Attention Parishioners!

The St. Joseph's Parish Office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

The office will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 8:30 a.m.

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSSMy dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Again, I was asked by one of the parishioners to put into the Bulletin the part of my homily last weekend. This time it’s about the part that tackles the “how” of handling the cross. Many people know that we must carry our cross — but very few know how to carry it in a way that brings healing, holiness, and hope. Here are the three invitations I shared:

First, carry your cross by choosing love over pride. Many of our heaviest crosses do not come from tragedies but from relationships —
misunderstandings, old wounds, stubborn pride. When conflict arises, choose humility before victory, reconciliation before resentment. Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is to say, “I’m sorry,” even when you feel justified. That small surrender becomes a large cross offered to Christ. And every time you choose love over pride, you loosen the grip of the enemy and allow Christ to reclaim the space where division once lived.

Second, carry your cross by staying faithful to your duties even when they feel heavy. The cross often hides in the monotony of daily life — raising children alone, caring for an aging parent, showing up to a job that drains you, loving a spouse who is struggling. Holiness is rarely found in dramatic gestures; it is found in quiet perseverance. When you remain faithful in the small, hidden sacrifices of your calling, you unite your daily toil to Christ’s daily carrying of His cross. And in those unseen moments of fidelity, God is shaping your soul in ways you may not notice now but will one day recognize as grace.

Third, carry your cross by refusing to suffer alone. Christ did not carry His cross alone — He allowed Simon of Cyrene to help Him. Your cross
becomes unbearable when you isolate yourself. Seek the community of the Church, ask for prayers, talk to someone, let others walk with you. A shared
cross becomes lighter, and a shared suffering becomes a shared grace. And when you finally allow another heart to step beside yours, you discover that 
God has been trying to reach you… through them… all along. And when you let someone help you, you give them the privilege of becoming Christ’s
hands in your life — a gift that blesses both hearts.

My dear parishioners, the crosses we carry are not punishments — they are invitations. Invitations to love more deeply, to persevere more faithfully, and
to walk more humbly with one another. May every cross you carry lead you closer to Christ, and may every step you take remind you that you never walk
alone.

Fr. Joseph

Attention Parishioners -

The 2026-27 Religious Education and Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, Sept. 13. Religious Education will take 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 up before the first classes begin on Sunday, Sept. 13. 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!

 A day of connection, inspiration, and faith-filled encouragement at BELOVED. This is more than just a conference—it’s a sacred space where women come together to grow, support one another, and deepen their walk with Christ. Keynote Speakers: Emily Wilson Hussem, Heather Khym, and Sisters of Life. Geared to all generations!
This event will be held on September 12, 2026, at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs.

Scan the QR code below for more information and registration.

When: September 13, 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!

Mark Those Calendars!

Sept. 30: St. Joseph CCW Fellowship Meeting

Below are two Diocesan Advisory letters (in PDF format) from Bishop Stephen J. Berg and the Diocese of Pueblo regarding:

• Unauthorized Fundraising Activities
• Notice Regarding the Declaration of Schism of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX)

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo

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