Tuesday, March 19 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our parish patron.

“Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God.” (St. John Paul II)

“I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!” (Pope Francis)

St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church and our parish patron, pray for us.

Stations of the Cross are prayed at Saint Joseph Church during Lent on Sundays and Fridays at 9:30am.

Stations are also prayed at our twinned parish, Presentation B.V.M. on  Tuesdays at 7:15pm (followed by a Holy Hour at 8pm) and on Fridays with the Presentation B.V.M. School students at 1:30pm.

The relic of St. John Vianney’s incorrupt heart is coming to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on February 2 and 3, 2019.  All are welcome to come to the Cathedral for a time of prayer before the incorrupt heart of this saintliest of priests, patron saint of diocesan priests.  It is a unique time to intercede for the healing of the Church, the healing of the priesthood, the sanctity of priests and holy vocations to the priesthood.  For the schedule and more details, visit cathedralphila.org/sjv

This is an ancient blessing in the Catholic tradition that transcends cultures and continents.  Legend holds that the letters correspond to the initials for the names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.  More importantly, these letters abbreviate the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” – “May Christ bless this house”.

The year “2019” is divided by this phrase as a reminder to keep Jesus at the center of our lives and our relationships, wherever we go.  The four crosses signify the four corners of the world to which we the Baptized are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel.  The crosses also remind us that in the Year of Faith that we are called to:

• grow in faith
• witness to our faith
• share our faith
• be transformed in faith

Traditionally this blessing is done on Epiphany but it can be done at any time. The chalking ritual below is as a way to encourage every household of faith to begin the New Year in faith.  This is a simple and versatile way to include family members of varied Christian denominations.  The short prayer that follows can be shared at the main entrance of the home.

Chalking Entranceway Prayer

Begin by singing a refrain of familiar a Christmas song (e.g. “What Child is This?”)

Leader:  The Lord be with you;
ALL:  And with your spirit.

Leader: May Christ dwell in this house and bestow peace to all its inhabitants!
ALL: And all who enter it!

Leader: Let us pray.  O God, you once used a star to lead wise ones and all people of good will to your Son.  May the light of Christ guide us to recognize him in the epiphanies of our lives, each and every day.  As we cross this threshold each day for work, study or play remind us of our true purpose – to love your people, do your will and lead others to you just as did the wise men of old.  May all who enter here find your gracious hospitality in our company and may all who dwell here seek you in the face of every guest.
ALL:  Christ bless this house.

Invite each person present to chalk the door way with the phrase: 20  + C + M + B +  19.  Provide a step ladder and assistance so that younger family members can participate.  If possible, conclude by singing another song (“O Come All Ye Faithful” or “We Three Kings”)

Leader:  May Christ dwell with us, keep us from harm and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever We pray for this and all good things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.
ALL:  Come, Lord Jesus, into our homes and our hearts and remain with us now and always.

We set aside Thanksgiving Day to thank God for all the blessings that He has bestowed on us, our family and our country.  Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day at Presentation BVM Church, Cheltenham, at 8:30am.

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION
City of New York, October 3, 1789

WHEREAS it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and

WHEREAS both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me: “to recommend to people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

NOW THEREFORE I do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.