St. Joseph's Catholic Church

NOW IS ALWAYS A GOOD TIME FOR PREPARING FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

In the early winter, three brothers (accompanied by their Mother) approached me after a Sunday Mass requesting First Communion. They once lived just several blocks away off of Poole Rd. Dr. Richard Bethancourt, assisted by members of his family, accepted to provide the catechesis for José Dormán Paredes-Esteban and José Ángel Paredes-Esteban, (both 17, students at Broughton) and Agustín Paredes Esteban, age 21, alumnus of Leesville Road H.S. They celebrated the occasion of Saturday, May 18, at 12.15 noon. The fidelity of these young men to the weekly instructions, their attending Mass at 11:30 every Sunday, and their devout preparations for First Penance have edified all involved in their Faith Formation. St. Joseph’s tries to “cater” to special situations, and this family reciprocated with the greatest good will.

Monsignor

PS—The group fit into a tiny classroom off of Kevin Conley’s bigger room upstairs in the old Sunday School Building. Space becomes, incrementally, a challenge more and more during the Sunday School hour, when every building on campus is mobilized for gatherings!

THE 2013 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Introduced a few weeks ago by this year’s chair Tim Stickney—is winding down. But for all who have not yet responded, there is time to make that pledge! The goal set for us by the Diocese is $55,000, and 80% of everything over the goal returns to the Parish. The BAA, consequently, is our annual fund-raiser.

The BAA funds Catholic Charities, Catholic Parish Outreach (Sometimes in a single month St Joseph’s office will provide some 70 food vouchers redeemable at C.P.O!), Seminarian formation, and Catholic chaplaincies at colleges and universities where our students attend, and much, much else. We would all be shocked if the Bishop was not reaching out with corporal and spiritual aid.

Tim may have a word, and the BAA team will be in the community room to receive a pledge. I express deep appreciation to those who have already been participating in the 2013 BAA as well as those who—back last fall—supported the 2012 BAA, which was wrapped up in The Cathedral Campus campaign.

Monsignor

Faith Formation for Homeschool Families

Homeschool families are encouraged to register for Faith Formation classes if your children are preparing for First Penance, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation in the next school year (2013-2014). The Diocese has specific guidelines to follow. Parents who choose to home-school for these sacraments will, of course, be honored; but it is important that contact be made with the DRE at the beginning of the new semester (Aug– Sept 2013). Preparation guidelines for the sacraments change, the two-year preparation for the sacraments is now man-datory. Please contact the DRE, Deborah Pergerson

60th Anniversary of Marriage

Jean and the late Irvin Mattivi were married on June 20, 1953, in Kersey, Pennsylvania. Had Irvin lived a little longer (He died on March 13, 2013), the couple would have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee together. But is it not a most remarkable happening that Irvin passed away—unexpectedly, of course, but so peacefully and quietly—while he and his wife were praying, so alertly, the Rosary, making petitions to the Father (the Lord’s Prayer) asking Mother Mary to pray for them “now and at the hour” of death?

The Mass on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 8 a.m., will be offered on the occasion of their anniversary. And at the community breakfast afterwards, a toast will be made to honor this godly couple. What a joyful way to close in around Jean, and to remember Irvin. At the altar of God. And then around a cheerful breakfast table.
Monsignor