Our Liturgical Year

The rhythm of the liturgical seasons reflects the rhythm of life
with its celebrations of anniversaries and
its seasons of quiet growth and maturing.

Advent
The Christian's version of "New Year's Day" is the First Sunday of Advent, when we begin again the entire cycle of the year. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Even as the secular culture around us blares its songs of reindeer and tinsel, as if Christmas were already here, the Christian calendar sets aside four weeks of quiet preparation. Advent has a two-fold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs our mind and heart to await Christ's second coming at the end of time. Advent thus is a period of devout and joyful expectation.

The Jesse Tree
Through the Jesse Tree, we recall God's love through salvation history. In addition to the Advent Prayer and Reflection pages below, additional resources for Jesse Tree information and activities can be found online. Click on the links and documents for prayers and activities.

1st Sunday of Advent (Dec. 3, 2017) ~ Keep Away! Stay Alert!
Advent is the season of the church year when we focus on Christ's coming into our lives and are called to fully engage in that coming. The disciples can't seem to stay awake in this Gospel text (Mark 13:24-37). They keep falling asleep. Perhaps they weren't stimulated enough in that garden or were genuinely tired after the ministry tasks alongside of Jesus. For us, the challenge might be just the opposite. We are bombarded by hoards of information and entertainment. There is always noise, and it's easy to become a spectator, instead of a participant. But Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) that they have indeed been given the gifts to actively wait for Jesus' coming.

• What experiences have alerted you to Christ's love and presence in the world?
• What gifts have you been given that you can use in your personal and social life to awaken Christ in others?

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Patronal Feastday of the United States of America- December 8th
A Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, this is the day on which we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother. This feast intensifies our preparation during Advent, remembering how God prepared for Christ's birth by creating Mary free from original sin at conception. What makes her conception immaculate is not that she was conceived by the Holy Ghost of a virgin, as was Christ Our Lord, but that from the very moment of her conception, she was filled with grace by God, Who knew, in His omniscience, that she would say "yes" to the Angel Gabriel and become the Mother of the Savior. Chosen by God, Mary reverses the sin of Eve. Because of her obedience, God's Salvation is made know to all the nations. In 2017 on this Holyday of Obligation, St. Joseph's will have 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Masses on Friday, December 8.

2nd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 10, 2017) ~  Keep Watch! Be on your guard!
Sometimes the greatest gifts we receive come through people. Disguised in camel's hair and behind that breath of locusts, John the Baptist is a gift that announces the coming. He prepares people's hearts and minds to experience the message and person of Christ. John is watchful, scanning the horizon for both lurking danger and tremendous promise. His proclamation draws from the traditions, history, and scripture of the church. John points to Jesus. He boldly tests everything, using the Lamb of God that he announces as his lens.

• What people have announced Christ's coming in your life?
• What resources (traditions, scriptures, scriptural readings) help you in encountering the lurking dangers and tremendous promises in everyday life?

3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 17, 2017) ~  Clear the path! Point to Jesus!
Life in Christ is both rich in metaphor and specific in practices of faith. John the Evangelist draws upon the image of Christ as light. Light helps us to see everything that is present, from obstacles in the road to clearings in the path. Spiritual light allows us to move beyond illusions to trust the truth that is both in Christ and in ourselves. Living in the truth of Christ, we are moved to action.  Paul instructs the Thessalonians in the concrete ways of faith. The light of Christ allows us to give thanks in all things, rejoice always (even when the path seems dark), and refrain from evil. When we actively participate, we clear paths that point to Jesus.

• Where are the places that seem the darkest to you?
• Where are the places that are most full of light (physical and spiritual)?
   

4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 24, 2017) ~ Behold! Don't fear!
When Gabriel greets Mary, he addresses her as “favored one.” This name is not given in isolation; it is in deep relationship with God. Mary is most favored as she receives the precious gift of Jesus. Mary doesn’t gloat upon receipt of this gift, nor does she withdraw from community in unworthiness. She responds with great humility and remains always the handmaid of the Lord. Our life in Christ is never in isolation. We remain in relationship and are named Children of God, Handmaids of the Lord. The gifts we have been given are to be used for the proclamation of Christ now. Keep awake. Keep watch! Clear the path! Behold! Our active participation does indeed proclaim Christ among us.  

• How do you feel, knowing that you are favored in the sight of the Lord?
• When you receive a gift that you really like, how do you respond?

Advent Reconciliation Opportunities for 2017
Several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Christmas Holidays will be offered throughout the month of December. Confessions will be heard the following dates and times.

• Private Reconciliation - Saturdays, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

• Portage County Deanery Communal Penance Service
  Tuesday, December 5, 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Kent

• Private Reconciliation - Monday, December 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

• Private Reconciliation - Tuesday, December 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

• Or By Appointment (please contact Fr. Stafford at the Parish Office)

Annual Giving Tree
This venture begins in late November or early December and will be handled by St. Joseph parishioners Dan and Wendy Nuti. Portage County's Catholic Charities provides the names of families in our area for which your donation may be their only gift this Christmas. To help make this holy season a treasured memory for those in need, parishioners are encouraged to select a tag from the tree in the narthex, sign the sheet, purchase and wrap your gifts, and return them by designated day. Be sure the tag is clearly visible for distribution purposes. Thank you.

Christmas Wafers (Oplatki)
The people of Central Europe have had oplatki as part of their Christmas Eve meal for many generations. The wafer bears an image from the Christmas story and the bread signifies the “Bread of Life”, Jesus, who is among us in the Eucharist and in our lives. Generally the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual by breaking off a piece of the wafer and passing it to another family member with a blessing.  This blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year – whether it be good health, success, or happiness. The purpose of this act is primarily to express ones unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family. Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another. Oplatki is available in the Narthex beginning the third weekend of Advent for those who would like to celebrate this tradition of unity. Your donation to help defray the cost is appreciated. (FYI - Leftover Oplatki from last year may be used for the current year. Each person receives a very small piece so the large wafer should be ample for many people).

Christmas Season
Next to the yearly celebration of the paschal mystery, the church holds most sacred the memorial of Christ's birth and early manifestations. This is the purpose of the Christmas season which typically begins with a worship service or a Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday after January 6.

Feast of the Nativity of the Lord - December 25th
The Feast of the Nativity is a most joyous one that celebrates the incredible reality that the Second Person of the Trinity was born of a Virgin. The mood is summed up by Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will."

Our Vigil Masses are held on December 24, at 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. Mass includes a children's choir). There is no midnight Mass at St. Joe's. On December 25, there will be a 10:00 a.m. Mass for Christmas Day. Prayers of the Faithful for all Christmas Masses will be for our Christmas Flower Fund Intentions.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
Formerly it was celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany, but since 1969 the feast falls on the Sunday after Christmas, or December 30 if Christmas falls on a Sunday. This Feast is celebrated after Christmas because in Old Testament Law, a child wasn't a son of Abraham or a true part of the family until his circumcision at 8 days of age, an event of Christ's life that we celebrated on January 1 (from December 25 to January 1 are 8 days). We ask for the grace that our families too may live as the holy family united in respect and love.
 

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God - January 1st
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
On this Holy Day of Obligation, we focus on the divine motherhood of Mary whom we proclaim to be the mother of Christ and the mother of the Church. We seek God's blessings as did Mary. Because of her Son, we can confidently call God, "Abba"! Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 1.

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 7, 2018
This is a great and very important Feast remembering the journey of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who followed the star that showed all nations and peoples that Jesus was sent by God for all. Epiphany has become the day we traditionally bless our homes and families.

A Blessing of Homes
The three wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar followed the star of God's Son who became man two thousand and eight years ago (write 20 + CMB + 18 over the door with chalk). Bless, O Lord, this household and family, and allow all of us who live here to find in it a shelter of peace and health. Make our house a haven for us all and a place of warmth and caring. May all who come and go through here know that Christ both dwells and enters here. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. From the front door, the family may process through the house, blessing each room with water (an evergreen sprig may be used). Singing verses of "We Three Kings" may be added to make the procession through the house more festive. 

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 8, 2018
The Christmas season comes to a conclusion as we remember the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan by John the Baptist. In submitting Himself humbly to the baptism of St. John the Baptist, Christ provided the example for the rest of us. If even He should be baptized, though He had no need of it, how much more should the rest of us be thankful for this sacrament, which frees us from the darkness of sin and incorporates us into the Church, the life of Christ on earth! His Baptism, therefore, was necessary--not for Him, but for us. A voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."     -Matthew 3:17

Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time is celebrated in two segments: from the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord up to Ash Wednesday; and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the largest season of the Liturgical Year. This first installment of Ordinary Time has anywhere from four to nine Sundays, depending on how early or late Easter falls in a given year. Its season's focus is Jesus' manifestation of Himself as God during His public ministry.

How is the Date of Easter Determined?
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full Moon that falls on or after March 21 (not, as commonly believed, the first Sunday after the first full Moon in Spring). The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22, and the latest possible date for it is April 25. Future dates for Easter are April 1, 2018, April 21, 2019, April 12, 2020, April 4, 2021, April 17, 2022, April 9, 2023.

World Day For Consecrated Life - February 2
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation. 

Feast of St. Blaise - February 3 (Blessing of Throats)
St. Blaise (also spelled Blase and Blasius) was a 3rd century physician who became Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. This was the time of persecution under Licinius, so St. Blaise hid out in a cave on Mt. Argeus. He was captured and imprisoned, and from prison cured a boy who was choking to death on a fish bone. St. Blaise was beaten, had his flesh torn by wool combs, and was beheaded, martyred along with seven women. Because of the cure of the boy's throat when the boy was choking, St. Blaise is patron against troubles of the throat, and today our throats are blessed at Mass. St. Blaise is also the patron of veterinarians and against attacks of wild animals. He is represented in art as a Bishop holding two crossed candles, with wool combs, or in a cave surrounded by wild animals. Prayer & Blessing of Throats typically takes place as we pray through the intercession of St. Blaise that God delivers us from throat ailments and from every other evil. The parish will have the opportunity for blessings the weekend of February 3/4, 2018 at the end of each Mass.

Lent
This season, also called "Quadraegesima," meaning "Forty," is a somber, penitential Season lasting from Ash Wednesday to the Thursday before Easter. It recalls Christ's 40 days in the desert, and the Israelites' wandering in the desert for 40 years. Per the everyday calendar, Lent lasts 40 days plus the six Sundays, but the Sundays aren't counted as "Lent" because Sundays are always about the Resurrection and are joyous.
The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the rite of election and scrutinies, and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation; the faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises. This season prepares all of us for the celebration of Easter, the most important feast of the Church year. St. Joseph Parish has a number of different and unique opportunities planned this year to make our season of Lent a holy and spiritual time of renewal for all of us.

Ash Wednesday - February 14, 2018
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey towards Easter and eternal life. Now truly is our time to be healed and reconciled to God and to one another. The mark of ashes on our foreheads reminds us of our sinfulness and our turning back to God for forgiveness, healing and mercy. The ashes are made by the burning of palms from last year's Palm Sunday -- palms that were waved in victory and praise. After the priest sprinkles the ashes with holy water and incenses them, he puts them on our foreheads in the shape of a Cross to remind us of our hope, and as he does so, he says the words of Genesis 3: Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return. We make no response to these words; we simply return to our pews. After we leave the church, we leave the ashes on our foreheads until they wear off naturally from the course of the day's activities. They are a public witness to those things our society does not wish to embrace: the reality of death, and the hope of resurrection in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Ash Wednesday Mass will be at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You are welcome to attend either service.

Lenten Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast and Abstinence - limit of one full meal and two smaller meals for persons 18 through 59 years of age; no meat for persons 14 years of age and older. All Fridays during Lent are days of Abstinence - no meat for persons 14 years of age and older. There is no obligation to fast during the weekdays of Lent. Will you give something up or add something more?



Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be held each Fridays of Lent in church at 3:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in church (March 2 will include with our first Friday Eucharistic Adoration). Please come pray and reflect on our Lord's passion and its meaning for Catholics. All are welcome.

Enhance Your Lenten Journey
Come and see the unique production of the “Life of Jesus”, shown in shadows on Wednesday, March 21, starting at 7:00 p.m. Beginning with the birth of Jesus, it will show some of His miracles, passion, death and resurrection. Also, on Friday, March 23, starting at 7:00 p.m., the “Stations of the Cross” will be shown in shadows. They will begin with our Lord’s agony in the garden and end with His glorious resurrection over death. These performances are free to all (donations kindly accepted). This is an excellent Lenten devotion for you to include as you join us on this journey of our Lord. 
 
2018 Lenten Reconciliation Opportunities
Several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter will be offered throughout Lent. Confessions will be heard the following dates and times.

• Reconciliation - Saturdays, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

• “The Light is ON for You”  ~  An Evening of Reconciliation

  On Wednesday, February 28, all parishes in the Diocese of Youngstown will participate in this special event from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. During this time the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in all parishes throughout the Diocese as a sign for all to embrace and live God’s mercy and love more completely. Plan to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of your Lenten journey. Click here for a Sacrament of Reconciliation flyer.

• Portage County Deanery Communal Penance Service

• Reconciliation - Monday, March 12, Noon

• Reconciliation - Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.

• Portage County Deanery Communal Penance Service

St. Joseph Feast Day - March 19th
The principal feast day of Saint Joseph is March 19, Saint Joseph's Day (for Joseph the Husband of Mary). On this day we ask for the strength to serve Christ as Joseph did. Saint Joseph's Day always falls during Lent, and Saint Joseph's Day altars and feasts have no meat. However, since the feast day is classed as a solemnity, the requirement of abstinence from meat is technically abrogated, according to Canon Law, even if it falls on a Friday. If the feast day falls on a Sunday, the previous Saturday (March 18) is observed instead or the Monday following (March 20), and if it falls during Holy Week or Easter week, it is moved to the Monday after Low Sunday, or eight days after Easter (prior to 1970 the Tuesday after Low Sunday was used as the alternate date). 

Passiontide
This is the last two weeks of Lent, from Passion Sunday (the 5th Sunday of Lent) to the day before Palm Sunday. The second week of Passiontide is called "Holy Week." The last three days of Holy Week -- i.e., Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday -- are called the Sacred Triduum.

We are invited to participate with our whole being: mind, heart, and body. During Holy Week, Christians commemorate the Passion of Christ, Who died on Good Friday in reparation for the sins of mankind, and rose on Easter Sunday to give new life to all who believe. Thus, while Holy Week is solemn and sorrowful, it also anticipates the joy of Easter through the recognition of God's goodness in sending His Son to die for our salvation.
 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, March 25, 2018
   The Commemoration of the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9), when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. Masses will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday.

Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast ~ March 25, 2018
Don't miss the Annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast featuring “All You Can Eat” buttermilk pancakes in Hughes Hall, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This delicious meal is served with homemade toppings and/or syrup, sausage patty, oj, coffee, tea, or milk. Great family prices, theme basket raffles, and children's attendance drawings are all a part of the fun. The Women's Auxiliary of the Mantua Knights of Columbus Council #3766 will be hosting this year's event.

Appalachian Experience Bake Sale
Lots of baked goods will be available in the school hallway on Sunday, March 25, during the Pancake Breakfast. Be sure to pick up something delicious to support this group that participates in the Housing Repair Program in Appalachia each year.
 

Tuesday, March 27, 2018
8:00 a.m. Mass

10:30 a.m. Chrism Mass at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown
Priests (and interested parishioners) gather at the Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop. Here the bishop blesses three oils — the oil of catechumens (oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctorum), the oil of the infirm (oleum infirmorum) and holy chrism (sacrum chrisma) — which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018
8:00 a.m. Mass
 

Holy Week Triduum (trid-yoo-um, meaning 3 days)
Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life. Therefore, the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire liturgical year. These are not three separate liturgical celebrations but one which takes three days to celebrate. Thus, the solemnity of Easter has the same kind of preeminence in the liturgical year that Sunday has in the week. The Easter Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday.
 

Thursday of the Lord's Supper
Holy Thursday, March 29, 2018
The Mass of the Lord's Supper features the distinctive action of the Washing of the Feet, just as the Lord did for his disciples and we do for one another.
Spring flowers are needed for the Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday. You are invited to bring spring flowers from your garden, potted plants, or purchased flowers in vases when you come to Mass on Holy Thursday evening. Please place them around the designated area in the All-Purpose Room before Mass. This is where the Blessed Sacrament will be reserved until the Easter Vigil. Thank you!

Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:00 p.m.
(Operation Rice Bowl Collection)
Private Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Solemn Night Prayer 11:00 p.m.

Friday Passion of the Lord
Good Friday, March 30, 2018

It is the longest, the most grim, and the starkest day of the Triduum. On this day, we confront the truth that the impassible God suffered, that the ever-living God died. We confront the dark fact that He did so for our sins.

Church Open for Prayer 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m.
Celebration of the Lord's Passion at 7:00 p.m. with
Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross,
Petitions, Scriptures & Communion Service
(Holy Land Collection)

Holy Saturday, March 31, 2018
Noon Blessing of the Food
Followed by Parish Easter Egg Hunt
8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass
Followed by Reception for the Newly Initiated
 

Blessing of Easter Food
Several ethnic groups have kept alive the tradition of blessing food on Holy Saturday. The staples for the Easter Sunday meal (or, in some cultures, the Saturday vigil meal) - bread, wine, the colored eggs, the ham - are all placed in a basket and brought to the church to be bless. Everyone is invited to place your food items in a basket and gather in the church at noon for the Blessing of Food on Holy Saturday.
 

Easter Egg Hunt
St. Joseph Parish will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15, at 12:15 p.m. beginning in the church parking lot. The hunt is open to all children ages 2-9. 
Donations Needed—We are asking for donations from the PSR kids from grades PreK–3 for donations of Easter items – candy, small toys, and stuff animals (especially bunnies!) for the Easter Egg Hunt. Please bring your donations to PSR or drop them off at the Parish Office.

Easter Vigil
The high point of the liturgical year! This moving liturgy consists of The Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Baptism of new Christians and renewal of Baptismal vows, and the Eucharist takes place after nightfall on Holy Saturday. The third and consummating rite of the RCIA process, the Sacraments of Initiation, also takes place at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The Elect culminate their long journey to initiation in the waters of Baptism -- then, with the candidates, the newly baptized are sealed with the oil of Confirmation and share the bread and wine of the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic community.

Resurrection of the Lord
Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018
8:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masses

Easter Sunday is a day all about seeking. The early Christian communities gathered around the Apostles, seeking more about the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. Saint Paul told the baptized Colossians to "seek what is above." Mary of Magdala went to the tomb, seeking to find the Lord's body so that she could anoint it. We come to church on Easter Sunday, seeking many things. For some of us, this is a once-a-year journey, when we seek connection with the foundations of the Christian faith. For others, this day is the culmination of a long journey of Lenten repentance. For the newly baptized, this is the first day of a new life filled with promise and expectation. Whatever it is that we seek, let us be inspired by the disciple whom Jesus loved who, when he saw the wrappings of cloth inside the empty tomb, "saw and believed."     ©Copyright, J.S. Paluch Co.

House Blessing for Easter
As we continue this great Easter Season of joy and celebration, new life is all around us. Our world and lives are coming alive to Spring and so is our faith as we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord and the gift of eternal life! Below is an Easter blessing for your home. During the Easter Season you are welcomed to take some holy water from the Baptismal font home and bless your home with the Easter Home and Family Blessing Prayer. Small containers are available near the Baptismal font. Gather your family in each room and offer the following prayer of thanksgiving to God for your family and home. Move from room to room sprinkling the holy water in each room. 

50 Days of Easter
Easter Day is certainly the most important day of the church year. The celebration of Easter begins during the Easter Vigil after nightfall on Holy Saturday, continues through Easter Sunday and into the Easter season, a full 50 days, until Pentecost (the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church). The Great 50 Days of Easter are a wonderful opportunity to explore and celebrate Easter more fully than we can possibly squeeze into a single day. These fifty days can be a time of learning to live the way of Easter in our everyday experience.

The Ascension of the Lord (40 Days after Easter) - May 10, 2018
This Holy day of Obligation, 40th day of Easter, commemorates Christ's Ascension into Heaven from Mount Olivet 40 days after He rose from the dead (Mark 16:14-20). After the Gospel is sung, the Paschal Candle, lit from the New Fire of the Easter Vigil, is extinguished to symbolize the departure of Christ. Many dioceses in the United States (including the Diocese of Youngstown) celebrate the Ascension on Sunday following rather than on Ascension Thursday.

Pentecost - May 20, 2018
Also known as "Whitsunday," Pentecost is the second greatest Feast of the liturgical year -- the first being Easter -- and takes place 50 days (7 weeks) after Easter. The fiftieth day after Easter, this day celebrates the coming of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples and Our Lady, and is regarded as the crowning close to the Easter season. This day is considered a sort of "birthday" for the Church.


 

Ordinary Time
The second part of Ordinary Time begins after the Easter Season, on the Monday after Pentecost, and ends on the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent and is devoted to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects. This Season's focus is the Holy Spirit in the Millennium, the Church Age that we now live in, and Christ's Reign as King of Kings -- the time between the Age of the Apostles and the Age to Come.

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
Sunday - May 27, 2018
The first Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three persons of God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday also represents the beginning of the Church part of the liturgical year, continuing until Advent.

Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
Sunday, June 3, 2018
As on Maundy Thursday, we celebrate the Body of Christ -- but this time without the sense of impending doom of knowing what would come on Good Friday. This feast has an interesting history. Its inspiration is due to two things: the first is the Miracle of Bolsena, which happened in A.D. 1263. Peter of Prague, a German priest, during a pilgrimage to Rome, stopped at the Church of St. Christina there to offer Mass. While he was a holy and devout man, he harbored doubts about the Real Presence -- doubts which were completely resolved when the Host he consecrated during that Mass began to bleed. He rushed to meet Pope Urban IV in Orvieto, bringing the Host with him. The miracle was declared, and the Host is still on display at the Cathedral of Orvieto today. The second source of inspiration was an Augustinian nun, a Belgian named St. Juliana of Mont Cornillon (A.D. 1193-1258). She had a vision of the Moon that was full and beautiful, but marked by a black spot that signified that there was no joyous celebration of the Eucharist in the entire Church calendar.


Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15th
Because she belonged to Christ, Mary, our queen, is raised on high, a great sign for all who believe in her Son. On this day, a Holy Day of Obligation, we recall Our Lady's being assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen. Masses will be at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Mass on August 15th.


Whether they are carrying their first box of crayons to preschool or lugging a locker-full of textbooks from class to class, a backpack is the symbol of the student’s call to grow in wisdom. We’re sending our students and teachers back to school with our prayers and blessings. 
ALL STUDENTS (public, private or home schooled) and school staff are joyfully invited to bring their backpacks, briefcases, or tote bags for our “Blessing of the Backpacks" after all Masses on the weekend of August 26/27. As we celebrate God’s gift of learning, we will pray for His blessing on students and schools in the coming year.

Blessing of Pets
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is October 4. Here at St. Joseph's we will have our annual Pet Blessing on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the pavilion. Everyone is encouraged to bring their pets for this special blessing in honor of our patron saint of animals.

 

Feast of All Saints - November 1st
This is a Holy Day of Obligation on which we celebrate the Church Triumphant -- all the Saints in Heaven, canonized or unknown. Let us rejoice in all the men and women, blest in the eyes of the Lord, who celebrate the heavenly liturgy. They stand in God's holy place and sing of the love the Father has bestowed upon them through the blood of the Lamb.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
All Souls' Day, November 2nd

During this time of year we remember in a special way all those parishioners and loved ones who have passed away during the past year. The Feast of All Saints is November 1 and the Feast of All Souls is November 2. These two feasts at the beginning of November stress the reality of death, resurrection, punishment, or reward. The Church has a long tradition of remembering those who have died, to the love and mercy of God. We do this in a special way on the Feast of All Souls’ Day observances and throughout November. Our Book of the Names of the Dead is in the Narthex during October for you to add the names of loved ones who have passed away. All Souls' Day Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed is celebrated on November 2 at 7:00 p.m. Mass. Many who are grieving have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support offered by the parish community at this liturgy. Please plan to attend and join your prayers with those of the entire parish community as we express our faith, our belief in the resurrection and offer support to the grieving. All are welcome!!

Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
(Christ the King), November 26, 2017
On this day, we pray for the conversion of all to Christ, and for all governments to recognize Him as King and conform their laws to His teachings. This is the only way to peace!

 

Deacon Gerry Scopilliti will lead a prayer service on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00 a.m. This will include a Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Holy Communion (not a Mass). There will also be a blessing of food. All are welcome.

Thanksgiving Day is a day for celebrating with families.
We offer this prayer for you to use in this seasonal tradition.

 

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR HOME