St. Joseph Catholic Church will livestream one Mass this weekend. It can be viewed on this website, the church's Facebook page, and our YouTube page. 

That Mass will be at 11 a.m. Mass, Sunday, August 23 (The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Spirit Choir Mass Music
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 23, 2026
(Sun: 11 a.m)

Entrance:
Your Name (SJPSB pg. 145)

Preparation of Gifts:
Our God (SJPSB pg. 93)

Communion:
Remembrance (SJPSB pg. 105)

Sending Forth:
We Remember We Believe (SJPSB pg. 130)

SJPSB=St. Joseph Parish Songbook

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSSMy dear St. Joseph family,

On July 26, 2026, Bishop Stephen Berg issued a critical pastoral directive regarding the Vatican Declaration of Schism of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).

A declaration of schism simply means this: The SSPX has placed itself outside full communion with the Catholic Church by rejecting the authority of the Pope. This affects the validity and liceity of certain sacraments celebrated within the Society, and it places the faithful who participate in their life at spiritual risk.

But the Church does not condemn souls — she calls them home. This declaration is not a punishment; it is a diagnosis meant to guide healing. Moments like this can stir strong emotions — anger, confusion, fear, or even sympathy. But our response must be rooted in Christ.

We remain firmly anchored in communion. Our unity with the Pope is not a political stance; it is a spiritual lifeline. Communion is the guarantee that the sacraments we receive are the sacraments Christ intended.

We avoid arguments and hostility. If you have friends or relatives who attend SSPX chapels, do not debate them. Do not shame them. Do not cut them off. Instead, be a quiet witness of peace, fidelity, and charity.

We pray for reconciliation. The Church has worked for decades to heal this wound. We continue to pray that hearts may soften and that unity may one day be restored. Here are some concrete ways to navigate this reality with faith and calm:

Stay close to the sacraments in the parish. Your Sunday Mass, your Confession, your Eucharist — these are your anchor points of grace.

If someone asks you whether they should attend SSPX liturgies, gently advise against it. Explain that the Church desires every Catholic to receive the sacraments within full communion.

If you have loved ones involved with the SSPX, keep the relationship open. Invite them to parish events. Share your faith without pressure. Let charity be your bridge.

Do not consume divisive online content. Many voices will try to inflame the situation. Stay rooted in official Church teaching, not internet commentary.

Pray for the bishops and priests involved. They are not enemies. They are wounded brothers. And Christ desires their healing.

My dear parish family, the Church has lived through schisms before — and she has healed them. The Holy Spirit has not abandoned us. Christ has not abandoned His Church. And unity, though wounded, is never beyond repair.

Fr. Joseph

St. Joseph Catholic Church livestreamed the Rosary and Funeral Mass for Eva C. Cordova beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Rosary Celebrant: Diana Alvarado
Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Click HERE to read Eva's Obituary (Courtesy of Angelus Chapel Mortuaries)

Click HERE to view Kim's Obituary (Roselawn Funeral Home, Crematory, and Cemetery)

Attention Parishioners -

Religious Education registration for 2026-27 will begin on Aug. 15-16, after all Masses in the Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex.

Mark Those Calendars!

Sept. 30: St. Joseph CCW Fellowship Meeting

 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.

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

The Chalice for Vocations ministry was developed to promote fervent and devotional prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. These specific intentions are raised as the chalice travels within the parish community.

A prayer guide is provided and geared for readers that are young or old.  Spontaneous and personal prayers for vocations are always acceptable and welcome also. Please incorporate prayers for an increase in vocations within your prayer life.

If you would like to receive the Chalice for Vocations for a week, please contact the parish office at 719-544-1886. Thank you. Be confident that your prayers are heard.

CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS PRAYER GUIDE (DOWNLOAD - IN PDF)