Welcome
Welcome to St. Joseph Catholic Church: 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.
Announcements
- Adult Confirmation Do you know an adult who has
never been confirmed? Share the
goodness of the Lord by inviting
them to accept Bishop Wack’s
invitation to receive the Sacrament
of Confirmation this Spring.
Learn more HERE or contact the office
at 850-227-1417.
- Yearly Financial Statement If you would like an end of year
financial statement for your 2022
church donations, please call the
church office at 850-227-1417.
- Potluck Luncheons A Parish Potluck Luncheon will be
hosted by St Joseph's Choir,
Cantante Dei (Sing of God), on
Sunday, January 22 after the 11:00
Mass. Bring some of your favorite
dishes to share with your church
family. Enjoy old friends and meet
and greet new ones.
note: The Choir will host a monthly
potluck on the 4th Sunday of each
month so if you can't make this first
one, we hope you can join us at the
next one. Hope to see you there.
- Refreshments Please join us after the 9:00 Mass
for coffee, refreshments and
wonderful fellowship.
- Men's Club Meeting The Men's Club will meet on
Thursday, February 16 at 7:00pm in
the church hall to discuss
reorganization and to plan events.
All men of the parish are welcome
and encouraged to attend.
- Mardi Gras Breakfast The High School Youth Group will
be hosting a Mardi Gras Breakfast
on February 12 after both the 9:00
and 11:00 Mass. They will be
serving pancakes, eggs and sausage.
Cost is by donation only. All
donations are going toward their
Youth Conference trip to Atlanta.
Come and enjoy a lovely breakfast
with our youth and help support
their trip.
- Catholic Sharing Appeal 2023 Next weekend, February 4th & 5th is Presentation Sunday for CSA. The
diocese will be mailing brochures and
pledge cards to all active parishioners
on February 3. We will also have some
at each entrance of the church.
- Catholic Sharing Appeal 2023 This weekend is presentation Sunday for
CSA. Parishes rely on donations from
parishioners to operate. The diocese does
not have these funds. CSA fulfills the
needs for funds at the diocesan level for
expenses that extend past the parish or
regional responsibilities. We rely on our
Diocese on a daily basis. Each parish is
given a pledge goal. Parish offertory is one
of the principal factors in determining a
proportionate amount of support from
each parish. If parishioners do not meet
the pledge goal, the parish still must pay
the balance not collected. However, if the
parish collects above the pledge goal, the
amount over is given back to that parish.
By giving funds through CSA,
parishioners assist our Bishop and Pastor
in carrying out a threefold mission of the
Church: teaching, serving and
worshipping. The diocese will be mailing
brochures and pledge cards to all active
parishioners on February 3. We will also
have some at each entrance of the church.
Please prayerfully consider how much you
can contribute.
- St. Blaise & Blessing of the
Throat Today, in honor of the Feast of St
Blaise, Fr Mathew will offer
the blessing of the throat where St
Blaise is invoked to intercede for us
that God may deliver us from
diseases of the throat and all other
illnesses.
†
- Rosary Please join us every Tuesday at
11:00am to say the rosary. We
encourage you to take a moment out
of your week in prayer to Mary with
fellow parishioners.
- 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.
- 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 nonperishables. If you're
visiting the area, and have nonperishables that
you didn't use, consider donating them before
you make your trip back home. Thank you for
thinking of those in need. No open parcels please!
- 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.
- 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 Ordinary Time
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:14–16
Reflect, today, upon two things. First, think about those upon whom God has called you to shine His light. Who is it in your life who needs an act of love, charity, mercy, forgiveness or compassion? Commit yourself to becoming God’s light for them in their darkness. Second, think about those who have shone the Light of Christ upon you. When this has happened, how did you respond? Hopefully your response was one of a gratitude that not only returns love to the other but also glorifies God through your gratitude. Be the light of the world to a world in need and seek out that light as it shines brightly through others. This is the only way to step out of the darkness that constantly tries to pervade us.
Lord, You are the true Light Who dispels every darkness in life. You are the Light of my life and shine brightly for all to see. Help me to see Your light as it shines on others and to glorify You for that gift. And help me to be an instrument of Your light to those who need it the most. Jesus, I trust in You.! - My Catholic Life
Artwork: "Light of the World" by William Holman Hunt