St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Masses for the Week

Donation

A donation was received and is acknowledged in memory of Stephen Bortnyck from Rose Guldan and Mary K. Sabocsik.

Your Prayers are Requested

In the kindness of your prayers, please remember the Sick: Julia Esposito, Vera Lahm, Casper Hracho, John Yankech, Mary Riley, Elizabeth Taran, Carolyn Pechin, Lillian Turansky, Rose Guldan, Jean Moister, Lyndsey Conner, Sarah Hoopes, Marie Reali and Mary Shesko, as well as the Dead: Father Joseph Sabadish.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This weekend, Confessions will be heard on Sunday, February 14th, from 9:45 to 10:15am, prior to the Morning Mass. Next weekend, Confessions will be heard on Saturday, February 20th, from 5:45 to 6:15pm, prior to the Evening Mass. Also, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available anytime upon request.

Ash Wednesday and The Lenten Season

This Wednesday, February 17th, brings the call of the Church to enter into a forty day program of prayer, fasting and works of charity. It is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Season of Lent. We ask that you consult the flyer attached to this Sunday Bulletin, which lists the times of the Ash Wednesday Services and the other Lenten opportunities of both West End Parishes. It is suggested that this flyer be posted somewhere in the home for ready reference throughout all of Lent.

Archdiocesan Reconciliation Weekend

Our Holy Father has called for 1999 to be observed as a Year of Reconciliation prior to the Great Millennium 2000. In keeping with the papal intention, our Archdiocese is planning March 19th and 20th as a Weekend of Reconciliation, stressing the importance of sacramental confession. A full explanation of the Archdiocesan Program and participational helps will be distributed to all households of our Parish beginning next weekend. We pray that the hearts of many, especially those estranged from the Church, will be moved by grace to respond to the Weekend of Reconciliation.

Annual Seminary Appeal

This weekend is designated for the Annual Appeal in behalf of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, where today's seminarians become tomorrow's priests. You may forward your donation directly to the Seminary using their postage-paid, self-addressed envelope or you may drop your Seminary envelope in the collection basket at Mass. Thank you for your anticipated generous response!

Parish Volunteer's Dinner

Recipients of our invitation to the Appreciation Dinner for our Parish Volunteers on February 28th are requested to return their reply without delay, certainly no later than February 21st. Such cooperation is most helpful in our completing arrangements for this delightful occasion.

Lenten Fish Fry

Every Friday in Lent, beginning February 19th, Our Lady of Consolation Church will be holding a weekly Fish Fry in the Schneider Parish Center, Cemetery Road, Parkesburg, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The platters feature breaded jumbo shrimp and baked/fried flounder, as well as fish sticks for the children. Take out orders are available.

Help Offered

Do you or someone you know have a problem with marriage in the Catholic Church because of a prior marriage which has ended in divorce? The staff of the Archdiocesan Tribunal can possibly be of help. Call 215-587-3750.

Family Perspective

The prophet Sirach, in today's first reading, lays it all on the line: "If you choose, you can keep the commandments. Our society tends to make most choices appear neutral, but many of them are choices between black and white, between keeping the commandments or not. Families are the places where we find the guidance and support to make the right choices, even when they are very difficult.

Tough Love

The law of Christ based on godly love does not supplant a law based on justice. It goes further. It demands the living out of what we say in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Isn't this "hard bargain" really the "tough love" of the Holy Trinity? Beginning always with love, God calls, encourages and strengthens us to share the great mystery of divine life. By our actions we express our answer to God's call.

Women's Club Reminders

Patrons

Please remember to patronize the local businesses who have helped to support the activities of the Women's Club during the month of February.

Hennessy's Pharmacy 384-8484
407 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville

Wentz Funeral Home 384-0318
342 East Chestnut Street, Coatesville

Senior Citizen Days at the IHM Spirituality Center

Thursday, March 18th 10:00am-1:30pm

Join us as a group or join the group you meet here for Fellowship, Reflection, Traditional Prayer, Luncheon. Your day will include morning coffee and danish on arrival, time to gather, a reflection by an IHM Sister on a traditional theme of prayer and devotion, time for quiet prayer in our chapels and a wonderful luncheon. If interested, please contact the IHM Spirituality Center at (610)647-4136.

The stipend requested for the day is $15.00 payable when you come. We ask that in order to prepare for all participants you register at least one week in advance of the program. Participants will be limited; therefore, please register as soon as possible. No one should be absent because of cost. If you cannot afford the stipend, come anyway.

Happy Valentine's Day!