Welcome to St. Joseph Catholic Church! There will be two livestreamed Masses this weekend (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Those Masses are the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 3, and the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Both livestreamed Masses are available on this website, St. Joseph's Facebook page, and the St. Joseph's YouTube page.

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS

Last week, we reflected on the Sign of the Cross — the ancient gesture that draws us into the life of the Trinity and marks the true beginning of worship. Today, we move deeper into the opening of the Mass, where the Penitential Act reminds us that before we hear the Word or approach the altar, we must first return to God’s mercy.

The Penitential Act is the moment the whole Church stands in truth. Before Scripture is proclaimed, before grace begins its work, we allow ourselves to be seen by God — not with fear or shame, but with the honesty that opens the heart to healing. In this quiet pause, we admit our imperfection and rediscover that we are still loved.

Here the Church teaches something profound: mercy is the first gift of worship. Before we praise, before we listen, before we receive — God
offers mercy. The Confiteor (“I confess …”) becomes our humble doorway into that mercy. We name our failures not to be crushed by them, but to let God lift them from us. We confess both the wrong we have done and the good we failed to do, because holiness requires truth.

Then comes the Kyrie, the ancient cry of the wounded heart: “Lord, have mercy.” In that plea, we discover the truth that changes everything — God’s mercy is always greater than our sin. The Kyrie is not despair; it is hope rising from human weakness.

This moment prepares us to hear the Word with clarity. A heart washed in mercy becomes a heart ready for grace. The Penitential Act is not about guilt but liberation. It reminds us that God never tires of forgiving, never stops welcoming, never ceases reaching for us.

In this brief but powerful act, the Church shows that holiness begins with humility. When we admit our weakness, we encounter God’s strength. When we acknowledge our sin, we make room for His grace. When we bow low, He lifts us high. The Penitential Act opens the door to the joy of the Gospel —because only a forgiven heart can truly rejoice.

And so, before the feasts of the Word and the Eucharist, we pass through this spiritual cleansing. It is the Church’s gentle way of saying: “Come as you are — but do not remain as you were.” In mercy, God prepares us for transformation. In humility, we become ready for communion. In forgiveness, we rediscover the joy only the
Gospel can give.

Fr. Joseph

Attention Parishioners! St. Joseph's Monthly bingo continues. Our next date will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5. We hope to see you all there! Thank You!

When: October 11, 2026, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Charles Murray Hall. Menu: Eggs, sausage, hash browns, green chile, pancakes, coffee, juice, and peaches.

Price: $12.00 adults, $8.00 children

The best breakfast in town!! Come and share a meal and support your local Knights of Columbus council.

Hot coffee, pancakes fresh from the griddle, and delicious green chile—all without breaking the bank!

Ladyfinger cookies Calling all Bakers!
Parishioners of St. Joseph!!! Time to don those aprons again! We are baking ladyfinger cookies for the upcoming CCW craft show (Oct. 17-18), and the spaghetti dinner (Nov. 1). Baking will start at 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 and run until Thursday, Oct. 15, inside the Fr. Charles J. Murray Parish Hall. 

Friends, if you have any time in your schedules to help once again with lady fingers, please consider
lending us your time and talent! Come when you can; we appreciate the help.

Attention Parishioners!
We will be making meatballs for our upcoming spaghetti dinner on Halloween morning (Sat., Oct. 31) beginning at 8 a.m.

The Spaghetti dinner will be held the following day, Sunday, Nov. 1. 

We are looking for a lot of help, and we hope to see you in the Fr. Charles J. Murray Parish Hall.

Some of the training information for Extraordinary Ministers (EM) has been updated. For those who were unable to attend the recent session, I am attaching a copy of the handout that was provided.

Father Steve requests that Sacristans arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled Mass and that all EMs serving arrive 10–15 minutes early. This allows the Sacristans to confirm that all positions are covered. Please remember to check in as soon as you arrive.

There are a few additional updates that were not included in the handout regarding the sign‑in sheet:
• The Cup minister will now stand next to the Plate minister at the altar and follow them to their assigned station to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ.
• If you are assigned to the station near the music ministry, please place your plate and cup on the right side of the altar. Then remain by the stair banister until the other EMs have finished. Afterward, all ministers will gather in front of the altar as usual to bow together before returning to their seats.

Please contact Fr. Steve, Deacon Ed, or Diana Alvaravo if you have any questions. Please read the attached document in "Read More."

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus, Council 9456 members are looking for interested men of the Parish to become a member of the Knights.

If interested in becoming a Knight, contact John Spearing or any brother Knight you see in church and we will provide you with information and answer any questions you might have.

Read more HERE

What to Know:

• The goal is to generate $87,894 in pledges to meet the AMD assessment.
• Current AMD assessment is $8,530 a month or $87,894 for the year.
• The pledge is in addition to the weekly collection but can be paid weekly, monthly, or as a one lump payment.
• Please make checks out to St. Joseph Church and write AMD on the memo line of the check.
• The parish has not generated the necessary income to cover this expense.
• WE MUST DO IT AGAIN FOR THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE CHURCH.
• The church's major fundraisers (Parish Festival and Spaghetti Dinner) are now assisting us in paying this obligation and are no longer available for other activities or needs of the church.

P.S.  Please do NOT use the PayPal online tithing for the church to send in your gift. Thank You!

We would like to thank those households who have already pledged and/or given already. We have put your names on the wall by the thermometer to thank and acknowledge your pledge. If we have missed your name or you do not want your name on the wall after your pledge, please let the office know. Thank you once again for your pledge and/or donation. 

Click the AMF card to download, fill out and bring to the parish office or leave in collections at mass.

Attention Parishioners!

Take a once-in-a-lifetime trip with Spiritual Leaders from Pueblo: Fr. Derrick Scott, VG, Fr. Joseph Vigil, and Fr. Michael Chrisman!  This will be an amazing experience for all who have a chance to go! Click the picture below for more details.