St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Masses for the Week

Announcements

Welcome

We would like to welcome Mrs. Kimberly Turner and her children Zachary and Carli to our St. Joseph's Parish family.

Announcements

Welcome to the wondrous world of Advent, a Season of joyful expectancy populated by Isaiah the Prophet, John the Baptizer and Mary the Mother-to-be. It is a time for prayerful waiting and a growing readiness until a Savior comes to dwell among us. The traditional Advent Wreath takes its place in the sanctuary, round and unbroken in shape to symbolize God's love for us without end. Evergreens are employed to remind us that the Father's relationship with His children remains forever fresh, even in winter, the darkest of times. The wreath usually contains four candles: three purple and one pink. One candle is lit the First Week of Advent and an additional one each succeeding week during the Season. As the Light of the World approaches, our wreath becomes brighter and the darkness recedes. With the Christians of old, we are an Advent people and "Come, Lord Jesus, Come!" is our prayer.

As we did at Thanksgiving, similarly our Parish is participating in the Coatesville "Operation Christmas" a joint food drive providing holiday food baskets for our needy neighbors. Parishioners are asked to donate boxed stuffing mix. These will be collected in the Church vestibule next weekend, December 6th/7th. Charitable gestures like this are bound to double your own Christmas joy. God love you!

Monday, December 8th, marks the Solemnity of Mary's Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation and our Nation's Patronal Feast Day. A Vigil Mass will be offered in our Parish Church on Sunday evening, December 7th, at 7 o'clock. On the Holy Day itself, Masses will be offered in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 9:00am and 7:00pm. The obligation of this Marian Holy Day is binding, even though it falls on a Monday this year.

Donations to the "Tree of Love" Campaign this year will enable us to fashion an attractive Nativity display outdoors in front of the Rectory. As before, you are invited to list the names of your beloved deceased or your personal intentions on the envelope, which will be placed by the Manger-Crib in front of the main altar in Church. All "Tree of Love" envelopes may be dropped in the collection basket anytime during Advent.

"We are Remembered" Ministry

"We are Remembered" Ministry (for families who grieve the death of a loved one), will celebrate their Annual Advent Mass at St. Joseph's Parish in Downingtown on Monday, December 1st at 7:00pm. Registration forms and further information may be obtained at the Rectory Office. All are welcome!

Christmas at St. Joe's

Saturday, December 13th, 1997

All parishioners are cordially invited to participate and enjoy the Christmas program which will be presented. In accordance with our Parish Mission, this year we will again be collecting canned goods and other non-perishable foods which will be sent to the Missionaries of Peace in East Fallowfield. Please support this corporal work of charity in the spirit of the Christmas Season.

• 4:45pm Lighting of Manger and Trees of Love

• 5:00pm Mass

• Dinner following Mass

Please RSVP to Fran Shesko (384-6221) by December 7th.

The Rosary Society

Intentions for December

• That this Advent season may find us ready and willing to be welcomed by the Lord who comes to forgive and love us.
• For all whose Christmas is disturbed by illness and death, by war and violence, by dispair and anger.

A Family Perspective

At this time of the year, we become very conscious of our family as we make preparations for cards, gifts and visits. Today's Gospel warns us not to get "weighed down" by all the consumer activity. "Take heed to yourselves" during this Advent season and devote yourself to appreciating the gift of those who are already such an important part of your life. "The greatest gift this season might be the true appreciation of others".

Craft & Food Sale

Our Lady of the Rosary Congrega Society is sponsoring a Craft and Food Sale following all the Masses on Sunday, November 30th, from 8:30 to 1pm. On sale will be crafts, baked goods, religious articles, white elephant table, children's table, "Pepper & Egg" breakfast sandwiches, Chicken Corn Soup, Meatballs & Sauce "to go".

Women's Club News

Christmas Bazaar

The Christmas Bazaar will be held next Sunday, December 7th, 9am-3pm, your loyal support will be greatly appreciated. Join us for breakfast or lunch and shopping.

Bazaar Work Schedule

• Monday, December 1st, 6:00pm - Make Kiefli
• Friday, December 5th, 6:00pm - Steam Cabbage for Pigs and Set up Tables
• Saturday, December 6th, 9:00am (or at the convenience of table captains) - Set up for Bazaar.
• Sunday, December 7th, 9:00-3:00pm - Bazaar

We are grateful to anyone who is able to join us for any of the above work sessions. We particularly need some help from the men to "set up" on Friday night and "tear down" on Sunday. Thank you.