Whether you are local, a seasonal visitor, or someone enjoying a weekend on the Gulf Coast, St. Joseph Parish is a place to encounter Jesus. Join us for Mass, Adoration, Bible Study, social events, or simply stop by to offer a prayer.

If you are new to the area, a returning Catholic, or if you wish to become Catholic you are welcome to attend Mass and to become involved in parish activities. If you require more information We encourage you to speak with the Parish Secretary or the Pastor. Please Call 850-227-1417.

If you wish to donate On-Line  Click HERE! 

Directory
Anyone wanting to be in the directory is asked to send a family or individual picture of themselves. If you are uncomfortable taking your own picture or sending it in, we will have someone taking pictures after all weekend Masses. All pictures must be sent in by February 15th to get them printed in the directory on time. Send your pictures with your names to web@stjosephpsj.com.

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Christmas Mass Schedule
 » Penance Service: Dec. 17th at 5:00
 » Christmas Eve: 7:00
 » Christmas Day: 10:00
 » Solemnity of Mary: Jan 1st at 9:00

A Call for Volunteers
Decorate Our Church for Christmas
As we anticipate the joy and wonder of Christmas, the Altar Society invites you to join us in a spirit of fellowship and service to make our beloved church beautiful for the season. We are seeking volunteers to help with our cleaning and decorating effort. Your time and talents, no matter how great or small, will help create a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter our doors this Christmas. If you can lend a helping hand, please consider joining us on Sunday, December 21, immediately after the 11:00 mass.

A Call for Volunteers
Help Needed for Manger Build
We'll be setting up the manger, we were rained out last Saturday, but this still needs to be done. And so it has been rescheduled for This Friday, December 12th, at 10:30. Weather looks look this time. Any assistance would be appreciated; as they say, many hands make light work.

Seasonal Social Invitation All women of St. Joseph Parish are invited to a Seasonal Social hosted by the Women's Altar Society. Please join us on Monday, December 15 at 4:30 P.M. in the church hall for appetizers and fellowship. BYOB. Learn how the Altar Society supports our church and perhaps how you could fit in.

No Mass There will be no masses Monday, Dec. 15th, Fr. Mathew will be in Pensacola. Please pray for his safe travels.

Christmas Flowers Envelopes are available at both entrances for the Christmas Flower Offering. If you wish to donate in memory of a loved one, please be sure to print their name clearly on the envelope so it will appear correctly in the bulletin.

Giving Tree A Christmas Giving Tree to benefit the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society and the Gulf County Public Library will be set up in the vestibule from November 20th to December15th. Please take a tag and return your gift under the tree. The Humane Society relies heavily on volunteers and the generosity of the community to help fund their mission. The Library relies fully on donations and the community to fund the purchase of new books and magazines as well as the various programs offered to children and adults. Thank you for your generosity!

Altar Society Meeting The Women's Altar Society will meet on Monday, December 15th at 5:30. Anyone wanting to join for a potluck before the meeting please be there at 5:00. All ladies are welcome to attend.

Advent Books Prepare your hearts for Christmas with an Advent Companion book. There is no charge for these books and they can be picked up at both entrances of the church.

Second Collection They gave their lives in service -- now they need your help.
For decades, women and men religious have cared for others, teaching, praying, and serving those in need. Many now face retirement without sufficient savings. Your support ensures they receive the care they deserve. Let us now offer them the dignity they have so selflessly granted to others. Your generosity today is not just a donation -- it's a way of thanking them for their lifelong service. Please give to the Retirement Fund for Religious.

100 Year Celebration Commemorative Ornaments Our 100 Year Commemorative Ornaments are available after Masses and in the office. Donations are $10.00 per ornament.

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Franciscan At Home We are a partnering diocese so all of our parishes and school are already registered and all parishioners can take courses for free. There are a variety of courses for your convenience:
 » 1. FREE unlimited access
 » 2. Lifelong learners, Parents, Mentors, Facilitators, Leaders, Pastoral Care Workers, Social Outreach, Lay Ministers, and Mentors
 » 2. Diocesan Certification Process for Catechists, Parish Catechetical Leaders, Youth Ministers and RCIA Ministers.

Register Today! Follow these steps:
 » 1. Click Here:
 » 2. Click on the bottom blue button.
 » 3. The Sign Up for Free Through Your Institution page will appear.
 » 4. Choose Country — United States, Diocese — Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and Institution — Your Parish/School.  » 5. Click the Sign-Up box at the bottom.
 » 6. Complete your personal information (look for choice of receiving emails).
 » 7. Start your first workshop!
For more information, contact: Sister Margaret Kuntz at 850-435-3523 or kuntzm@ptdiocese.org

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Can We Help? If you or someone you know needs help with meals, a visit, or anything else, let us help! Contact the church office.

Communion to the Homebound Sacraments are available to all Catholics who would like to receive, but are unable to attend Sunday Mass due to injury, illness or advanced age. If you are in need of a visit, please call the office and request Communion at home, in the hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.

Rosary Please take time and join us as we say the Rosary every Tuesday at 10:00am. The group Rosary is powerful and the benefits are endless. Let the simple and repeated prayers of the Rosary allow us to really focus on what Jesus did and said as we receive peace of mind, an increased love for Jesus, unity with our church and understand better the will of God in our lives. There is no better time than during Lent to embrace these mysteries and, with Mary's help, let them transform our lives.

Church Registration We are delighted that you have chosen to become a member of our church family. Please register by stopping in or calling our office  850-227-1417 .

Food Donations Don't forget our food basket at the entrance of the church which is open daily. It is there all year for dropping off nonperishable Food. If you're visiting the area, and have nonperishable food that you didn't use, consider donating these items before you make your trip back home. Thank you for thinking of those in need.  No open parcels please! 

Altar Flowers If you would like to donate altar flowers for a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, please contact the office at least 2 weeks in advance. Call: 850-227-1417

Third Sunday of Advent

 Rejoicing in the Cross  “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:4–6

Reflect today on these questions within the context of your own life. When you pray, do you primarily ask for favors, blessings, or miracles? Or do you primarily pray for the Cross? Do you see greater value in having God remove some suffering from your life or in transforming your suffering by the power of His Cross? Ask for the grace to die with our Lord, to become a living sacrifice of love, and to have the strength to lay down your life for others. By choosing that which has eternal value, you choose the better part and will rejoice in that better part forever.

My sacrificial Lord, You invite me to take no offense at Your suffering and death; to see beyond the pain, blood, and physical death; and to discover the unfathomable riches of Your Sacrifice. Please give me the eyes of faith to see the value of not only accepting Your Cross, but also to see the value of living Your Passion in my own life by laying down my life with You. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Geertgen tot Sint Jans

Come celebrate Mass with us.