Rev. Stephen F. Leva……………………………………..….Pastor Rev. Alexander W. Pancoast ……………………...Parochial Vicar Rev. John E. Donia………………………………………..Resident Rev. Francis J. Mulranen……………………………..…...Resident Deacon Jim Bogdan……………………………Permanent Deacon Deacon Matt Coyne……………………………Permanent Deacon Deacon Ed Schiappa…………………………...Permanent Deacon

Phone: 610-269-8294 Fax: 610-269-2487 www.stjosephrc.org 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 April 25, 2021 | Good Shepherd Sunday

Parish Staff School

Mr. Allan Anderson Business Manager Phone: 610-269-8999 Fax: 610-269-2252 Mrs. Joyce Castaldi Parish Secretary www.stjosephrc.org/school Ms. Kelly Ennis Elder Care Manager Sister Lisa Ann Golden, I.H.M. Principal Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist Sister Diane Licordare, I.H.M. Vice Principal Mrs. Mary Beth Mostyn Administrative Assistant Mrs. Mary Jane McGeehan Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carol Orphanos Bookkeeper Parish Religious Education Program Mr. Darrin Preston Facilities Manager Phone: 610-873-8798 Mr. Matthew Riggio Parish Ministries Fax: 610-873-5466 Coordinator www.stjosephrc.org/prep Mrs. Kathy Thomas Director of Religious Parish Office Hours Education Mon-Tues: 8 A.M.-7 P.M.* Weds-Fri: 8 A.M.-4 P.M.* Convent *The parish office is currently closed to visitors. 484-593-4352 Please call 610-269-8294 during office hours for assistance. Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary BAPTISMS Parents of babies to be baptized are asked to please register for Pre-Jordan, a baptism preparation program at Saint Joseph Parish, recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. You can find the class dates and register either online via our website. For more information, please visit www.stjosephrc.org/sacraments/baptism, or contact the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

MARRIAGE Couples planning to marry are asked to meet with their parish as soon as possible after their engagement and to enroll in a marriage-prep program (Pre-Cana) at least six months prior to the wedding. Registration forms can be found on our website at www.stjosephrc.org/sacraments/marriage. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 610-269-8294. PLEASE PRAY FOR: Celebration of the M a s s Every three months we will remove names from the Blessed Eucharist military and sick list. This is to help ensure that Saturday: 5pm Vigil Intentions our lists are always up to date. Please call the Sunday: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 parish office to add/remove/re-add names. Thank a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. you for your patience. Saturday, April 24 Mon-Fri: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ...those who are serving our country: 5pm: Rita Souders Saturday: 8:00 a.m. Brandon W. A’Hara, SSGT Steve Anderson, Petty Sunday, April 25 Officer Katesiree Cannon Boson, Caytie Castells, Holy Days of Obligation 6am: For Our Parishioners PV2 Francesca Chindemi, Ensign Morgan S. 7:30am: Lucy & Carmen Spadaro As announced Dankanich, Capt. Joseph S. DiBerardinis, Nicole and John & Lillian Fogarty Doyle, Pvt. Corinne Riley Estrella, Sargent Ian Fay, 9am: David West Escherich Reconciliation James Heisler, Nathan J. Horton, USN Victoria Saturday: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 10:30am: Helen “Honey” Mozzani Jones, Zachary Kish, Peter Kurtz, Lt. Col. Paul 12pm: Frances Dailey Lang,1st Lt. Sean Maddux, Krzysztof Malarz, Capt. Wednesdays: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 6:30 4pm: Raymond Gostkowski Andrew C. Oddo, PFC Nicholas Odgers, Pvt. p.m. Monday, April 26 Vincent Romano, 1st Lt. Joseph W. Rule, 1st Lt. Eric 7am: Helen Talucci, 6th Anniv. F. Satterthwaite, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Scalia, Anointing of the Sick 9am: David West, Jr. Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr., Corporal Jeremy Any sick or hospitalized parishioner who is in need of the Sacrament of the Tuesday, April 27 Solnosky, LT Sean Sweeney and Aaron Thieroff and Sgt. Stephen Yori Sick should contact the Parish Office. 7am: Sabatino “Satch” Talucci 9am: Philip C. Daubney …those who are sick: Sylvia Anderson, Gloria and Delane Anderson, Perpetual Adoration of the Wednesday, April 28 Roseann Barnes, Gerard Boland, Be Bonner, Ashlyn Blessed Sacrament 7am: Andy Sack Holy Family Chapel in the Holy 9am: Domenico DiFrancesco Brown, Baby Botero, Donna Buckalew, Marica Bukay, Kim Buttner, Connie Bull, Amy Burke, Family Center. Thursday, April 29 Everett Burkhart, Joseph Cahill, Ellen Cassidy, Joseph 7am: Joseph Poliska Carter, Mike Cesario, Jim Conway, Frances Crawford, Morning Prayer 9am: Antonia Delguzzo Anita Conant, Catherine Cutting, Baby Michael Monday—Friday at 6:30 a.m. in Friday, April 30 Corrigan, Matthew Dawson, Amelia D’Ginto, Lucy Church. 7am: Adeline O’Donnor DeSacntis, Frank Elko, Cesar Estrella, Jack Falkner, 9am: Sabatino “Satch” Talucci Brooke Gabster, Marilyn Gallagher, Joan Garber, Devotions The Holy Rosary: Saturday, May 1 William Gilland, David Grassey, Carrie Grosso, Michele Halis, Scott Hastings, John Hatcher, George Recited before the 9:00 a.m. 8am: Holy Souls daily. 5pm: Todd McNeil Hershey, Ryan Hieb, Matthew Holzgrafe, Rhys Hopson, Danielle Horack, David Horack, Ryan Miraculous Medal Devotions: Sunday, May 2 Jennings, Kathy Johnson, Lucy Perkinson Karvois, Every Tuesday after the 9 a.m. Mass. 6am: For Our Parishioners Terry Kapilla, Anita Kelly, Michelle Larkin, Delores Novena to Saint Joseph: 7:30am: Members of the DiSante Leifholt, Crystal Leff, Ellen Lis, Chris Litwinko, Sue Every Wednesday after the 9 a.m. Family Loch, Veronique Lopinski, Jeffrey Lloyd, Anne Mace, Mass. 9am: Deceased Members of the Prime Timers Michael Manley, Michael Martin, Kellie Martin, Divine Mercy Chaplet: 10:30am: Members of the St. Joseph Wendy Martini, Justin Matthews, Mary McDonald, Every Thursday after the 9 a.m. Mass. Memorial Society Jim McGrath, Jim McGowan, Rose McKenna, Pat Litany to the Sacred Heart: Melcher, Lori Mergen, Rob Mersereau, David Mulder, First Friday of the month after the 9 Annette Hall John Mullen, Deborah Nejman, Katie Nejman, a.m. Mass. Meredith Olseski, Kathleen Ott, Julian Quiroz, First Saturday Devotions: 12pm: Anthony & Yolanda Jeanette Randall, Mary Raysor, Joanne Regester, Sue The First Saturday of each month at DiBerardinis Rizzo, Dave Robey, Chris Samuelson, Joan Scalia, 8:30 a.m. 4pm: Cole Steidler Msgr. Francis Schmidt, Margaret Schmidt, John Schreiber, Erin Selcher, Mary Setzer, Tyson Sirlopte, Justin Smith, Mike Smith, Carmen Spadaro, Agnes The Sanctuary Candle burns Timothy, Neil Thomas, Jwn Tomalavaje, Lucia in loving memory of: Vacchiano, Bobby Voldish, Lily Walker, Kyle Webb, Dominic Castaldi Daria Talucci-Weeks, Pat Wood and Thomas Zech

The Chapel Sanctuary Candle Please remember in your prayers all those who have died, especially burns in loving memory of: Danny Stewart Cody P. Regan, Judith F. Giblin, Mary Mattioni and Christina Doris Parra Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon them!

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April 25, 2021 Dear Friends,

I truly believe that one of the most beautiful and comforting images that we as Christians have of Jesus is what we hear in this weekend’s Gospel. We hear Jesus say, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” From Jesus to our Holy Father , that image of “the Good Shepherd” is used for our good and is universal in our faith. When I think of a shepherd, I think of someone who has devoted his life or her life to the care and safety of the flock, those entrusted with the welfare of the flock. A shepherd is going to do everything possible to make sure that the flock is safe and happy, content and cared for. Jesus does that for us, my friends, and that truth is something we can depend on.

The Good Shepherd calls us to place our hope and trust, He will watch over us, He will guide us, and He will keep us safe and out of harm. In order for all of that to happen, however, we must place our lives, our very selves in His hands. If you think about it, Jesus has always done this for us, why would we even hesitate to do this? Hopefully the answer is that we will not hesitate, we will place our lives in the Good Shepherd’s hands and follow where He leads. That journey is always going to be for us to a place of happiness and hope, a place free from sin and towards our salvation. That is what the Good Shepherd does for us out of love.

We congratulate our young boys and girls who will receive their First Holy Communion on May 1st. This day is a great day of rejoicing for them and for their families, and for our community. I am grateful to their parents and guardians who have taught them about the love of Jesus and encouraged them with their example. I thank their teachers and catechists for all of their hard work and support as well as Sister Lisa Golden, our Principal, and Sister Diane Licordare our Vice-Principal, Mrs. Kathy Thomas and Mrs. Mary Ann Korpics in our PREP office for all of their hard work and dedication.

Our prayer is that this first reception of Jesus in the Eucharist will be the beginning of a life-long relationship with Jesus that encourages them and helps them to know that Jesus is within them always to love them and keep them safe. May God who has begun this good work in you bring it to fulfillment each and every day of your lives. Congratulations!

Peace, Fr. Steve Leva

Change For Life Baby Bottle Campaign The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring our annual parish “Change for Life” program. On Mother’s Day weekend May 8/9 after each Mass the Knights will be handing out empty baby bottles. Take one home, fill it with spare change and bring it back on the Father's Day weekend Masses of June 19/20. Money collected will go towards parish buses going to the 2022 "March for Life" in Washington DC next January. Any extra will go directly to local pro-life causes. If you have any questions, email Rick Carcella at [email protected].

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Reflections on T oday’ s Re adings Celebrating the Year of Saint Joseph

To mark the 150th anniversary of naming St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has declared Dec. 8, 2020-Dec.8, 2021 to be “The Year of Saint Joseph.”

St. Joseph parish will celebrate with the entire Church as we dive deeper to explore the life of our home patron. Follow along each week in the bulletin, Facebook, and our parish website at st.josephrc.org/resources/year-of-st-joseph

Local Ways to Connect: Shrine of St. Joseph

First Reading (Acts 4:8-12): Peter speaks to the Jewish leaders about their rejection of Jesus and His place as the "cornerstone." In what ways do I see Him working in my life? I believe in Jesus, but in what ways have I missed Him speaking to me? Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29): "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." Can I think of a time when I believed God wanted me to take action, yet every path was either closed or unwise? Did I proceed or did I wait? What happened? What is Jesus teaching me through this? Second Reading (1 Jn 3:1-2): How can I love Jesus for who He is? How can I recognize Him? Are these Nestled in the Watchung Mountains of Stirling, NJ you separate things? Must I do one before the other? Are they will find The Shrine of Saint Joseph. It is a unique and accomplishments? Are they a one-time event? special mission of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Gospel (Jn 10:11-18): Trinity. Do I ever have trouble hearing Jesus' voice? Can I hear Him above my When the Shrine of Saint Joseph was established in 1924 own? Do I ever forget that He will come after me if I stray? Do I believe by the Rev. Thomas Augustine Judge, it was placed under the He knows my pain when I struggle to hear Him? Is that pain a gift? patronage of Saint Joseph since this extraordinary Saint offers inspiration for the laity who struggle to preserve the vitality of their faith in a societal environment little supportive of Gospel values. From its earliest inception, the Shrine has offered an Your Help Is Needed! atmosphere of quiet where the beauty of the natural Volunteer as an Usher Today environment speaks eloquently to all who come and witness

the beauty and presence of God our Creator.

For more information, visit

https://www.shrineofsaintjoseph.com/

A Prayer to Saint JOSEph

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Blessed Joseph, to us too, Spouse of the show yourself a father

Blessed Virgin Mary. and guide us in the path of life. To you God entrusted Obtain for us grace, We are in need to friendly faces and helping hands to his only Son; mercy, and courage, assist with welcoming your neighbors to Mass each in you Mary placed her trust; and defend us from every evil. with you Christ became man. Amen. week! Contact [email protected] to learn more.

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Part-Time Rectory Cook St. Joseph Parish is looking for a part time cook to prepare dinners for the 4 resident at the rectory. We are looking for someone who likes to cook, has culinary experience, or is a cooking professional interested in some additional hours. The chef works independently in the rectory kitchen and would also purchase groceries as needed (using business credit card). Position would occasionally need to cook for large groups / events hosted at the rectory. This position is part-time, approximately three hours on Monday to Thursday evenings (during dinner hours), and approximately 3 hours on Monday afternoon for shopping. Pay is $15-19 per hour, depending on experience. Email Allan Anderson, Business Manager, at [email protected] if interested. † Pray as a Volunteer HELPER OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS

Saturday, May 1, 2021 | 8:00AM Mass St. Agnes Church | 231 W. Gay Street, West Chester Rosary Procession following Mass to Planned Parenthood 8 S. Wayne Street, West Chester Celebrant: Rev. James J. Shea

Andrew J. & Lucy Q. Cozzone Andrew A. Cozzone Deceased Members of the Quick & Cozzone Families The Society of St Vincent de Paul The Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference here at St Joseph Parish serves those neighbors in need in the Downingtown School District and Thorndale areas. We assist with food cards, partial housing payments, partial car payments, and other financial needs. For those who would be interested in hearing more about our organization, please email our group at: [email protected]. Our hotline number is 484-693- 0005.

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com P A R I S H N E W S PREP News Coming Soon: Registration information for children entering grades K-7 in the 2021-2022 school year! In person classes are being planned. Adult GreenDrop event will take place in the volunteers are needed and wanted. St. Joseph Parish parking lot on Teen volunteers are welcome. Contact us at PREP@st osephrc.or or 610-873-8798.

Sacrament News Please continue to pray for all our children receiving their First Holy Communion at three Masses on Saturday, May 1st. What a special time for them and their families!

Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Help-Line Do you need help accessing services and supports for someone with an intellectual disability or Autism? A collaboration of Catholic Social Services-Developmental Programs, The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Schools of Special Education of the Archdiocese is offering this convenient help-line to assist families connect to disabilities services provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. To reach the Help-Line, call 484-472-5041 or email [email protected]

Deacon Jim hosts monthly Zoom sessions for Grief Support on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm. All who have lost a loved one are welcome to attend. Please contact Deacon Jim for more information at [email protected].

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com PARISH NEWS STEWARDSHIP REPORT Helping Other People Everyday

Easter Donations to Date: $77,286 HOPE is a transportation ministry which provides rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, April 18, 2021 and other necessary errands.

Weekly/Monthly Cash & Check: $16,738 Rides require a minimum of 48 hours notice and can be Weekly/Monthly eGive: $8,094 requested a week in advance.

$24,832 To request rides the week of Apr. 26

FISCAL YEAR JULY 1 2020-21 2019-20 Please contact Diane Sweeney at 484-678-2738 or Meredith DiPietro at 267-481-3873 $1,573,917 $1,593,607

POOR BOX: To request rides the week of May 3 Please contact Helen Lyons at 484-402-8407 April 18: $866 Or John DiEugenio at 484-364-4445 Current Total: $2,481 For more info contact Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631. The Poor Box total for April will benefit: Birthright of Coatesville

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS The next scheduled Special Collection will be May 1st and 2nd and will benefit Catholic Home Missions. Donations will be Quo Vadis Days Camp accepted through May 30. Quo Vadis Days Please note, any Special Collections received after submission to the Camp for high Archdiocese will be applied to the next Archdiocesan special collection. school men will be held from Monday, June 28 April Mercy Hospice Schedule – Thursday, July Group 3—Lasagna 1, 2021. Due to Group 4—Mexican Chicken Casserole the popularity of

Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574. this camp and the limited available spots, registration for Quo Vadis 2021 is by LOTTERY. The lottery will be open Besides meals, the Women of HOPE are in need of the following to meet the needs of the homeless and poor. Please leave items in the Fish from Monday, March 1st through midnight on Friday, April and Loaves closet in the bin marked “Mercy Hospice”. 30th. This 4-day, 3-night camp includes dynamic talks, Feminine hygiene products They need a table and chairs that small group discussions, meaningful prayer experiences, is not wood and folds so they can and a fun environment including a ropes course, swimming Underwear (womens sizes 8, 9, 10) give out food outside when the Twin-size sheets and blankets weather gets warmer. Right now pool, lake, basketball, frisbee, and more. To enter the Canned soup, veggies, tuna and they handout bags of food and lottery for registration, or for more information, visit our boxed pasta items on the street since only the website at: HeedTheCall.org/QuoVadis or call the Vocation women in the house program can come in because of Covid. Office at (610) 667-5778.

St. Joseph Parish Youth Group News High School Youth Group Grades 9-12 Next Meeting: Sunday, April 25 5:15-7:30 pm; drop For updates, off at church- pick up at Youth Room text “SJPDTOWN” to 84576. We’d love to have you join us! Middle School Youth Group (Grades 5-8) Next Meeting: Stay tuned!

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Thinking of a career change? Could you use some professional help with your resume and career plans? If so, feel free to contact Vin McCormick ([email protected]), a long -term St. Joseph parishioner and professional recruiter. He would be glad to help at no charge. And all done over the phone. No face-to-face meetings needed.

A growing number of persons are finding that their resume and career discussions with Vin very fruitful. Don't hesitate to reach out to Vin! A Final Blessing HOPE Drivers Needed Rev. Gary Mensinger “When they approached us at the hospital about the organ donation, we knew that that’s what h e definitely would have If you would like to assist locals who need wanted; to help people that way.” assistance with visits to doctors offices or other errands, please contact Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631.

DONORS1.ORG

Youth Skills Camp

View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com P A R I S H N E W S Extraordinary Ministers and Senior Assistance: SNAP Enrollment

Communion Services Did you know the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps provide nutrition benefits and can be a great boost The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to your monthly food budget? Catholic Housing and Community looking for additional members of the Homebound Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) provides Ministry to service Simpson Meadows Nursing Home in SNAP enrollment assistance to eligible seniors 60 years of age or Downingtown. For questions please contact Tracy older across the five-county Greater Philadelphia region. If you have lost your job due to COVID-19 layoffs or if your household Hoffman a income has changed because others in your family are no longer able to work, CHCS can help. Homebound and in Need of the Eucharist? Contact Kelly Ennis, MSW, care Are you facing a short-term or long term situation of being manager with the St. Joseph’s Elder physically unable to attend Mass and would like to have Care Program for questions and Holy Communion delivered to you? For questions and to assistance in applying for SNAP and coordinate, contact Tracy Hoffman a other benefits. Contact Kelly at 610- 269-7480 or [email protected]

Safe Environment When: Saturday, May 8th Where: Parish Meeting Center, located at the Now Hirin back of the school Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Part-Time Cleaner Registration: www.virtus.org St Joseph School 16-18 hrs. per week | Evening Hours Only (after 3pm) For more information please contact: Allan Anderson at 610-269-8294 x207 or [email protected]

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Congratulations and Welcome! Check out our Congratulations to Mike Brusco and Jeff Wack, who received Confirmation and Holy Communion on February 27th at our parish links parish celebrations of Confirmation with Archbishop Perez! Congratulations to Mia Domenick and Lisa MacNeill who were welcomed into the at the Easter Vigil Liturgy on April 3rd! We will also soon welcome Aaron Burry into the Catholic Church at an upcoming Saturday morning Mass. Please keep Hawkeyes Aaron in your prayers. Meetings Continued... St. Joseph School has a volunteer security We will continue to meet over the next several weeks to patrol called “Hawkeyes", consisting discuss everyone’s experience of welcome and Sacrament primarily of students' Dads. We are looking reception, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, types and forms of for adult parishioners who would be interested prayer, and what’s next after RCIA. in helping patrol the campus perimeter and check doors. Please Ready to Learn More? consider signing up for a 1 or 2 hour shift to help keep God's RCIA is for those who have never been baptized, baptized in children safe. Contact Brian Poppe for more information: another denomination, or completing reception of the Sacraments [email protected] or (484) 798-8068, or contact the school of Initiation if already baptized Catholic. Contact Kathy Thomas office. (All clearances, including Safe Environment Training, for more information ([email protected] or 610-873-8798). must be submitted to the school.)

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Cosmetic Family In Memory of MEMORIALIZE A LOVED ONE ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS and Dentistry • Accepting new patients • For All Your Insurance Needs, • Emergencies welcome • Msgr. Walter Shaull In Loving Personal & Business Curtis J. Leciejewski, D.D.S. Memory Of Michael D. Keller, D.M.D. 11 Ballston Ave Vandy L. Jamison Sr. Saratoga Springs • 302-226-7960 • Cyprian H. Colbert Sr. NY, 12866 www.RehobothBeachDental.com 19643 Blue Bird Lane, Suite 1 Cornella & William B Simmons Sr. 518-581-1111 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 William (Billy) B. Located behind Timothy’s restaurant Simmons Jr. Help us reach and inform our parishioners with our weekly communication efforts. Please contact Lisa Sparkman at 717-507-3766 or [email protected] © 2021 DIOCESAN For Advertising Information CALL 1-800-233-8200 Online at Diocesan.com/Business View Our Parish Supporters at www.DiscoverMass.com Supporters Parish Our View © 2021 DIOCESAN