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! 

Directory
If you haven't sent in your picture yet, please send it as soon as possible to web@stjosephpsj.com.

Bake Sale The Altar Society is having a bake sale on Saturday, November 15 at the Farmers Market from 9:00 until 1:00. Please bring your baked goods to the church hall on Friday, November 14 between 1:00 & 3:00. Containers and labels will be available starting November 8 after Saturday Mass in front of the church and after Sunday Masses in the hall. They will also be available Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 3:00 in the hall. All parishioners are welcome to bake for the sale. You do not have to be in the Altar Society to donate baked items.

Adult RCIA and Adult Sacramental Preparation Class Are you looking to become a Catholic? Are you a baptized Catholic over 18 who has not received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation? Perhaps now is the time to hear the voice of the Lord and open your heart to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We will be starting our RCIA program. If you are interested please contact the office @ 850-227-1417.

Giving Tree A Christmas Giving Tree to benefit the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society and the Gulf County Public Library is set up in the vestibule. Please take a tag and return your gift under the tree. The SJBHS relies heavily on volunteers and the generosity of the community to help fund their mission. Thank you for your generosity!

Thank You Veterans We are grateful to our Veterans for your service to America on this Veterans Day and always. Thank you for your courage in serving our country and protecting our freedoms. May God bless you and our country.

Adult Religious Study Please join us Tuesday evenings at 6:00 for our adult religious study.

100 Year Celebration Commemorative Ornaments We have ordered some ornaments commemorating the 100 year Anniversary of our church. They did not arrive on time for the celebration but will arrive the first week of December. Further information to follow in future bulletins.

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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 10:00am. 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 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 .

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

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

 Being Shocked by Our Lord  Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. John 2:19–21

Reflect, today, upon this powerful image of Jesus cleansing the Temple. As you do, apply it to your own life. The people selling and buying in the Temple must have been shocked at Jesus’ zeal and actions. If you have become complacent with your sins, try to allow this holy shock to also wake you up. Allow our Lord’s zeal to affect you, and know that His purifying actions are acts of love by which He desires to free you to become a more fully functioning member of His holy Church.

My zealous Lord, Your heart burns with a deep desire to cleanse me and all Your children from sin. Your zeal reveals Your deep love and Your willingness to do all that You can to make me a fuller member of Your Body, the Church. Open my mind and will, dear Lord, to all that You wish to say to me and give me the grace to respond to Your purifying action in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: Construction du Temple de Jérusalem by Flavius Josèphe

Come celebrate Mass with us.