The Second Sunday

in Ordinary Time

January 14, 2018

Celebration of the Eucharist Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sunday: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 4:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Holy Days of Obligation As Announced

Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Anointing of the Sick Any sick or hospitalized parishioner who is in need of the Sacrament of the Sick should contact the Parish Office.

Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Holy Family Chapel in the Holy Family Center.

Morning Prayer Monday—Friday at 6:30 a.m. in Church.

Devotions The Holy Rosary: Recited before the 9:00 a.m. Mass daily.

Miraculous Medal Devotions: Every Tuesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Novena to Saint Joseph: Every Wednesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Divine Mercy Chaplet: Every Thursday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Litany to the Sacred Heart: First Friday of the month after the 9 a.m. Mass.

First Saturday Devotions: The First Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

Parish StaffParish StaffParish StaffParish Staff Phone: 610-269-8294 Fax: 610-269-2487

www.stjosephrc.org

332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. McLoone Pastor

Rev. Anthony T. Rossi Parochial Vicar

Rev. John E. Donia Resident

Rev. Francis J. Mulranen Resident

Deacon Jim Bogdan Permanent Deacon

Deacon Edward R. Schiappa Permanent Deacon

Mr. Allen Austin Director of Youth Ministry

Ms. Karen Dawson Parish Services Director/

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator

Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary

Mrs. Jo-Ann Funkhouser Bookkeeper

Ms. Anna Kozlowska Elder Care Program Manager

Mr. Dennis Luminella Maintenance Supervisor/

St. Joseph Cemetery Supervisor

Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist

Ms. Julie Wiant Business Manager

Ms. Jeannine Zack Administrative Assistant

SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool Phone: 610-269-8999 Fax: 610-269-2252

www.stjosephrc.org

Sister Catherine Irene, I.H.M. Principal

Sister Diane Licordare, I.H.M. Vice Principal

Mrs. Mary Jane McGeehan Administrative Assistant

Parish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education ProgramParish Religious Education Program Phone: 610-873-8798 Fax: 610-873-5466

www.stjosephrc.org

Mrs. Kathy Thomas Director of Religious Education

ConventConventConventConvent Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

484-593-4352

TODAY’S READINGS

The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time can be found at #931.

Please remember in your prayers all those who have died:

Marie Diamond, Marie George and Pilar GonzalesMarie Diamond, Marie George and Pilar GonzalesMarie Diamond, Marie George and Pilar GonzalesMarie Diamond, Marie George and Pilar Gonzales

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 5:00 PM Michelle A. Blasek

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM John DiBartolomeo 9:00 AM Josephine DiEugenio (15th Anniversary) 10:30 AM Richard M. Pickel 12:00 PM Agnes Smith 4:00 PM Ada M. DiSanti

MONDAY, JANUARY 15 7:00 AM Adam C. Erdman

(7th Anniversary) 9:00 AM Josephine Anderson (14th Anniversary)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 7:00 AM Floyd D'Ginto 9:00 AM Faye & Paul Taraschi

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 7:00 AM Nancy Jacquette 9:00 AM Michael Castaldi

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 7:00 AM Domenic Talucci (46 Anniversary) 9:00 AM Carmen DiGiandomenico FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 7:00 AM Michael A. Castaldi 9:00 AM Kathleen Conner Bridge

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 8:00 AM Joseph Povey

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 5:00 PM Amina C. Valocchi

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 6:00 AM For Our Parishioners 7:30 AM Antonio Palmorini 9:00 AM Faye & Paul Taraschi 10:30 AM Agnes Smith 12:00 PM Ben Valocchi, Sr. 4:00 PM Chuck Kulp

The Altar Flowers are in memory of Adam C. Erdman.

The Sanctuary Candle Burns in memory of John Rosati.

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the following children Baptized on January 7. LOGAN JAMES EYEN, BRENDAN SCOTT FORTNER

CHUKWUNONSO EMMANUEL OZOEMENA

Parents of babies to be baptized are asked to please register for Pre-Jordan, a baptism preparation program at Saint Joseph Parish, recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. You can find the class dates and register either online via our website or by filling out a form in the parish office or the Saint Katharine Drexel Room in church. For more information, contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or KarenD@stjosephrc.org.

MARRIAGE

Congratulations to the following couples recently married. ELIZABETH CROMPTON & DANIEL CHAMBERLIN

NOEL DESIDERIO & JOHN CROWLEY

MARGARET FEATHERS & JIM KALLARAKAL , ASHLEY HOPSON & ROBERT SHEA

JENNIFER KNOEBEL & PATRICK SUBERS, NICOLE POSEY & STEPHEN MYERS

CHELSEA SANDONE & TIMOTHY JAMISON

Couples planning to marry are asked to meet with their parish priest as soon as possible after their engagement and to enroll in a marriage-prep program (Pre-Cana) at least six months prior to the wedding. Our spring Pre-Cana date is March 23 & 24. Registration forms can be found on our website at www.stjosephrc.org. For more information, contact Karen Dawson at 610-269-8294 or karend@stjosephrc.org.

�those who are sick: Frank Baker, Muthu Ballyamanda, Rhonda Battenfelder, Marcia Bukay, David & Connie Bull, Joseph Carlin, Ellen Cassidy, Marie Ciarlone, Dolly Colella, Anita Suleski Conant, Baby Michael Corrigan, Connie Daily, Jame Dickinson, Mary Doyle, Judy Fazzini, Carrie Grosso, Danielle Horack, Marilyn Humphrey, Mary K. Jordan, Maren Kaniewski, Owen Kopko, Father Larry Kozak, Crystal Leff, Sylvia L. Mango, Jim McGowan, Patricia Melcher, Jenny Moylett, Julia O’Connell, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Dave Parker, Florence Popadick, Julian Quiroz, Joseph Renda, John Richards, Sue Rizzo, Frank Robertson, Christopher Sauk, Marie Scopa, John Schreiber, Christine Robertson Schwartz, Brian Sheehan, Baby Jessica Shue, Ed Shultz, Mike Smith, Lucy Spadaro, Geri Talucci, Agnes Timothy and Mrs. Walt.

...those who are serving our country: Brandon W. A’Hara, Sgt. Steve Anderson, Andrew Bowser, Caytie Castells, Specialist Andrew Clauhs, Ensign Morgan S. Dankanich, Capt. Joe DeAngelis, Sarah Debarberie, Lt/Cpl. Staff Sgt. Christopher Deutsch, Staff Sgt. Ian Deutsch, Captain Joseph S. DiBerardinis, Sean Doyle, Capt. Mark Edwards, Sargent Ian Fay, Danny Fuller, Jeffrey Fuller, 1st Lt. Matthew Glisson, Leslie Harkness, 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Harris, Daniel J. Heil, Steven Houser, Victoria Jones, Zachary Kish, Peter Kurtz, Andy Landmesser, Lt. Col. Paul D. Lang. PFC. Sgt. Christopher Madden, Krzysztof Malarz, Spc. Nicholas Massari, Major J. Kevin McKittrick, 2nd Lt. Ryan Misero, Lt. J.G. Brian Muka, Pvt. Ian Donoghue-Neider, Capt. Andrew C. Oddo, PFC Nicholas Odgers, Sgt. Bradley Panichelli, Lt. Ted Pease, Alex Rozon, 2ndLt. Joseph W. Rule, 1st Lt. Eric F. Satterthwaite, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia, Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Pvt. Nick Scott, Jeremy Solnosky, Ryan Strehl, LTJG Sean Sweeney, Bryan Williams, Josh Woodward and Vincent Yarch.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Names will be kept on the sick list for 3 months.

Call the parish office to add/remove/re-add names.

A L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o rA L e t t e r f r o m t h e P a s t o r January 14, 2018

Dear Friends,

“Behold the Lamb of God.” It is with these words that St. John the Baptist introduces Jesus to two of his followers, who then in turn do indeed follow Jesus to learn more about Him. One of those followers is identified as Andrew, brother to St. Peter, and the other is presumed by historians to be St. John. Throughout his Gospel, St. John, although he appears often, is never specifically named.

But why did John the Baptist use that name in particular, “Lamb of God?” Lambs were sacrificed regularly and it was believed that their blood in sacrifice was given for the sins of that day. Of course, the blood of Jesus was given for our sins, not just for a particular day but for all time.

It is as if each Gospel presents a view of who Jesus is. You might say Matthew shows Him as the King of Kings. Mark presents Him as a Servant of God. Luke views Him as the Son of Man. And John illustrates Jesus as the Son of God. All together, the Gospel writers give us a glimpse of the greatest Man who ever lived. This Man/God healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, and most importantly loved unconditionally. Jesus has cared for us like no other. No one has ever loved us like Jesus has.

In our First Reading from the Book of Samuel, we hear of how Samuel answered the call of God. His response has become the subject of numerous hymns and other writings. Twice Samuel says “Here I am,” and then declares (once he is aware that it is God Who is speaking to him), “Speak, for your servant is listening.” One of the more popular hymns has as its refrain, “Here I am Lord; is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.” Just as the reading from 1 Samuel captures the essence of what our response to God’s call should be, this hymn does as well. Do we respond as definitely as Samuel does? That is what we are called to do.

In the Gospel, Jesus asks these first two disciples an important and a logical question: “What are you looking for?” It is the same question He asks of all of us. For the answer, the Lord directed them, as He does us as well, to Himself – to live with Him, to “Come and…see.” Those disciples followed Him. They do this at the urging of John the Baptist. Their willingness to follow Jesus fulfills John the Baptist’s ministry.

We are all called to be Christ’s disciples. People come to faith in the Lord through invitation. Andrew invites and introduces his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. If we truly believe in the Lord, and wish to share that belief, part of our calling is to invite others as well!

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Monsignor McLoone Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor

Coffee and

Donuts Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus cordially invite you to enjoy Catholic fellowship over Coffee, Juice and Donuts after the 9:00 a.m. Mass this Sunday, January 14 in the Cafeteria.

Thank you The Priests, Deacons, I.H.M. The Priests, Deacons, I.H.M. The Priests, Deacons, I.H.M. The Priests, Deacons, I.H.M. Sisters and the parish staff Sisters and the parish staff Sisters and the parish staff Sisters and the parish staff would like to thank everyone would like to thank everyone would like to thank everyone would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, cards and presents they for their kind wishes, cards and presents they for their kind wishes, cards and presents they for their kind wishes, cards and presents they received over the Christmas holidays. It is a pleasure received over the Christmas holidays. It is a pleasure received over the Christmas holidays. It is a pleasure received over the Christmas holidays. It is a pleasure to serve the good people of Saint Joseph Parish. to serve the good people of Saint Joseph Parish. to serve the good people of Saint Joseph Parish. to serve the good people of Saint Joseph Parish.

St. Joseph Parish

Religious Education Program Contact us at 610-873-8798 or www.stjosephrc.org/prep

Archdiocesan Catechist Awards

for years of Service Four of our PREP Catechists were honored on January 6 at the annual Archdiocese Mass to celebrate parish Catechists for years of service. Congratulations go out to: Mary Ann

Korpics for 30 years (St. John Paul II Award), Irene Myland for 20 years (St. Martin de Por res Award), Suzanne Wentzel for 15 years (Our Lady of Guadalupe Award) and Marianne DeSeve for 10 years (St. Pius X Award)!

P.R.E.P.

Can you help?

PREP needs a few additional adult or high school teen volunteers to assist in the classroom on Mondays at 5 PM and 6:45 PM and Tuesdays at 5 PM. Hall Monitors are also needed Mondays at 5 PM. Contact the PREP Office for more details.

Summer PREP Pilot Program July 30-August 10, 2018

9 AM-12 Noon

For students entering grades 1-6. Once registration begins, a limited number of PREP students will be accepted from among those currently attending classes. Families will be asked to sign an agreement containing, but not limited to: attendance at every class, participation as a variety of parish activities from September through May (list to be provided), etc. Look for more details on registration in the near future.

Catechists Wanted for Summer PREP

12 adult Catechists wanted for grade levels 1-6

Contact the PREP Office if you would like to help.

Deadline for catechist commitment is January 31, 2018.

Sacrament News Sacrament packets are past due for all students receiving Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation in the Spring. If you have not returned it, please do so at your earliest convenience.

P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s Adult Faith Formation Learn about Pivotal Players

Join us for this Adult Faith Formation program that illuminates saints, artists, mystics, and scholars who shaped the life of the Church and also changed the course of civilization. This winter, we focus on two pivotal players:

Blessed John Henry Newman and St. Catherine of

Sienna. We will watch DVDs from Bishop Rober t Barron, discuss in groups, and hear insight from one of our parish priests. We will continue this series in the spring.

Mondays

Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5. 7-8:30 p.m. in the St. John Neumann Room in church.

Tuesdays

Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6. 9:45-11:15 a.m. in the St. John Neumann Room in church. $30 for workbook. This is a one-time cost; if you bought

the materials in the fall, there is no cost now. To register, contact Karen Dawson,

karend@stjosephrc.org.

March for Life

January 19, 2018 Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring 2 buses to the March for Life leaving from St. Joseph Parish on Friday, January 19, 2018. We will depar t St. Joseph Church parking lot at 6:30AM and will return to the same location around 7:00PM. We will first stop at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for Mass and then depart afterwards for the March for Life. A $10 deposit is requested to hold your seat. This will be fully returned on the bus. To reserve seats, please place an envelope in the Knights of Columbus mailbox at the parish office with the name and phone number for each attendee along with a check or cash for the total amount. Checks should be payable to “KofC #7208”.or more information, please contact Rich Junod at rjunod@gmail.com or (610) 405-

0498.

Church Signs Church Signs Church Signs Church Signs You can’t run into trouble You can’t run into trouble You can’t run into trouble You can’t run into trouble

when you are on your when you are on your when you are on your when you are on your knees praying. knees praying. knees praying. knees praying.

Learn, live, love your faithLearn, live, love your faithLearn, live, love your faithLearn, live, love your faith: To help you learn, live, and love your faith, St. Joseph Parish has purchased a subscription to “Formed,” which gives you free access to dozens of online programs about our Catholic faith.

To access FORMED: Go to www.formed.org

Enter our Parish Code: 13f195

Set up your profile

You can access the programs from your computer, tablet, or phone – anytime, anywhere. There is information and programs on a variety of topics for children, teens, and adults.

Masstimes.org Masstimes.org Masstimes.org Masstimes.org

When you are vacationing or traveling, visit Masstimes.org &

find a church anywhere in the world!

P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s

Contribution Statements for 2017 Please note, we will be sending out contribution statements by email this year to all parishioners. Please fill out the form below if you would like to receive a paper copy by mail of your contributions for 2017. We will make every effort to have the statements e-mailed by January 20, 2018.

—PLACE IN THE SUNDAY COLLECTION BASKET OR MAIL TO THE PARISH OFFICE—

Saint Joseph Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown PA 19335

Please mail my contributions statement for 2017.

Name:

Address:

Knights of Columbus Free

Throw Championship All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local council level competition for the 2018 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship to be held in the St. Joseph School gym 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM on Sunday January 21, 2018 after the 10:30 AM CYO Mass. Registration at the event requires parental or guardian permission. Contestants will compete in their own age and gender group with the winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. All contestants are recognized for their participation in the event. Council level champions will be announced in a future Sunday bulletin and receive a Champions Certificate.

Letter from Archbishop Chaput

2nd Collection Next Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Fulfilling the Church’s mission of mercy and the Gospel call to love others as we love God, The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Collection funds six Catholic agencies that work for the benefit of our brothers and sisters around the world. In providing humanitarian aid, resettling displaced individuals and families, and advocating on behalf of victims of atrocities such as human trafficking, the organizations supported by the CRS Collection act from their belief that every individual is an equal heir of Christ's love and care. The annual Catholic Relief Services Collection challenges American Catholics to put their faith into action and to see “Jesus in disguise” in the faces of the poor, and to support ongoing efforts to respond to their needs. The funds collected support vital Catholic programs that share in the Catholic mission of promoting the sacredness of human life. A small amount from the collection is retained by the Archdiocese to help cover local efforts to promote the collection.

The collection will be taken up in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the weekend of January 20 and 21. The American Catholic community, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in particular, have always responded very generously to this annual collection. I am grateful to you for your compassionate response. May you be blessed for your faithfulness to living the Gospel and recognizing Jesus in those in need.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. CapMost Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. CapMost Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. CapMost Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Archbishop of Philadelphia

Please make checks payable to St. Joseph Church.

Thank you!

P a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w sP a r i s h N e w s

ST. JOSEPH ELDER CARE St. Joseph Church Elder Care Program provides care management services for older parishioners and their caregivers. The mission of the program is to help seniors meet their needs and enjoy wellbeing and high quality of life. Some of the services may include securing in-home assistance, long term care planning, help with utilizing benefits and resources, and addressing crisis situations. Geriatric Care Manager will meet with you at home or at the parish rectory. Services are free and confidential. Please call Anna Kozlowska at 610-269-7480 to take benefit of the program or to obtain more information. We are looking forward to meeting with you!

Safe Environment Saturday, February 10

9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Center To register visit, www.virtus.org

The Archdiocese and the Harrisburg Child Protective Services Law requires all employees and volunteers who may have any possible contact with children in a parish/school function, or a function that takes place on school or parish property, to complete the safe environment trainings required by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Parish RegistrationParish RegistrationParish RegistrationParish Registration Sunday, January 28 Sunday, January 28 Sunday, January 28 Sunday, January 28 at 10 a.m. . . .

in the Saint John Neumann Room in Church.

PLEASE NOTE There will be no evening confessions on

Wednesday, January 31 due to First Reconciliation.

Saint Joseph

School News

Saint Joseph School Open House

Do you have family or neighbors who have children who are ready to start school? Please tell them about our National Blue Ribbon School and invite them to an Open House!

Open House Sunday, January 28, following the Noon Mass

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic schools week begins January 28. This year, the theme for Catholic Schools Week is: “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” This theme encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are we teaching students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in our communities, we, as educators, are growing with them. In Catholic schools, we are all learners, servants and leaders. These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools succeed.

Start your New Year with $10k!

St. Joseph School HSA's Green & White Gala is selling raffle tickets for a $10,000 prize!

Last year, a member of St. Joseph's Parish won the $10k!

Tickets are $100 each and ONLY 300 Tickets will be sold! The winner will be drawn at the Green & White Gala on 2/10/18. Need not be present to win.

To purchase a raffle ticket, please stop by after Mass on 1/20 or 1/21 in the St. John St. John Neumann Room or contact Beth Gray at graymom3@gmail.com.

Monsignor McLoone used this little prayer on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at his Masses

and many people asked for a copy of it.

The Good Morning God Prayer

Good Morning God!

You are ushering in another day,

untouched and freshly new.

So here I am to ask you, God, if Youʹll renew me too.

Forgive the many errors that I made yesterday

and let me try again dear God to walk closer in Your way.

But Lord, I am well aware,

I canʹt make it on my own.

So take my hand and hold it tight, for I cannot walk alone.

S t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i pS t e w a r d s h i p

Electronic Giving Options

If you need a convenient way to make your contribution, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. To set up a one-time donation, visit us online at http://stjosephrc.org and locate the Online Giving button which can be found under the RESOURCES tab “Give to St. Joseph Parish.”

January Mercy Hospice Schedule

Group 1 - Chinese Chicken and Noodles Group 2 - Meaty Macaroni Bake

Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574.

Sign up with Shopwithscrip and a percentage of your orders can be credited to your school tuition or donated to St. Joseph Parish! Order by 11 AM on Mondays and they will be ready for pick up on Thursdays. Shopwithscrip.com also offers ScripNow that allows you to print store gift cards fast! Perfect for last minute gifts!

Aid for Friends Meals Needed Meals are needed for elderly, isolated local neighbors. Packets of pans are available in the church office or in the St. Katharine Drexel room in church. Please pick up a packet, make some meals, freeze and place in the Aid For Friends freezer in the Holy Family Center as soon as possible. A visitor will deliver them. For more information contact Debby at dokeefe19@hotmail.com.

Poor Box Collection

January 7 Total: $716.00

The Poor Box for January will benefit St. Katharine Drexel, our Sister Parish in Chester, PA.

Sunday, January 7 Collection Total

$84,187.22

Ordinary Income: $25,234.00 (545 envelopes)

Loose Cash: $2,714.54

Weekly EFT: $5,824.27 (202 participants)

Monthly EFT: $34,388.15 (343 participants)

Weekly Credit Card: $735.00 (25 participants)

Monthly Credit Card: $15,291.26 ( 167 participants)

Collection Total: $84,187.22

God bless the gifts and the givers!

Helping Other People Everyday

(H.O.P.E.) HOPE is a transportation ministry which provides rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and other necessary errands. Rides require 48 hours notice.

For the week of 1/15, please contact Leslie Curtis at 610-203-9318 or

Nancy Coccetti at 610-269-3036. For the week of 1/22,

please contact Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631 or Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041.

For more information, contact Helen Lyons at 610-873-8041 or helenmlyons@yahoo.com.

Christian stewardship begins with the call to discipleship and in today’s Gospel we discover those first individuals who sought out Jesus and wanted to listen to Him, learn from Him and stay with Him. Today, Christian stewards search out the hidden presence of Jesus in their own lives every day. They know Christ is the “Messiah” who will one day bring about a perfect restoration to a troubled world. They further understand that they are sacraments of His hidden presence in the world. Their task is to make that reality known through their own words and actions. What is one thing we can do to be better stewards of Christ’s life in us?

(International Stewardship Council’s January Newsletter)

The King’s Men (18 & over) offers a time with other men to engage, discuss and challenge you into living a full Christian life. Every meeting starts with a rosary, a 15 minute spiritual exercise, 30 minutes for discussion and 15 minutes of challenges among your peers. The next King’s Men meeting will take place on Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 PM in the Par ish Meeting Center .

Feed the Hungry: Lend a hand to help Safe Harbor

On the first Friday of every month, St. Joseph parishioners prepare, deliver, and serve dinner to 25 women residents at Safe Harbor in West Chester. Would you like to be part of this fulfilling – and needed – outreach? We need volunteers to: • Prepare one of the components of the meal – a main

dish, a vegetable, a starch, a salad, and a dessert. • Be part of the team that delivers and serves the meal. We arrive at Safe Harbor at 4 p.m., serve between 4:30 and 5 p.m., then go home. If you are interested in volunteering on a rotating schedule or if you would like to learn more, please contact parishioner Elizabeth Sokol at ebsokol47@gmail.com. Our next meal day is Friday,

February 2. Thank you.

P a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p sP a r i s h G r o u p s

The Loaves and Fishes

Project

With the Loaves and Fishes Project, giving is as easy as 1-2-3:

• Grab a can of soup, a box of pasta, or any non-

perishable item from your cupboard as you dash out the door to Mass.

• Drop off your donation in the “Loaves and Fishes” closet on your right as you come into church.

• Enter the church with the warm feeling of a nourished soul!

The Loaves and Fishes team delivers the items to the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown. Feel free to contribute to this “ongoing food drive” once a week, once a month, once a year - anytime. As a church family, we can make a much appreciated contribution and a significant impact to a charity that helps over 700 families every week.

Please contact Nancy Farrington at nmfarrington@gmail.com or 610-620-3619 for more info.

Good Works, Partner Church Perhaps you are looking for a way to make a difference in someone's life? Join us as we partner with Good Works, on the third Saturday of the month (volunteer one month or every month) to make repairs on a home of someone in need. Bring along your teenage children, no experience is required. Make a difference in someone's life, while enjoying Christian fellowship, and even a good lunch!

Email gwpartnerchuch@gmail.com to sign up.

St. Joseph Mom’s Group St. Joe’s Moms Group meets each Thursday after 9:00 a.m. Mass from 10 to 11:30 in the Parish Meeting Center behind the school. It’s a great opportunity to worship and then get together with other moms for a little bit of socializing while the kids play. For questions, please contact Liz at 610-316-9406 or lizhennessey@gmail.com.

Legion of Mary The Legion of Mary meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in

the Church’s Saint John Neumann Room. Is Our Blessed Mother calling you? Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Jim McGowan at 610-812-4160.

Bridge of Hope In this ministry, parishioners form teams to sponsor a single mother facing homelessness. The team provides friendship to the woman and her family by taking turns calling her, spending time together, and being a reliable support structure at a time when she most needs encouragement. Contact Cheryl Miles at

cherylm@BridgeofHopeLCC.org.

Charismatic Prayer Group

Charismatic prayer group meets on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in the chapel as we deepen our prayer life, deepen our relationship with the Lord, and worship as a community. For info, call Joe McCahon at 610-716-3084.

Prime Timers St. Joseph’s seniors meet in the Parish Meeting Center behind the school from September to June for activities and socialization. We will meet at a local restaurant in December for our holiday luncheon and provide movies during the summer months for those not on vacation. Different activities and club reports are provided at our monthly meetings. Membership is only $15 for the year and is open to all those age 50+. New potential members and visitors are free to enjoy the companionship and socialization. Please call Mary at 610-269-3650 or Paul at 610-873-2794 for additional information.