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
Anyone wanting to be in the directory is asked to send a family or individual picture of themselves. If you are uncomfortable taking your own picture or sending it in, we will have someone taking pictures Saturday after Mass and Sundays between 10:00 and 11:00. All pictures must be sent in by February 15th to get them printed in the directory on time. Send your pictures with your names to web@stjosephpsj.com.

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Holy Day of Obligation
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation, on Monday December 8th. Mass will be in the church at 9:00 AM and no mass at the hospital that day.

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Christmas Mass Schedule
 » Penance Service: Dec. 17th at 5:00
 » Christmas Eve: 7:00
 » Christmas Day: 10:00
 » Solemnity of Mary: Jan 1st at 9:00

A Call for Volunteers
Decorate Our Church for Christmas
As we anticipate the joy and wonder of Christmas, the Altar Society invites you to join us in a spirit of fellowship and service to make our beloved church beautiful for the season. We are seeking volunteers to help with our cleaning and decorating effort. Your time and talents, no matter how great or small, will help create a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter our doors this Christmas. If you can lend a helping hand, please consider joining us on Sunday, December 21, immediately after the 11:00 mass.

A Call for Volunteers
Help Needed for Manger Build
We'll be setting up the manger on Dec. 6 at 10:30. Any assistance would be appreciated; as they say, many hands make light work.

Seasonal Social Invitation All women of St. Joseph Parish are invited to a Seasonal Social hosted by the Women's Altar Society. Please join us on Monday, December 15 at 4:30 P.M. in the church hall for appetizers and fellowship. BYOB. Learn how the Altar Society supports our church and perhaps how you could fit in.

Giving Tree A Christmas Giving Tree to benefit the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society and the Gulf County Public Library will be set up in the vestibule from November 20th to December15th. Please take a tag and return your gift under the tree. The Humane Society relies heavily on volunteers and the generosity of the community to help fund their mission. The Library relies fully on donations and the community to fund the purchase of new books and magazines as well as the various programs offered to children and adults. Thank you for your generosity!

Altar Society Meeting The Women's Altar Society will meet on Monday, December 15th at 5:30. Anyone wanting to join for a potluck before the meeting please be there at 5:00. All ladies are welcome to attend.

Advent Books Prepare your hearts for Christmas with an Advent Companion book. There is no charge for these books and they can be picked up at both entrances of the church.

Second Collection Support those that have given a lifetime. Next weekend we will have a second collection for The Retirement Fund for the Religious. Women and men religious have dedicated their lives to service - praying, teaching, and caring for those in need - usually for little to no pay. Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your donation provides for the essential care, medicine and daily needs of thousands of senior women and men religious. Please give generously.

100 Year Celebration Commemorative Ornaments Our 100 Year Commemorative Ornaments are available after Masses and in the office. Donations are $10.00 per ornament.

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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

Second Sunday of Advent

 Repentance—the Foundation of Holiness  “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11–12

Reflect today on the unquenchable fires of hell, and allow yourself to foster a burning desire to flee from every sin that leads to that end. As we enter the second week of the penitential season of Advent, ponder this warning from Saint John the Baptist. Hear him speak those words directly to you. We must fear sin and avoid it, as much as we want to avoid the unquenchable fires of hell. Start with this foundational truth, so that having fostered deep repentance, you are ready to turn your heart and mind toward the glorious promise of Heaven.

Jesus, our Just Judge, You hold the winnowing fan in Your sacred hand and separate the righteous from the sinner. Please grant me the grace to see my sin clearly, so that I may humbly acknowledge it and turn from it with all my might. May I build this foundation of repentance during Advent, so that Christmas becomes an even greater time of union with You. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: The Sermon of Saint John the Baptist by Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Come celebrate Mass with us.