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! 

No Weekday Masses Fr. Mathew will be away from May 28th - Jun 4th. There will be no weekday masses during this time. Fr Paul Stewart will be filling in at our weekend masses. Please welcome Fr. Paul back to our church and pray for Fr Mathew to have a safe trip.

Altar Society Meeting The Women's Altar Society will meet on Monday, May 18th 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.

Donations for Lawnmower If you are interested in donating toward the purchase of a lawnmower for the church please speak with Fr. Mathew or contact the church office at 227-1417. Thank you for your prayerful support.

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 Today we take up the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). Your support helps CCC fulfill its mission of love to share the gospel message of hope with people in the United States using the internet, television, radio, and print media. Half the funds we collect remain here in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee to support local efforts. The other half support the communication activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other projects across the United States and abroad. Be part of this campaign to spread the gospel message. Support the collection today! Learn more at www.usccb.org/ccc.

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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

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Seventh Sunday of Easter

 The Hour of Glory  Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.” John 17:1–2

Reflect today on the interior disposition Jesus manifested as He faced His imminent suffering and death. He did not cower or hesitate. He looked at His Cross with divine eyes, seeing His Sacrifice as the pinnacle of His life’s mission and the source of glory for Him and His Father. As we strive to embrace our own sacrifices, turn to Christ in prayer, asking for His grace and strength to offer His prayer as He offered it to the Father.

Most glorious High Priest, when Your hour of suffering had arrived, You embraced that Sacrifice with unwavering resolve. That resolve revealed the glory You shared with the Father. Please draw me into Your sacrificial love and help me to prayerfully choose every sacrifice to which I am called with the same determination modeled in Your High Priestly Prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: The Ascension - Rembrandt

Come celebrate Mass with us.