Sunday, February 12 and 19, 2017
after the 10am Mass
in the Parish Community Room
Over the centuries, Saint Anthony of Padua has been acclaimed as a great example of holiness through countless works of art, sculpture and books. Many Catholics, and even non-Catholics, think of Saint Anthony as the first one to turn to when something is lost. Yet amid this widespread veneration and devotion, we may miss the story of a man who began his life like all of us.
This film reveals the journey of Fernando Martins de Bulhões, a 13th century Christian whom we know today as Saint Anthony. Here, we discover a young man who was often “lost” and searching for direction in his life. He wanted to make a difference in the world of his time. As we encounter his humanity, we find someone we can relate to, someone who struggled in life, someone we could have easily called a friend.
Shot on historic locations in Portugal and Italy, Finding St. Anthony: A Story of Loss & Light is a documentary film that focuses on the experiences of Fernando (Anthony) in his search for the life God is calling him to lead. And as we look closely at the journey of St. Anthony, what we find may surprise us: a reflection of ourselves. His story gives us insight and inspiration for our own spiritual journey.
We continue to collect nonperishable goods for the Food Bank at St. Helena Parish. This coming Sunday, February 5, 2017 is Souper Bowl Sunday. We are asking everyone to bring one can of soup to church this Sunday. There will be a table in the gym where you can drop off your donation. Thank you for your love of neighbor!
This Sunday, January 29, 2017 is the final Sunday that Eagle Scout candidate Justin Convery will be collecting clothing and toiletries for six shelters for Homeless Veterans. We are looking for any new or gently used men’s clothing and toiletries. Sizes can range from medium to 2XL.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to announce that Archbishop Chaput’s latest book, Strangers in a Strange Land: Living the Catholic Faith in a Post-Christian World, will be released by Henry Holt and Co. on February 17, 2017.
Approximately 60 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
Today, January 22, 2017, is the 44th anniversary of the infamous legalization of abortion in the United States. Since that day, close to 60 million children have lost their lives. You are invited to the following events marking this anniversary:
Thank you to everyone who participated in Saint Joseph Parish’s Giving Tree this year. Your generosity was overwhelming. We brought all of our gifts to Guiding Star Ministries, a home for soon-to-be mothers and mothers with babies. Edel Finnegan, Executive Director of the Pro-Life Union, accepted our gifts and was very grateful for all of our donations.
Today would have been the 88th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his “I Have a Dream” speech, he stated, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
The first week of Ordinary Time begins today, January 10, 2017 with green as the seasonal color. Ordinary Time is the only liturgical season that is celebrated in two phases. This is the first phase of Ordinary Time, which will last until the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday (this year, March 1, 2017). The second phase of Ordinary Time begins the day after Pentecost Sunday (this year, June 5, 2017) and lasts until the First Sunday of Advent (this year, December 2, 2017).
Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church 