St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Masses for the Week

Welcome

We welcome Mrs. Theresa Kimes and her son, Hunter, into our parish community.

Special Collection

In conjunction with the Archdiocesan Missionary Cooperative Program, Father George, a priest of India, will be speaking at this weekend's Masses in behalf of the works and needs of the Diocese of Trivandrum. He seeks our kind support through prayer and financial contributions. The Second Collection will directly benefit Father George's appeal; your customary generosity would be deeply appreciated. God love you!

Emergency Appeal Next Weekend, August 1st & 2nd

Through the work of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Church has been responding to the human disasters caused by El Nino and other weather emergencies. In our own country, as well as in much of the developing world, this unusually severe weather has made millions homeless, devastated crops and claimed thousands of lives. Catholic Relief Services plans to spend over 12 million dollars in eleven countries, in order to meet immediate food, shelter and medical needs of the poor. At the same time, they will be helping communities to recover from the disaster and to rebuild their lives. While these efforts are significant, the needs are expected to increase over the next six months. Even as the weather phenomenon of El Nino dissipates, its tragic after effects are expected to increase. Our Cardinal Archbishop recommends that each Parish of the Archdiocese holds an Emergency Appeal for this purpose. Accordingly, the Second Collection in our Church next weekend, August 1st -2nd, will be directed to those victimized by El Nino. Please be generous in helping them in the struggle to rebuild their lives. Thank you!

The Latin Mass of Old

Anyone, who may be interested in having a weekly Latin Mass of the Old "Tridentine" Rite available in Chester County and would like more information, is asked to please contact Wanda Sandoski.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This weekend, Confessions will be heard on Saturday, July 25th, from 5:45 to 6:15pm, prior to the Evening Mass. Next weekend, Confessions will be heard on Sunday, August 2nd, from 9:45 to 10:15am, prior to the morning Mass. Also, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available anytime upon request.

Special Pre-Millennium Religious Event This Week

The Cross of Reconciliation, featuring a relic of the True Cross and olive wood from the Holy Land, blessed for our Archdiocese by the Holy Father, arrives locally this weekend in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 80 South 17th Avenue, for our veneration. On Tuesday, July 28th, at 7:00pm, all are encouraged to join with other parishes in our Cluster for a Prayer Service at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, which will focus on the mystery of the Cross and the forgiveness it offers. There will also be the opportunity for Confessions. Do plan on attending as a preparation for Jubilee 2000.

An Invitation to Our Men and Young Men

Come away for a little while and refresh yourself in faith and spirit at the not-too-distant, beautiful Retreat House in the rolling hills of Malvern. The Chester County Group of the "Men of Malvern" will be conducting their Annual Retreat Weekend at St. Joseph-in-the-Hills Retreat House, from August 14th through August 16th. Rediscover God and the power of prayer, regain a sense of direction and an inner peace at Malvern. Interested or have a question? Men or young men, please contact Ed Hudock or Ed Lawrence. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to the enriching experience of a Malvern Retreat!

Take a Stand for Life

A Vigil for Life will be held on Saturday, August 1st, beginning with a 7:30am Mass, in SS. Simon & Jude Church, West Chester Pike and Route 352, Westtown. A Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood, West Chester will follow. All are invited to participate.

September Golf Outing

The Third Annual Golf Classic, in support of the Chester County Family Service Centers of Catholic Social Services, will be held on Monday, September 14th, at the Chester Valley Golf Club. The cost per golfer is $195 and includes lunch and dinner. For more information on individual tickets, corporate sponsorships or advertisement rates, please call Jill Snyder at (215)587-0590.

Parochial School News

Coatesville Area Catholic Elementary School will reopen on Monday, August 31, 1998. Tuition for the 1998-1999 school year for one child is $1,100.00; two children $1,550.00; three children $2,000.00, for parishioners. Tuition collection and Stationary Sale will be held on July 28th and 29th at the Primary Building at 9:00am to 12 noon and again at 5:00 to 8:00pm.

A Family Perspective

Today's Gospel is so positive about parents and those who act as parents! Jesus just assumes that you "know how to give your children good things." The challenge today is make sure that the good things of the Gospel are not overshadowed by the "good things" of the world.