Mass & Confession Times

  - all times Eastern

Weekend Masses:
 » Saturday - 5:00pm
 » Sunday - 9:00am & 11:00am

Weekday Masses:
 » Monday 12:00pm, at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Chapel
 » Tuesday - no scheduled Masses
 » Wednesday - 5:30pm
 » Thursday - 8:00am
 » Friday - 8:00am

Sacrament of Reconciliation

 » Saturday: 4:30pm - 4:45pm
 » Sunday: 10:15am - 10:45am
 » Friday: 8:30am - 9:30am, first Friday of the Month

 - or contact us for appointment office@stjosephpsj.org

Welcome

Whether you are local, a seasonal visitor, or someone enjoying a weekend on the Gulf Coast, St. Joseph Parish is a place to encounter Jesus. Join us for Mass, Adoration, Bible Study, social events, or simply stop by to offer a prayer.

If you are new to the area, a returning Catholic, or if you wish to become Catholic you are welcome to attend Mass and to become involved in parish activities. If you require more information We encourage you to speak with the Parish Secretary or the Pastor. Please Call 850-227-1417.

If you wish to donate On-Line  Click HERE! 

Announcements

Help We need volunteers for lectoring, altar serving, Eucharistic ministers and counting. Please consider volunteering for any of these needed areas in our church. It takes very little of your time and the more volunteers we have, the less times you will be needed. With our snowbirds heading back north, we are in need now more than ever. If you are interested or would like more information, call Dona in the office at 850-227-1417.

Priest Retreat & Mass Cancellation Fr. Mathew will be away for a priest retreat from Monday, April 22 until Friday, April 26. There will be no weekday masses during that time.

Church Registration We are delighted that you have chosen to become a member of our church family. Please register by stopping in or calling our office. (850-227-1417)

Lost A Rosary in a blue case was found in our church around 3 weeks ago. Someone picked it up but it was not the owner. It has a lot of sentimental value to this person and they would like to get it back. If you have it, please leave it in the church, bring it to the office or drop it in our drop box outside the hall door. We greatly appreciate your help

Second Collection Next weekend, we will take up the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Today, nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its territories are unable to fund the essential pastoral work their communities need. Your support of this appeal helps them meet these faith formation and sacramental needs. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this appeal.

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Franciscan At Home We are a partnering diocese so all of our parishes and school are already registered and all parishioners can take courses for free. There are a variety of courses for your convenience:
 » 1. FREE unlimited access
 » 2. Lifelong learners, Parents, Mentors, Facilitators, Leaders, Pastoral Care Workers, Social Outreach, Lay Ministers, and Mentors
 » 2. Diocesan Certification Process for Catechists, Parish Catechetical Leaders, Youth Ministers and RCIA Ministers.

Register Today! Follow these steps:
 » 1. Click Here:
 » 2. Click on the bottom blue button.
 » 3. The Sign Up for Free Through Your Institution page will appear.
 » 4. Choose Country — United States, Diocese — Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and Institution — Your Parish/School.  » 5. Click the Sign-Up box at the bottom.
 » 6. Complete your personal information (look for choice of receiving emails).
 » 7. Start your first workshop!
For more information, contact: Sister Margaret Kuntz at 850-435-3523 or kuntzm@ptdiocese.org

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Can We Help? If you or someone you know needs help with meals, a visit, or anything else, let us help! Contact the church office.

Communion to the Homebound Sacraments are available to all Catholics who would like to receive, but are unable to attend Sunday Mass due to injury, illness or advanced age. If you are in need of a visit, please call the office and request Communion at home, in the hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.

Rosary Please take time and join us as we say the Rosary every Tuesday at 11:00. The group Rosary is powerful and the benefits are endless. Let the simple and repeated prayers of the Rosary allow us to really focus on what Jesus did and said as we receive peace of mind, an increased love for Jesus, unity with our church and understand better the will of God in our lives. There is no better time than during Lent to embrace these mysteries and, with Mary's help, let them transform our lives.

Church Members If you are new to our church, we are delighted that you have chosen to become a member of our parish family. Please register in the parish office in our hall or call 850-227-1417.

Food Donations Don't forget our food basket at the entrance of the church which is open daily. It is there all year for dropping off nonperishable Food. If you're visiting the area, and have nonperishable food that you didn't use, consider donating these items before you make your trip back home. Thank you for thinking of those in need.  No open parcels please! 

Altar Flowers If you would like to donate altar flowers for a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, please contact the office at least 2 weeks in advance. Call: 850-227-1417

Gospel Reflection

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.” - John 10:11–13

Reflect, today, upon the calling you have received to lay down your life for others in imitation of the Good Shepherd. In order to imitate this love in the Heart of Christ, we must love without seeking love in return. Laying our lives down is an act of sacrificial love that enables us to look only at the needs of those around us. Pride and selfishness must disappear, and the good of the other must become our only goal. Reflect upon how well you do this, and pray that the Good Shepherd will use you to shepherd those in your life who need it the most.

Divine Shepherd, You came to lay down Your life for us all so that we might have life and have it to the fullest. Like the blind man You cured, I profess my belief in You and worship You. Help me to receive and imitate Your love so that I will lay my life down for others, leading them to You, their holy Shepherd. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: The Good Shepherd by Bernhard Plockhorst