for your kind assistance.

Safe Environment Saturday, February 10

9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center To register visit, www.virtus.org

The Archdiocese and the Harrisburg Child Protective Services Law requires all employees and volunteers who may have any possible contact with children in a parish/school function, or a function that takes place on school or parish property, to complete the safe environment trainings required by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Rite of Christian Initiation of

Adults (R.C.I.A.) Join us any Wednesday evening at 7 PM if you are interested in becoming a Catholic or in completing the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation if already baptized a Catholic. We gather in the community meeting room of the Parish Office. Contact Kathy Thomas for information at kathyt@stjosephrc.org or 610-873-8798.

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.

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.

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.

Summer PREP Pilot Program July 30-August 10, 2018

Catechists wanted Limited number of student spaces available.

Details to follow.

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

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 12/4, please contact Nancy Coccetti at 610-269-3036 or

Leslie Curtis at 610-203-9318. For the week of 12/11,

please contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631.

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

St. Paul opens today’s Second Reading by greeting the people of Corinth with “Brothers and sisters: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” St. Paul uses the phrase “grace to you and peace” five other times in his letters in the New Testament. Grace is always first and peace second, because grace is the source of peace. Without grace, there can be no peace. Immediately after his greeting Paul writes, “I give thanks to my God always on your account…” This is a time of year when we need to focus on our blessings and approach God with gratitude. Gratitude, as we know, is at the heart of a stewardship way of life, a Christian way of life. During Advent, we need to express that gratitude with a renewed sense of spirituality and a commitment to making changes in our lives that really do prepare us for the coming of

Christ.

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 19: $692.00

November 26: $395.00

November Total to Date: $2,667.00

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

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

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.

Sunday, November 19 Collection Total

$33,031.22

Ordinary Income: $23,982.08 (551 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $2,511.87

Weekly EFT: $5,802.27 (209 participants)

Weekly Credit Card: $735.00 (25 participants)

Collection Total: $33,031.22

Sunday, November 26 Collection Total

$30,381.41

Ordinary Income: $21,092.00 (566 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $2,752.14

Weekly EFT: $5,802.27 (209 participants)

Weekly Credit Card: $735.00 (25 participants)

Collection Total: $30,381.41

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, December 7 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, January 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

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.