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! 

Mass Change This week, Fr. Mathew will be out of town attending the Diocesan Retreat from April 20th-24th. Deacon Paul Scheuth will serve communion for the regular weekly service times. Please pray for Fr. Mathew's safe travels.

Come Serve With Joy Our parish needs new volunteers to serve in several important roles: Sacristans, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, helpers for the Monday offertory count, and Data Entry. Each of these roles provides a special way to take part in the life of our Church. Stepping forward to serve can add joy and meaning to your worship and will let you experience the fullness of being an important part of our parish family. If you’re interested, please let Father Mathew or Debbie in the office know.

Dinner In a Bag As you may have heard last Sunday, our RE children are asking parishioners to help them provide "blessing meals" to donate to the local food program. The children will have recipes to give you after the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses or you can look online. Contact Carolyn for more information at 850-899-0022.

Second Collection Next week we will take up the Catholic Home Mission Appeal. Today, nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its current and former territories are unable to fund the essential pastoral work their communities need. Your support for this appeal helps them meet these faith formation and sacramental needs. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this appeal. Find more information at www.usccb.org/ home-missions.

Altar Society Meeting The Women's Altar Society will meet on Monday, April 20th at 5:30. Anyone wanting to join the potluck before the meeting should be there at 5:00. All ladies are welcome to attend.

27th Ordination Anniversary Congratulations Fr. Mathew on your 27th Priestly Ordination Anniversary, Monday, April 27th. May you find joy and peace as our Lord inspires you each day and as you continue to be a blessing to our parish. Your dedicated service over the past 27 years has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and strength for the people of God.

50th Anniversary of Pensacola- Tallahassee Reminder: Bishop Wack will celebrate Mass at St. Dominic's this Sunday, April 19th, at 5:00 PM Central Time to mark the 50th Anniversary of Pensacola - Tallahassee. Directly after Mass dinner will be served and awards will be presented to the Medal of Honor recipients. Please come celebrate the incredible honor bestowed upon Barbara Eells, our Medal of Honor selectee. Dinner will be first-come, first-served for those not signed up for the reserved tables.

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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 Easter

 Dispelling Confusion  That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. Luke 24:13–16

Reflect today on the initial confusion of these two disciples, filled with sorrow and bewilderment as they grappled with recent events. Contrast this with the growth in faith they likely experienced in the months and years ahead. Little by little, they grew in understanding and belief, allowing their misconceptions about who the Messiah would be—not a political leader, but the Savior of the World—to be dispelled. Whenever you face confusion, turn to the example of these disciples and learn from the lessons taught through them. Seek Christ in His Word and Sacraments, trusting that He will dispel doubts and guide you to greater faith.

Ever-present Lord, please humble me so that I turn more fully to You, hearing Your voice and recognizing Your presence. When I am confused or uncertain, please intervene and open my mind to You and to Your Truth so that I will believe with all my heart and follow wherever You lead. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: Landscape with Christ and his Disciples on the Road to Emmaus ~ Jan Wildens

Come celebrate Mass with us.