St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Daily Masses for the week of September 13th, will be offered at St. Stanislaus Koska Church.

Congratulations to Denny & Natalie Howell on the baptism of their son, Denny Lee Howell, 3rd.

In the kindness of your prayers, please remember the Sick: Father Francis Schlett, Robert Hracho, Mary Shesko, Vera Lahm, Julia Esposito, John Yankech, Mary Riley, Jean Moister, Lyndsey Conner, Carolyn Pechin, Ann Hook, Joan Emery, and the Dead: Edward Kelly.

This weekend, Confessions will be heard on Saturday, September 11th, from 5:45 to 6:15pm, prior to the Evening Mass. Next weekend, Confessions will be heard on Sunday, September 19th, from 9:45 to 10:15am, prior to the Morning Mass. Also, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available anytime upon request.

Looking ahead to the end of the month, we call your attention to the week of Sunday, September 26th, through Friday, October 1st, when a full Passionist Parish Mission will be conducted in St. Joseph Church. This is a very special Program of Prayer, Reflection, and Renewal in keeping with our celebration of the Parish 75th Anniversary and in anticipation of Christianity's Third Millennium. Father Claudio Piccinni, C.P., a preacher in great demand, is perhaps remembered by some as the visiting priest who worked spiritual wonders for the approving parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Church several years ago. It is the same Father Claudio who will be our Parish Mission Director later this month. His main Mission Service will be conducted nightly at 7 o'clock. Plan to attend our Passionist Parish Mission. The investment of your time and attention during these days should bring wonderful spiritual dividends.

I would like to thank all parishioners who are participating in the $500 Raffle. However, due to the date of our Parish Mission, it is necessary to change the date of the drawing to the evening of Thursday, September 30th after the final Mission Service in the School Hall. The Women's Club will be sponsoring a Cake and Coffee Social for all parishioners and the raffle drawing will occur at that time. As noted in the letter you received from the Raffle Chairperson, Ann Cigas, you can make your returns in the Women's Club Drop Box located in the Vestibule of the Church, drop them in the Collection Basket or give them to Ann Cigas directly.

We apologize for any confusion and as always thank you for your continued support of the Women's Club of St. Joseph's.

Andrea M. Levenite, President

In the Gospel today, Jesus is very clear that forgiveness is expected, not just once but as often as necessary. Forgiving, however, doesn't mean that we have to put up with abuse. We can remove ourselves from that situation and forgive from a distance.

Please remember that you must RSVP to Lisa Hillman @ 610-857-1549 if you and your children are planning to attend the Children's Picnic. We need a final count of both children and adults to determine how much food we need to order. If you have not already responded, please contact Lisa this weekend.

All children of the Parish are invited to help make the banners and scenery that will be used during the Mass at the Children's Picnic. Please meet in the School Hall this Sunday, September 12th immediately following the 10:30 Mass. We will need many helping hands!

Also, any children who would like to participate in the reenactment of the Gospel are asked to meet in the School Hall this Sunday, September 12th immediately following the 10:30 Mass. We will assign parts and have a practice.

Parents, thank you in advance for your support of this activity for the children.

We are in need of two adults to co-teach a 4th grade CCD class.  If you can help, please call Frank Lasak.  Classes will begin on September 26th.

Another registration session for CCD will be held in the school hall after the 10:30 Mass this Sunday, September 12th.  It is especially important that new students are registered.  Classes are available for children starting with preschool (age 4) through sixth grade.  If you have any questions, please call Frank Lasak.  Classes will begin on September 26th.

Our West End "twin", St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, is holding a Spaghetti Supper, 5:00 to 8:00pm, in the P.A.C.C. Banquet Hall, 15 Strode Avenue, on Monday, September 20th. Small ($3.50) and large ($5.00) dinners will be available, complete with salad, beverage, roll and butter, spaghetti and meatball(s) and dessert. Take-out orders will be honored. Each ticket holder is eligible for a special door prize. Tickets are available from Helen Novak, Maryann Czeredarczuk and Father John.

Again and again Jesus says, "Christians need to forgive." Peter was puzzled and hesitant - "How often: 7 times?" Jesus gave an impossible number, "70 times 7 times!" and offered some examples of debts that need to be forgiven. What food for thought here as we enter the Great Jubilee of the year 2000! Forgiveness can hurt - for it needs to be received as well as offered. But here's the promise: "This is how my heavenly Father will deal with you if you forgive from the heart." We need it.

Children of Divorce could possibly face a number of personal and social problems, which include being lonely, feeling responsible for the divorce, experiencing divided loyalties, not knowing how to deal with parental conflicts, and facing the loss of family stability. Parents may be concerned and want help for their children. Children are given the opportunity to identify with others who are experiencing similar concerns and feelings. Together group members can begin to understand the stages that everyone goes through and can learn to help themselves feel better. Group will be held on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm, for eight weeks beginning on October 5th, 1999 at Catholic Social Services, 141 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown. Call (610)269-4060 for more information and to register.

Divorce is painful, often shattering, yet it need not be the end of your life. You are invited to participate in the support group of people who are experiencing similar pain and suffering, learn something about yourself and about relationships. Grow from this experience, share insight, recognize and fulfill your unique potential, values and future goals. Group will be held on Tuesday evenings 7:30-9:00pm for eight weeks beginning on October 5th, 1999 at Catholic Social Services, 141 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown. Call (610)269-4060 for more information and to register.