St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Masses for the Week

Join in Singing

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Among the most the vital of our responsibilities as a community of faith, is sharing in worship with one another. Our Sunday celebration, the Mass, is best celebrated when we all participate. All hymns are located in the misalette.

Announcments

In the aftermath of Father Cyril’s passing, we are benefiting from the ministry of several priests throughout the summer months, some of whom may be new to our parish family. For the purpose of identification, we are pleased to introduce these “Weekend Assistants” to you: Father John Hagen, Professor of English Literature, and Father Neil McGettigan, Professor of Theology, both from Villanova University; Father Joseph Brandt, Campus Minister from Bishop Shanahan High School; Father John Oulds, pastor from neighboring St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. We extend to them our hearty welcome and our sincere gratitude for their pastoral care.

Our Archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard and Times will be featuring a pull-out section on the Chester County Vicariate with some attention to our Coatesville-Parkesburg cluster of parishes in the June 26th edition. Look for additional copies of the Catholic Standard and Times to be available in the rear of church next weekend, June 28th-29th.

Donations

The following donations from Rose Guldan and Margaret Simpson have been received in memory of Father Cy and are being gratefully acknowledged. Donations in memory of Mary Zevtchin were received from Margaret Simpson, Andrew & Helen Bullock. Thank you and may God bless you.

Special Mass

As most of you know, Pitcherella’s Pharmacy, owned and operated for 43 years by Nancy and John Pitcherella have closed their doors to enjoy retirement. Generations of customers from the west end knew the care, concern and consideration they showed for their customers.

As a gesture of appreciation, the 9 o’clock Mass on Sunday, June 29th (at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church) will be offered for them for God’s Blessings. They will be present at the Mass, and immediately following the Mass, a small reception will be held in their honor in the school hall. You are most welcome to attend to extend your personal wishes.

Peter’s Pence Collection

Next weekend June 28-29th, we will participate in the Peter’s Pence Collection for the works of the Holy Father. Through this appeal, we strengthen and sustain Pope John Paul II’s mission of love and hope. Join the Holy Father in proclaiming the love of Christ to those who need it most.

Please remember them in your prayers and give generously to this special appeal. God love you for your kindness and compassion next weekend!

Bulletin Briefs

How can we stress respect for life — from the womb to those who are dying in the streets? We must realize every child is a gift from God, created to love and be loved.

— Mother Teresa of Calcutta

A Family Perspective

The disciples in today’s Gospel panicked. They thought they were drowning. They were being tossed around in the storm and they turned to Jesus for help. So often in family life, we feel like we are drowning, when our calendars are filled with events that consume us, when life events seem too much to handle. If we want peace, we need quiet time with ourselves and time for our family to be together.

Young Adult Ministry

Theology on Tap

Serving Young Adults (20's & 30's, single & married) the best in theology, speakers and dialogue. This three week series is offered at three locations and will focus on "Tapping into Life's Questions". Call Joy at 649-9476 for times and locations.

Summer Events for Catholic Young Adults

Softball Open - Sundays through August 17 (except 7/6) from 2-5pm at Archbishop Prendergast H.S. in Drexel Hill. New players are welcome each week.

Splash Party - Sunday, August 24 at Camp Neumann. Swimming, softball, volleyball, games, barbecue dinner, DJ and dancing. Register by August 18th.

Prayer Gathering - Third Thursdays, 7pm at Young Adult Ministry Office in Ardmore (7/17 & 8/21).

For more information or to register call Joy at the Young Adult Ministry Office (649-9476).

Women's Club News

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Women’s Club, the honorary "men’s division" and most of all, our faithful parishioners and friends who have helped and supported all our activities this past year. I am especially grateful to the "younger generation" who have been such a tremendous help to me this year. It made our year a great success and eased a great deal of my responsibilities. Please continue to help me during 1997-98 for the greatness of our parish.

Ann B. Cigas, President

Family Life Information

Parenting Leadership Training - is offered on the evenings of July 16 and 23rd, for anyone interested in presenting S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) to the parents of their parish/cluster.

Marriage Encounter Weekend - The greatest gift we can give our children is our love for one another. To refresh your marital love, make a Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next weekend will begin on June 20th. For information on this, please call Dan & Kathy O'Shea at 1-800-456-8330.

Natural Family Planning - classes will begin on June 18th at 7:30pm at the Family Life Office on the campus of St. Charles Seminary, Wynnewood.

Separated, Divorced & Widowed - support group meets monthly at 7:30pm in the school meeting room of St. Joseph, Downingtown. For information on this, please call Clara Shinpaugh at (610)873-8390.

Phases - a nine week program addressing issues of separation/divorce, will be starting at St. Anastasia, Newtown Square on June 26th.

Encourage - support group for parents, relatives, and friends of homosexual persons. Meets monthly. For more information on this, please call Courage/Encourage at (215)587-4505. Confidentiality is assured.

For more information or registration form for any of the above, please call the Family Life Office at (610)660-9002.