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! 

Happy Birthday Wishes Happy Birthday Blessings to Fr. Mathew on his special day, May 12th. Prayers that your day is filled with joy, peace and many blessings!

Mother's Day Blessing Blessed is the Mother who lets the Lord be her guiding hand, Whose faith brings her family courage Whose wisdom comes from God, and whose children still stand and honor her. Wishing all Mothers a Happy, Blessed Mothers Day!

Monday Mass Change This Monday, May 11th, Fr. Mathew will hold Mass at 8:00am at St. Joseph Church.

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 Next week our special collection supports the Catholic Communication Campaign. This campaign represents a mission of live to share the gospel message of hope with people in the United States using the internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of the money we collect remains here in the Diocese of Pensacola- Tallahassee to fund local communications efforts. The other half supports the communication activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other projects across the United States. Your help spreads the gospel message! Learn more at www.usccb.org/ccc.

Thank You Thank you to everyone who donated to last week's second collection. With your generosity we collected $1,061.00 for the retired priest in our Diocese.

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.

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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

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 Members of God’s Family  “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” John 14:18–20

Reflect today on the desire in your heart to belong, to be loved, and to be part of a family. Recognize that this longing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the family of God. Though we await the fullness of this communion in Heaven, we can experience it even now. Commit yourself to respond to Jesus’ invitation by embracing your place in His family through prayer, the sacraments, and daily acts of love. Recognize that He is in the Father, we are in Him, and He is in us. Embrace this reality, allowing the gift of faith to draw you more deeply into the divine family to which we are called.

My revealing Lord, deep within my soul I long for You and desire to be one with You and Your Father through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Please reveal Yourself to me so that I can know You, live according to Your commandments, and flourish in Your grace. May my membership in Your family of faith, through the Church, begin now and become perfected in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.
 - My Catholic Life

Cover Art: Philip the Apostle. Detail of the mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale. Ravena, Italy

Come celebrate Mass with us.