Attention Parishioners!

The monthly scheduled baptism class for September (Friday the 25th) has been canceled.

Welcome to St. Joseph Catholic Church! There will be two livestreamed Masses this weekend (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Those Masses are the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Sept. 26, and the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27.

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

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS

In these quieter weeks, when no urgent parish issues demand attention, we have the grace to return to something foundational — something so familiar we often perform it without thought, yet so profound it shapes our entire Catholic identity: the Sign of the Cross. This simple gesture, made at the beginning of every Mass and every prayer, is one of the deepest treasures of our faith. Here is what it proclaims each time our hand rises to our forehead, chest, and shoulders.

1. The Sign of the Cross is the Christian’s first proclamation of faith. It is the gesture that announces, even before words are spoken, what the heart believes. In that simple movement, we declare that our lives are anchored in Christ. It is the Church’s way of saying, “My faith begins here.”

2. It declares that we belong to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each movement of the hand places us inside the mystery of divine love. We claim our identity not from the world but from the God who created, redeemed, and sanctifies us. The Trinity becomes the home in which our
souls rest.

3. This gesture traces the very shape of Christ’s love on our bodies. We draw upon ourselves the pattern of the love that stretched wide on Calvary. It is a reminder that Christ’s sacrifice was not abstract but embodied. The Cross becomes inscribed on us as a sign of the love that saves.

4. It reminds us that salvation came through the Cross. We do not earn our way to heaven; Christ opened the gates for us. Every time we sign
ourselves, we recall the price of our redemption. The Cross stands at the center of our hope.

5. The Sign of the Cross is both shield and identity. Christians have used it for centuries as protection against fear and temptation. It is not magic, but faith expressed in action. It marks us as people who stand under the banner of Christ.

6. It marks us as disciples of the Crucified and Risen Lord. To sign ourselves is to say, “I follow Jesus — in His suffering and in His victory.” It is a quiet but bold declaration of who we choose to be. The Cross becomes our badge of belonging.

7. When we sign ourselves, we enter sacred time and sacred space. The ordinary moment becomes holy the instant our hand rises. The noise of life pauses, and prayer begins. We step into the presence of God with reverence and intention.

8. This gesture is a prayer in itself, simple yet profound. Even without words, the Sign of the Cross speaks volumes. It is a whole creed traced in motion. It is the heart’s cry for grace, mercy, and strength.

9. It is the Church’s way of saying, “I stand under God’s mercy.” We sign ourselves not because we are worthy, but because God is good. The Cross is the throne of grace where sinners find healing. In that gesture, we surrender ourselves to divine compassion.

10. The Sign of the Cross is the doorway into every sacrament. Every liturgy begins with it, and every blessing flows from it. It is the Church’s universal entry point into grace. Through this sign, we step into the life of God. As long as our parish continues to enjoy weeks without pressing concerns that require clarification or pastoral commentary, we will use this
space to deepen our understanding of the sacred actions we perform at Mass. If no urgent issues arise, this presentation on the parts of the Mass will continue in the coming weeks. It is a grace-filled opportunity to grow together in reverence, knowledge, and love for the liturgy

Fr. Joseph

Attention Parishioners -

The 2026-27 Religious Education and Confirmation classes started last Sunday, Sept. 13. Religious Education takes place from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., and High School Confirmation Class will meet from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Religious Education building.

If you still haven't signed your child up, see the attached Religious Education/Confirmation Registration form for 2026-27 below. There is still time to get your child signed. Please fill out the form and either bring it to the parish office during office hours or place it in the collection basket at all Masses in the upcoming weeks leading up to our first class.  Thank you!

Click image for larger view.

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. 16-17), 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.

The Knights of Columbus (KOC) of St. Joseph (#9456) have introduced a new program called "The Holy Family"

We are inviting parishioners of any household to consecrate themselves to the Holy Family. Each week the parishioner will take the sanctuary of the Holy Family into their homes for one week of daily prayer. At the end of your week, you will bring back the sanctuary to the church for the next family.

Holy Family Testimonial:

"I have had the opportunity to take the Holy Family into my home three times. I can't even begin to express the extra peace and love that is felt with the Holy Family displayed in my family room. The prayers that are given with it are beautiful. This past Thanksgiving, I had it, and as we prayed before our meal, I included the dedication of my family to the protection of the Holy Family as part of our grace. I feel that if others could sense the love coming from the Holy Family display, people would be lining up to take it into their homes."
-- Karen DeCarlo 

"Having the Holy Family in your home is a great way to reflect on the love of family and pray for everyone in your lives in a concentrated effort. It is a beautiful way to start your day and/or a peaceful way to end the day. The time you take for prayer and reflection is a precious gift from the Holy Family. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to invite the Holy Family into their home and into their lives. You will want to do it on a regular basis because of the peace it brings into your life and home."
-- Terrie Tafoya 

Learn more

Click the picture below for more information. Contact Roselawn today!

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.