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

25th Ordination Anniversary Congratulations Fr. Mathew on your 25th Priestly Ordination Anniversary Saturday, April 27. May you find joy and peace as our Lord inspires you each day and as you continue to be a blessing to our parish. Your dedicated service over the past 25 years has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and strength for the people of God. A celebration is planned for this special silver jubilee at a later date.

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.

First Holy Communion Next Sunday at the 11:00 Mass, six of our students will receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at their First Holy Communion. Congratulations to all six, as they become one with Christ and are welcomed to the table of the Lord.
 » Leonard Guido
 » Max Guido
 » Nolan Sparks
 » Rachel Stanton
 » Gy'bryel McCall
 » Emma Anderson

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)

Music News Happy Easter! We are still in the celebration of Easter, so you will still hear Easter hymns. We are working to ensure music accompanies both Masses, most Sundays.
The Schola practices on Tuesdays in the Church at 5:15PM for about 75-90 minutes. We are working on music of the Masses, the propers and ordinaries (parts of the Mass) as well as other beautiful pieces. If you are interested in joining us, even just to come check it out, please come!
For more information, please contact Carolyn Williams 850-899-0022.

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

This Weekend’s Second Collection Catholic Home Missions Appeal Support the Catholic Home Missions Appeal today! Nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its territories are considered mission territories because they are unable to fund essential pastoral activities needed in their communities. Your support funds religious education, seminary formation, lay ministry training, and other programs that build vibrant faith communities right here in the United States. Please be generous.

Next Weekend’s Second Collection: Priests’ Retirement Fund Our annual priests’ retirement fund collection was started back in 2003 in our diocese, and was called “The Shepherd’s Trust.” A few years ago, the name was changed to help people know exactly where the funds will go. Over the years, parishioners have been very generous in helping us care for our retired and infirm priests who have served us so well. Monies collected for this fund are used completely for the priests who have served us here in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

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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

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.” - John 15:1–3

Reflect, today, upon this holy imagery from Jesus. It’s a lesson from nature that reveals the supernatural life of grace at work. Don’t be deterred by the pruning God wants to do. Embrace suffering with love, respond to injustice with forgiveness, offer mercy when you don’t feel like it, and seek to serve selflessly those who seem undeserving. Doing so will prune you so that God will be able to build up His Kingdom in glorious ways through you.

Jesus, most glorious Vine, You and You alone are the source of all nourishment in life. From You all good things come. Help me to have a firm faith in You and all that You have revealed, so that this faith will bud forth and bring about an abundance of good fruit for the glorious building up of Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: Christ the True Vine by Moskos