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! 

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.

RE Dinner In a Bag Collection The students of the RE program are asking parishioners to help collect donated meals to provide to local food programs. The goal is to provide a bag containing everything needed for a meal, along with the recipe, so families can have a meal ready when they need it. We have sample recipes to give you, or you can look online for "Blessing Meals" or "Meal in a bag" ideas. There are lots, including birthday cake bags. We will collect these through the end of the school year. Please bring your prepared meal bags to the church hall or place them in the church foyer. We, the students and our families will deliver them to the local food programs. Thank you for your help! If you have any questions please contact Carolyn at 850-899-0022.

Second Collection Support the Catholic Home Missions Appeal today! Nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its current and former territories are considered mission territories because they are unable to fund essential pastoral activities for their communities. Your support funds religious education, seminary formation, lay ministry training, and other programs that build vibrant faith communities right here in the United States. Please be generous. Find more information at www.usccb.org/home-missions

"Blessed Bargains" A big "THANK YOU!" to all volunteers who spent countless hours organizing and baking as well as donors and patrons who contributed. Because of your support and generosity, the "Blessed Bargains" yard and bake sale was a huge success.

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.

End Of The Year Party Our children's RE classes will have an End of the Year Party on April 29th at 6:30 pm. Please bring a favorite side dish to go with our dinner and fun!

Congratulations Barbara Eells! Congratulations to Barbara Eells our Medal of Honor recipient! Last Sunday, St. Dominic held a beautiful event where Bishop Wack awarded Barbara the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Medal of Honor For Life Time Achievement medal. She has demonstrated years of faithful service and fidelity to the mission of the diocese and St. Joseph. This award reflects upon her lifetime of achievement in service, pastoral work, and charity. Thank you, Barbara, for all your spiritual devotion and unwavering dedication throughout these many years.

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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 Easter

 The Voice of a Stranger  “When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” John 10:4–5

Reflect today on the fact that God calls out to you day and night. Do you recognize His voice? Or do you, like the Pharisees, turn away from Him? Following the Good Shepherd begins with an intimate familiarity with His divine presence in our lives. We must become as familiar with Him as an infant is with its mother or as sheep are with their faithful shepherd. Failure to recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice leaves us lost and unable to care for ourselves. Jesus desires to lead us, care for us, and bring us to the abundant pastures of new life. Become familiar with Him and listen to His voice alone, and like the blind man, you will begin to see in ways you never have before, through the eyes of faith.

Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You call to me day and night, but so often I fail to hear and respond to Your gentle voice. Please free me from blindness caused by my own sin so that I can humbly turn to You and follow Your consoling and familiar voice. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: Christ as the Good Shepherd by Lucas Cranach the Younger

Come celebrate Mass with us.