St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Masses for the Week

Donations

Memorial donations in memory of Andrew F. Cigas, Jr. have been received and are acknowledged from:

Mary Bedrick & Family
Angelyn Cisarik
Elizabeth & Tom Dudas
Godwin Family
James McInerney

Your Prayers are Requested

In the kindness of your prayers, please remember the Sick: Julia Esposito, Vera Lahm, John Yankech, Mary Riley, Elizabeth Taran, Rose Guldan, Lillian Turansky, Jean Moister, Marie Reali, Mary Shesko, Lyndsey Conner, Christopher Rosado, Carolyn Pechin, Betty Kilgore.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This weekend, Confessions will be heard on Saturday, March 20th, from 5:45 to 6:15pm, prior to the Evening Mass. Next weekend, Confessions will be heard on Sunday, March 28th, from 10:00am to 10:30am, prior to the Morning Mass. Also, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available anytime upon request.

Schedule Changes

Please note that the daily Mass on Friday of this week, March 26th, will be offered at 5:30pm, instead of the usual morning hour, to allow Father John's taking the Sixth Grade Class on pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. John Neumann, Philadelphia.

Also, please note that our Solemn Liturgy for next Sunday, Passion (Palm) Sunday, March 28th, will be offered at 10:45am, just fifteen minutes later that day, to allow for Father John's participation as well as final preparations for the traditional procession. Thank you for your cooperation with these accommodations.

Lenten Services

In addition to the daily morning Mass at 9 o'clock, a mid-week evening Mass is offered every Tuesday at 7 o'clock. The Stations of the Cross Devotion is conducted on Fridays at 1:15pm, and immediately following the 9:00am Mass on Saturdays.

Special Collection this Weekend

This weekend, the Special Collection benefits the rebuilding of the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe after years of Communist rule. Please support the religious awakenings of a people now free by your thoughtful contribution to this special appeal. Thank you!

Passion (Palm) Sunday

In imitation of the crowds who hailed Jesus joyously as He entered the City of Jerusalem, palm will be distributed and blessed at both Masses next weekend. The traditional procession of that day will take place at Sunday's 10:45am Mass. The children of our Parish are invited to walk in the Palm Sunday procession. They should gather in the rear of the Church by 10:25am that morning to receive instructions from Mr. Frank Lasak, Jr. With this Liturgy, the events of Holy Week begin to unfold.

Holy Week Penance Service

For both West End congregations, a Communal Penance Service will be conducted in St. Joseph's Church, on Spy Wednesday, March 31st, at 7:00pm. This Service, based on the Way of the Cross, offers the opportunity of the individual hearing of confession, in preparation for Easter. Three priests will be available for the sacrament of Jesus' forgiveness.

Abbreviated Forty Hours Devotion

The threat of severe winter weather conditions last Sunday, March 14th, called for a decision to be made with regard to our third and final day of the Annual Eucharistic Forty Hours Devotion. The decision fell on the side of caution and safety, as events planned for the day were cancelled with regret.

On the brighter side, however, we are looking to Corpus Christi Sunday, June 6th, as an alternative third day for our Eucharistic Devotion. A Solemn Exposition would be held throughout the day, with Closing Exercises in the late afternoon. Certainly in June we won't be dealing with snow!

Daffodil Days

A token number of daffodil bouquets are being made available this weekend, in response to a Parish donation to the American Cancer Society of Chester County. It is hoped that these first flowers of Spring will find their way to the sick and the home bound, spreading a little cheer.

Pastoral Council Meeting

The next pastoral council meeting will be Monday, March 22nd at 7:30pm in the rectory.

First Holy Communion

Reminder to all Parents of children making their First Holy Communion: All children, (including Parochial School children) who are planning to receive this Sacrament are required to attend the following special practices to ensure that all program activities run smoothly during the Mass. Reading parts will be assigned during the first practice.

All practices will begin promptly at 6:00pm in the Church and end at 7:00pm.

• Thursday, March 25th
• Thursday, April 1st NO PRACTICE/Holy Thursday
• Thursday, April 8th
• Thursday, April 15th
• Thursday, April 22nd
• Thursday, April 29th

Please note: Parents are not required to attend the practices.The only exception is Thursday, April 29th. We ask that both parents attend this practice so we may review your part in the program.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hillman or Pam Krupansky at.

Attention Parents

Concerned about your teenager and the influences of drugs and alcohol? Join us at 7:30pm on Monday, March 22nd at Bishop Shanahan High School for "What can Parents Do? Don't Give Up!" presented by Jeff Thaxton, President of Drug & Alcohol Educator, Inc. Sponsored by the C.C.I.U. For more information call Sr. Sharon at 343-6204.

Women's Club News

Easter Bazaar - This Sunday, March 21st 9:00am to 2:00pm

Come join us for breakfast or lunch - or both! Do your Easter Shopping with us.
We will have 12 Outside Crafters along with our own Spring Craft Table, Bake Table and activities for the children. Thanks in advance for your support!