St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Weekly Bulletin for January 4th, 1998


Masses for the Week

Masses Monday, January 5th, thru Friday, January 9th, will be offered at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church this week.
Saturday
1/10 6:30pm
Father Cyril Ponisciak (Paul & Joanne Krupansky)
Sunday
1/11 10:30am
Mary Repak (Max & Agnes Sushinski)

Announcements

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Rose Kozecheson. May her soul enjoy the peace of heaven.

The following donations have been received and are gratefully acknowledged:

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Augustine
Geri Catanese
Joseph Moratelli
Marlene Winn
Joy Wentz
Scott Tomlinson

Also, a donation in memory of Father Birosh from Dr. & Mrs. C Thomas McChesney, Jr.

We congratulate the parents on the recent baptisms of their daughter and sons:

CARLEY ANN DAVIS,
daughter of Robert & Lori Ann Hamilton Davis

SCOTT MICHAEL BUCHOVECKY,
son of Robert & Christine Kolson Buchovecky

ROBERT CARL KIEFER, III,
son of Robert C. Kiefer, Jr, and Andrina Roberts

Come Blessing

The word "Epiphany" means "revelation". It is a triple celebration of the revealing of Christ to the Magi, to the people assembled at the Jordan River when Jesus was baptized by John and to the wedding guests at Cana. Stars and clouds, water and wine, rivers and skies -- every element in the universe has a part in revealing the good news: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Epiphany is the customary day to bless the home for the new year, although the blessing is appropriate whenever you gather the household in January. You can bless the home simply by praying the blessing on this page as part of your mealtime grace. Or you can embellish this blessing by writing with chalk over the front door:

19 + C + M + B + 98

(the initials of the fabled names of the three holy Kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar). Let the sweet aroma of burning incense accompany your prayer of blessing

GOD OF BETHLEHEM and of Cana, God of Jordan's leaping waters, in Baptism You bring us into Your family. You wed us and embrace us as Your beloved.

May we fill this place with kindness to one another, with hospitality to our guests and with abundant care for every stranger.

By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek You on paths of faith, hope and love. Then we will join the angels in proclaiming Your praise for ever and ever. Amen.

The Rosary Society

Intentions for January

  • That during this new year all people may work together for justice, liberty and peace and families realize that peace on earth begins with peace at home.
  • For the sick, worried and the restless that this New Year will bring them health, help and happiness.

Jesus Group - Joyful Mysteries
Mary Group - Glorious Mysteries
Joseph Group - Sorrowful Mysteries

A  Family Perspective

Like the Magi, wise Christian parents "receive the message" and teach their children that they may have to journey ":by another route". Both parents and children need the support of the whole parish community to do this.

Discernment Retreat

A Discernment Retreat is being sponsored by the Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood the weekend of January 9th,10th,11th, 1998. The retreat will be held at Saint Charles Seminary. College-age and young adult men and high school seniors are invited to attend. Call the Vocation Office for details, (610)667-5778.

Family Life Information

Natural Family Planning - Classes are held at St. Charles Seminary, Wynnewood; Assumption B.V.M. Parish, West Grove; St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown; and Queen of the Universe Parish, Levittown. For information and dates, call the Family Life Office at (610)660-9002.

Courage - Is a spiritual support group for homosexual men and women seeking to live according to the Church's teaching on sexuality. For information, call (215)587-4505. Confidentiality is assured.

Encourage - Is a support group for parents, relatives, and friends of homosexual persons. For information call (215)587-4505. Confidentiality is assured.

Retrouvaille - is a program that helps couples in hurting marriages put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, Retrouvaille may be able to help you. For more information, call 1-800-470-2330.

Women's Club News

The officers and members of the Women's Club wish all our parishioners and friends a very Happy, Blessed New Year and thank you for your continued support of all our activities.

A donation in Memory of Rose Kozecheson was given from members of the Women's Club who prepared her funeral luncheon. She will be missed.