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.

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.

New Missals We have transitioned to the Heritage Missal for the next year in order to allow more parishioners access to the readings and music for mass. Please take time to look them over and join in the songs. During Advent, we have music that we only hear this time of the year. Some may be new songs to you, but jump in and sing and enjoy until next year. It is beautiful to hear everyone's voices during Mass, participating in the Santus/ Agnus Dei, and parts of the mass. Thank you for being here!

Second Collection Heartfelt gratitude for your generosity!
“Thank you very much for your donations, always,” says Sister Olivia Bellegante, 93 a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis, Missouri. With your generosity St. Joseph collected $1010.00. Your gift directly impacts thousands of senior religious, providing the support they need in their later years. Learn more at retiredreligious.org.

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 Saint Joseph, Our Patron and Protector  Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” Matthew 1:20

Reflect today on your personal devotion to Saint Joseph. Ponder, especially, his deep faith and obedience to the will of God as was communicated to him in a dream. Strive to imitate that obedience in your own life, never hesitating to undertake the mission God has given you. Turn to Saint Joseph in prayer and know that his powerful intercession will help protect you and win God’s grace in the areas you need it the most.

Saint Joseph, you were a holy and righteous man, entrusted with the guardianship of the Mother of God and the Son of God. You fulfilled your role faithfully and continue that role from Heaven, protecting all of God’s children through your intercession. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your obedience and will be protected from all sin so as to fulfill the unique role God has given me. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: The Dream of St. Joseph by Anton Raphael Mengs

Come celebrate Mass with us.