April 9,

2017

Palm Sunday of the Passion

of the Lord

Holy Week Schedule Parish Penance Service

Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Holy Thursday

Thursday, April 13

7 p.m. - Mass of the Lord’s Supper 11 p.m. - Night Prayer

Good Friday

Friday, April 14

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer 3 p.m. - Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

7 p.m. - Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday

Saturday, April 15

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer 1 p.m. - Blessing of the Easter Food

Easter Mass Schedule Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 15 8 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses Sunday, April 16

6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Parish Office Hours

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.

If you have an evening event, please make sure to pick up the key

before that time.

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St. Joseph Parish Library

The St. Joseph Parish Library is located in the parish office and is open during regular office hours. We have a great selection of books and DVDs for all ages to choose from!

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. Keith J. Chylinski Weekend Ministry 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. Lisa Grillo

Elder Care Program Manager

Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist Ms. Julie Wiant Business Manager

Ms. Jeannine Zack Parish Secretary

SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool Phone: 610-269-8999 Fax: 610-269-2252

www.stjosephrc.org

Sister Catherine Irene I.H.M. Principal Sister Diane Licordare I.H.M. Vice Principal Mrs. Julie Fitzgerald Secretary

Parish Religious Parish Religious Parish Religious Parish Religious Education ProgramEducation ProgramEducation ProgramEducation Program

Phone: 610-873-8798 Fax: 610-873-5466

www.stjosephrc.org

Mrs. Kathy Thomas Director of Religious Education

Mrs. Mary Ann Korpics Assistant to the D.R.E.

ConventConventConventConvent Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate

Heart of Mary 484-593-4352

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.

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.

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.

Parish Registration

Sunday, April 30, at 10 a.m. Church, St. John Neumann Room

This is a great opportunity to register as a parishioner of Saint Joseph Parish. Please come and meet our Pastor, School Principal, Director of Religious Education and our Parish Services Director.

Please call the parish office if you have any further questions at 610-269-8294.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 5:00 PM Mario DiFrancesco

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Pat Ruffini 9:00 AM Hugo Zaccaria 10:30 AM Nancy Russell 12:00 PM Dominick Palmieri 4:00 PM Cordelia Mary McKenna

MONDAY, APRIL 10 7:00 AM Deceased Members of the Cellini Family 9:00 AM Deceased Members of the Manetta & Pace Families

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 7:00 AM Baby Joseph Haughey 9:00 AM Eileen Delphais

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 7:00 AM Ryan & Benedict Finley (Living) 9:00 AM Bridget McLoone

Holy Week Schedule Holy Thursday

Thursday, April 13

7 p.m. - Mass of the Lord’s Supper 11 p.m. - Night Prayer

Good Friday

Friday, April 14

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer

3 p.m. - Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

7 p.m. - Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday

Saturday, April 15

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer

1 p.m. - Blessing of the Easter Food

Easter Mass Schedule Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 15

8 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses

Sunday, April 16

6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Please remember in your prayers all those who have died: George Ciarlone and Donald Hayes George Ciarlone and Donald Hayes George Ciarlone and Donald Hayes George Ciarlone and Donald Hayes

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the following children baptized on April 2.

LILA MARIE AMEIGH, JAMES AVI CLEMENTE,

JACKSON ROSS GLICKMAN AND ISAAC JONATHAN SHAH.

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 weekend is April 28 & 29. Registration forms are available on our website and in the St. Katharine Drexel Room in Church. For more info, contact Karen

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

�those who are sick: Sylvia Anderson, Frank Baker, Patrick Bonani, Philomena Bruno, Marcia Bukay, David & Connie Bull, Joan Carbo, Allison Carcella, Judy DiFonzo Cazillo, Marie Ciarlone, Ron Gibson, Virginia Cipriano, Bill Cleveland, Dolly Colella, Anita Conant, John P. Conway, Baby Michael Corrigan, Jason Cozzone, Carrie Grosso, John Cruice, Dominic D’Antonio, Floyd D’Ginto, Evelyn Dulik, Lillian Esposito, Gladys Felice, Mark Gottman, Paul Grimm, James Grottaglia, John Guttman, Phoebe Guyer, Paddy Hamilton, Cathie Harper, Ann Hauster, Doreen Hindo, Brian Hughes, Joseph Huss, Dot Johnson, Joanne Leamy, Tucker King, Mark T. Klimowicz, Father Larry Kozak, David Kurtz, Joanne Leamy, Robert Mancuso, Nicholas Massari, McBeth Family, David McFarland, Jim McGowan, Pat Melcher, Marena Marie Meyers, Bill Nangle, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Jordan Oddo, Sue Patrick, Mimma Patrono, Florence Popadick, Eileen Posner, Msgr. Joseph Rauscher, Lynn Reily, Sue Rizzo, David W. Rothhaar, Doreen & Don Sadowski, Christopher Sauk, Karen Sambuco, Doris Sauer, John Schreiber, Marie Scopa, Mildred Seeds, Margaret Shannon, Brian Sheehan, Laura Shorter, Baby Jessica Shue, Edward Smith, Peter Snyder, John Stagliano, Dee Taraschi, Jay Teti, Margaret Timothy, Andy Valenti, Reece Gabriel Weeks & Ronald Grant Zimmerman.

...those who are serving our country: Brandon W. A’Hara, Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Caytie Castells, Specialist Andrew Clauhs, Ensign Morgan S. Dankanich, Sarah Debarberie, Lt/Cpl. Shane Desiderio, Staff Sgt. Christopher Deutsch, Staff Sgt. Ian Deutsch, Captain Joseph S. DiBerardinis, 1st Lt. Mark Edwards, Danny Fuller, Jeffrey Fuller, 1st Lt. Matthew Glisson, Leslie Harkness, 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Harris, Brent Joshua Horrocks, LCPL. Steven Houser, Jacob Hudson, Zachary Kish, Christopher J. Korpics, Mark T. Korpics, Peter Kurtz, Andy Landmesser, Major Paul D. Lang. PFC. Sgt. Christopher Madden, Krzysztof Malarz, Spc. Nicholas Massari, Major J. Kevin McKittrick, Pvt. Francis Misantone, 2nd Lt. Ryan Misero, PFC Jake Moffitt, Lt. J.G. Brian Muka, Pvt. Ian Donoghue-

Neider, PFC Nicholas Odgers, Sgt. Bradley Panichelli, Alex Rozon, Pvt. 1st Class John Sauerzoph, 1st Lt. Eric F. Satterthwaite Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia, Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Pvt. Nick Scott, Vincent E. Short, III, Jeremy Solnosky, Ryan Strehl, LTJG Sean Sweeney, Bryan Williams, Josh Woodward and Vincent Yarch.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

TODAY’S READINGS

The readings for Palm Sunday can be found at #898(A).

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

Knights of Columbus

Easter Egg Hunt! The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring their annual Easter Egg hunt on Palm Sunday, April 9 as soon as the Noon Mass ends. This is for kids 1 month to 12 years old. Bring your basket or bag to collect the plastic eggs. It will be held on the field behind St. Martha Manor. If there is inclement weather, it will be held in the school the gym.

April 9, 2017 - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Dear Friends,

Today, we enter into the Holiest Week in the Christian calendar. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ we remember, we celebrate, we participate in the life-saving events of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The joy of Easter can only be fully realized if we are willing to accept our share in the suffering and death of Jesus and walk with Him to Calvary.

Holy Thursday celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening, commemorating the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. Christ’s new commandment to love one another is revealed in the Washing of the Feet. That love becomes fully realized in the Eucharist and Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Our Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place at 7:00 p.m. with Adoration at the Repository and with Night Prayer at 11:00 p.m. This year, Bishop John McIntyre will be the main celebrant. Our church becomes the upper room as we remember and celebrate the Last Supper on the night before He died.

Good Friday – the Church gathers in silence to read scr ipture and offer prayers for the whole wor ld. The Office of Readings and Morning Prayer will be at 9:00 a.m. The Veneration of the Cross takes place not simply to mourn the death of our Savior but to acknowledge that through the Cross of Jesus we are led to glory! We will gather at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the Lord’s Passion and at 7:00 p.m. for the Stations of the Cross.

Holy Saturday – the Church is asleep until the Easter Vigil wakes us from the darkness of the long night of death. The Office of Readings and Morning Prayer will be at 9:00 a.m. and the Blessing of Easter Food is at 1:00 p.m. The Easter Vigil is the highpoint of the entire liturgical year. The new fire is blessed and candles glow in the celebration of Christ our Light. The Church joyfully welcomes our elect to be full members of the Body of Christ after their Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Salvation history is proclaimed and all Catholics renew their baptismal promises as we prepare to receive the Eucharist with new hearts and minds renewed. Our Easter Vigil will start at 8:00 p.m. We renew our baptismal promises along with those who are joining our catholic church at this special liturgy.

Easter Sunday Masses will be at 6:00 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Please note the special times and be aware that the later morning masses will be very crowded. I invite all of our parishioners to be warm and welcoming to all of our visitors, families and friends. Overflow seating will be available in the chapel when the main church fills up.

I hope and pray that these days of Holy Week will be spiritually rewarding to you and to your families. Christ will always lead us from the darkness of sin to a place of light, happiness and peace. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, continues to remind us by both his words and deeds that we need to keep it simple and most importantly keep close to Christ. These special days are a perfect opportunity to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

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

A L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o r

Local Penance Services Monday, April 10

St. Maximilian Kolbe, 7 PM

St. Patrick, 7 PM

Tuesday, April 11

St. Joseph, 7 PM

Wednesday, April 12

SS. Philip & James, 7 PM

Holy Week Office Hours Holy Thursday - 8 AM-8 PM Good Friday - 8 AM-12 Noon Holy Saturday - 9 AM-2 PM

Easter Sunday - Closed

Going away for Easter? Make a one-time donation online!

http://stjosephrc.org/resources/give-to-st-joseph-parish/ or drop your Easter envelope off at the Parish Office.

L e n t 2 0 1 7L e n t 2 0 1 7L e n t 2 0 1 7L e n t 2 0 1 7

Giving Alms You are invited each of the following weekends during Lent to give alms in ways that help our neighbors – locally, regionally, or globally.

Friday, April 14

Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land. (There are special envelopes for this collection).

*Please make all checks payable to St. Joseph Church*

Operation Rice Bowl If you are participating in Operation Rise Bowl, please return your bowl when you come to Mass the weekend after Easter – April 22 and 23 (Divine Mercy Sunday).

Make a Make a Make a Make a Lenten Connection Lenten Connection Lenten Connection Lenten Connection Each Sunday during Lent, look in the bulletin for a different Lenten task to focus on during the week. There will tasks for adults/teens, and ones for children. Use Lent to... Connect with God. Connect with Each Other. This week’s tasks:

Adults/Teens: “Why did Jesus die?” How would you answer this in 20 or fewer words?

Children: Ask a parent or grandparent to read a story from the Bible with you. During the week, think about the story and why it is important.

Please Support St. Joseph Church Boy Scout Troop 2

Holy Thursday, April 13

Good Friday, April 14

Holy Saturday, April 15

Easter Sunday, April 16

Easter Mass Schedule Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 15

8 p.m. Vigil

Easter Sunday Masses

Sunday, April 16

6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m.,

10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Holy Week Schedule Holy Thursday

Thursday, April 13

7 p.m. - Mass of the Lord’s Supper Celebrant: Bishop John McIntyre!

11 p.m. - Night Prayer

Good Friday

Friday, April 14

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer 3 p.m. - Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

7 p.m. - Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday

Saturday, April 15

9 a.m. - Office of Readings/Morning Prayer 1 p.m. - Blessing of the Easter Food

Donate an Easter Ham The St. Agnes Easter Dinner Project provides Easter Hams for struggling families in the greater West Chester area. If you would like to help, you can purchase a ham from: Wegmans; Giant in Exton, Bradford Plaza, Boot Road, Chadds Ford, and Frazer; and Shop Rite of West Chester.

Simply pay for the ham at check out and drop it off at the customer service desk; they will keep them at the store until pick-up. Hams must be purchased by Sunday,

April 9. Their “sell by” date must be April 22 or later

and must not have been frozen. For planning purposes, it is important that we have a count of hams that will be donated. You can do this by signing up at https://tinyurl.com/hpoh4f9 or contacting Maria DiMarco at mmcdimarco3@gmail.com or 484-888-5368 by Sunday,

April 9. You can also make a monetary donation to help buy fresh produce.

Help us Decorate for Easter! The Art & Environment Committee invites you to join in the fun of setting up the Easter flowers for our church on Saturday April 15 at 10:00 a.m. More hands make for lighter work!

Questions? Please call Amy Piro 610-308-5273.

Downingtown Ministerium

Good Friday

Community Service April 14, 2017

12 Noon Downingtown United Methodist Church

751 E. Lancaster Avenue

Childcare will be provided. All are welcome!

P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s

St. Joseph School News

Science Fair Winners We congratulate all of our Science Fair winners for representing St. Joseph School so well. Sean Whitaker: 3rd Place in Consumer Science; Jack Porter: 1st Place in Physics; Simon Ambrose and Anthony D’Addezio: 1st Place in Team Category; Elizabeth Heffern achieved High Honors, Evan Carter achieved Distinguished Honors.

Registration Registration is now open for 2017-2018. We hope that many new families will join us for the next school year. We have openings in all grades. Come and see all the wonderful things that are taking place at St. Joseph School! Contact us at 610-269-8999 or office@stjosephrc.org to schedule a tour or a visit!

Family Fully Alive FestivalFamily Fully Alive FestivalFamily Fully Alive FestivalFamily Fully Alive Festival Sponsored by the

Knights of Columbus and Relevant Radio

Sunday, April 30 from 12 noon-5 p.m.

This will be an uplifting celebration of family with activities for children, food, and presentations on topics of marriage, family, life, and spirituality. Speakers include:

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, President and CEO of Servant Enterprises, Inc.

Mark Houck, Founder & President of The King's Men

Megan Schrieber, President of AbbeyFest Ministries

To register or for additional information, please like us on Facebook at https://www.fb.com/familyfullyalive

or visit our website at www.familyfullyalive.us

Collection

for the Holy Land

Good Friday, April 14

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Good Friday, April 14, 2017, we celebrate the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, contemplating the sacrifice by which Jesus redeemed the human race from sin and death. It also has been our longstanding tradition as Catholics to offer alms in support of the Catholic Community in the Holy Land.

As directed by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, funds generated by this collection support programs and services in the Holy Land. Support is needed to maintain the sacred places, to provide educational and pastoral programs as well as outreach programs for the poor through established charitable institutions.

On behalf of those Christians and others in so much need, I seek your most generous and sacrificial support of the

Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land on April 14,

2017. I know that God our Father will reward your generosity beyond all measure.

Gratefully and with best wishes 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

Cat’s Meow

Collectible of

St. Joseph Church! Help support our parish’s young people who will be attending a Youth Conference this July at Franciscan University of Steubenville! Our Youth Group will be selling new images of our third church that match the Cat’s Meow collectible images of our past churches and schools. They will be sold for $20. This is a great opportunity for you to purchase a gift (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up) or a way to remember a Sacrament received here (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or

Marriage).

This is a purr-fect keepsake of the third building that stands as a witness to our Catholic faith here in historic Downingtown borough.

They will be offered for purchase after Masses this weekend, April 8-9. Any questions, please call or email Father Rossi at frrossi@stjosephrc.org

40 Days for Life Thank you to everyone who participated in St. Joseph’s Vigil at Planned Parenthood on Thursday, March 30. We exceeded the number of attendees who participated in last Spring’s event. If we continue to add a few new people each campaign, our prayers may help to end abortions in West Chester. For info, call Pat DiPietro 610-873-2093.

Rectory Cook, Part-Time St. Joseph Parish is looking for a part-time cook to prepare dinners for the priests at the rectory. We are looking for someone who likes to cook, has culinary experience, or is a cooking professional interested in some additional hours. This position has a flexible schedule, approximately 8 hours per week. Email Julie Wiant, Business Manager, at juliew@stjosephrc.org if interested.

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 Lottery Calendar

Winner!

Rose Ciarlone Rose Ciarlone Rose Ciarlone Rose Ciarlone ---- $125$125$125$125

The last drawing for this years’ Sweepstakes Calendar will be April 30. Calendars for 2018 will be sold this fall with the first drawing 1/1/18. Thank you to those who participated. For info, call Joan Angiulo at 610-806-2142.

Youth Ministry News

Steubenville ConferenceSteubenville ConferenceSteubenville ConferenceSteubenville Conference Join the Teens of Saint Joseph Parish at the Franciscan University of Steubenville for a weekend of Faith, Fellowship and Fun. We will be attending the Summer Conference July 14 - 16, 2017. For more information, please go to www.stjosephrc.org/youth-ministry/ to download the Flyer and Registration Form. If you have any questions, please call Father Rossi at the Parish office or email him at frrossi@stjosephrc.org. Hope to see many of you there!

COMING SOON!

ST. JOSEPH

PARISH

MONTHLY

MAGAZINE

Includes: • Parish news and events • Original content from renowned Catholic authors • Feature family highlight • Parish ministry highlight • Scripture reflections

and much more....

Published by: Lighthouse Catholic Publishing

Sponsorship advertising space available!

Please call Mike Fontecchio at 484-612-5033 to set up an appointment and visit faithandfamily.pub to view a sample. Premium placement opportunities still available.

Divine Mercy Sunday Saint Joseph Parish will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on Sunday, April 23. There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. there will be the singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Prayers and Benediction. The message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Our late Holy Father Saint John Paul II designated the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. If a person celebrates this feast, goes to confession and receives Holy Communion in the state of grace, a plenary indulgence (remission of all punishment due to sin) is promised. Confessions will not be heard that day but one can go during the week or the following Saturday and still receive the indulgence.

The 10th10th10th10th Annual St. Joseph

Community Festival

Save the Dates Save the Dates Save the Dates Save the Dates for Family Fun

June 20 - June 24

6-10 PM Tuesday-Thursday

6-11 PM Friday and Saturday

$25 Ride-All-Night Wrist Bands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjoefestival Official Website: http://www.stjoesfestival.com

"Like" us, Follow us & Volunteer

Are you interested in helping?

We could sure use your help and your ideas! Come to the Festival Committee Meeting on May 4 at

7 p.m. in Parish Meeting Center, Room 3.

SNAP Screening &

Enrollment Event If you are a parishioner over 60 years of age and would like to be screened to determine your eligibility for SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits, please call Lisa Grillo, St. Joseph Parish Elder Care Program Manager. You will be screened via phone and if determined eligible, you will be scheduled for an in person enrollment appointment. Enrollment appointments will be scheduled between April 24, 2017 through May 5, 2017. You may reach Lisa at her direct line at the Parish Office at 610-269-7480.

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.) Rides require 48 hours notice.

HOPE provides rides to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and other necessary errands.

To request a ride the week of 4/10, please contact Karen McManus at 610-269-6979 or

Janine Lill at 610-269-3055. To request a ride for the week of 4/17,

please contact Diane Sweeney at 610-269-3438 or Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041.

HOPE is in need of 4 Coordinators. Coordinators book rides for clients for one week every six weeks. For most weeks, there are requests for 4-7 rides. Coordinators do not typically drive clients, but they may if they wish. Please contact Helen Lyons for more information or to volunteer at 610-873-8041 or helenmlyons@yahoo.com.

April Mercy Hospice Schedule

Group 3 - Lasagna Group 4 - Mexican Chicken Casserole

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

Poor Box Collection

April 2 Total: $391.00

The Poor Box for April is for Birthright of Coatesville.

Sunday, April 2 Collection Total

$86,777.82

Ordinary Income: $29,945.00 (658 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $3,072.94

Weekly EFT: $5,852.27 (212 participants)

Monthly EFT: $35,546.00 (346 participants)

Weekly Credit Card: $475.00 (23 participants)

Monthly Credit Card: $11,886.61 (133 participants)

Collection Total: $86,777.82

Shopwithscrip.com

Sign up with Shopwithscrip and a percentage of your orders can be credited to your school tuition or donated to St. Joseph Parish!

Shopwithscrip.com also offers ScripNow that allows you to print store gift cards fast! Perfect for last minute gifts!

The last day to order gift cards for Easter is Monday, April 10 by 11 AM and will be available to pickup on Thursday, April 13.

Please note that the parish office is open 8 AM-12 Noon April 14 and 9 AM-2 PM April 15.

2nd Collection Totals

Mother of Mercy House

$4,663.49

St. Joseph Chapter of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society $4,468.03

Thank you very much for your generosity.

We are at the doorsteps of Holy Week where we remember Christ’s passion. Jesus humbled Himself and let go of everything, emptying Himself for us. During this time of Lent, how have we joined the Lord? Has our prayer, penitential practices and almsgiving moved us to humble ourselves before the Lord? Have we let go of things that keep us from being authentic stewards for Christ Jesus? How have we “emptied” ourselves so that when we do approach the table of the Lord, we can be nourished by His body and blood? As disciples of Christ and stewards of His gift of faith, it is time

to evaluate our lives under the cross

(International Catholic Stewardship

Council’s April Newsletter)

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 King’s Men will not meet on Holy Thursday, April 13.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center.

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 for more info or to sign up for a Saturday.

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, May 6. Thank you.

St. Joseph Mom’s Group St. Joe’s Moms Group meets each Tuesday 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.

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.

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

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.

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

the Parish Meeting Center. Is Our Blessed Mother calling you? Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Jim McGowan at 610-812-4160.

Prime Timers St. Joseph’s seniors meet in the Parish Meeting Center behind the school from September to June for activities and socialization. Different activities and club reports are provided at our monthly meetings.

Club membership is only $15 for the year that began in September and is open to all those age 50+. New potential members and visitors can attend free and are always welcome to enjoy the companionship and socialization. For more details on membership, please call Mary at 610-269-

3650 or Paul at 610-873-2794.