Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical calendar. It consists of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
In the Catholic Church, Christmas is more than one day – it is a season that begins on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), continues through the Feast of the Epiphany and includes the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God . Christmastide concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
The forty days of Lent is reminiscent of Jesus’ forty days in the desert. Lent is a season of repentance and renewal in solidarity with those preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation to be received at Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.
The Triduum is the most important three days in the liturgical year. Holy Thursday (which commemorates the Last Supper), Good Friday (which commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross), and Holy Saturday (where the Church pauses to commemorate the Lord’s burial). The Easter Vigil is celebrated on Holy Saturday night when new members of the faith receive the Sacraments of Initiation and are welcomed into the Church.
Alleluia – He is Risen! The Easter season celebrates Christ’s resurrection from the dead, his victory over death. Christ’s Ascension into heaven is celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter. Eastertide concludes at Pentecost, where Jesus sends the Holy Spirit upon the apostles to spread the Gospel to all nations.
The season of Ordinary Time explores Christ’s mission and message through the Gospels. This season includes Trinity Sunday (which celebrates God’s self revelation as a Trinity of Persons) and Corpus Christi (which celebrates the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist). Ordinary Time concludes with the Solemnity of Christ the King which brings the liturgical year to a close.
Ways to Help St. Joseph Parish While Doing your Regular & Holiday Shopping
Raise Right gift cards (formerly called Manna) can be used for your daily or holiday shopping needs. Cards can be purchased or ordered through the gift shop, the rectory or through their website. Visit https://shop.raiserightp.com/Login or use the link on the parish website. It’s that easy! You can order the gift cards yourself or by going through the rectory office. Simply pay for them through the rectory or through osvonlinegiving.com/4159. Cards will be delivered to the rectory. These are the same gift cards you would purchase in individual stores. A percentage of all gift cards sold is rebated to the parish. Save Gas! Save Time! And help the parish at the same time.
St. Joseph Parish earns a rebate on all purchases made when you present your Food 4 Less Community Rewards card to the cashier when checking out. Cards can be found at all Church entrances.
The St. Joseph Charitable Foundation was established to help parishioners in need of financial assistance to get them through a difficult time, whether they are in need due to a job loss, under-employment, health issues, or other matters. All registered, active parishioners of St. Joseph Parish are eligible for assistance.
Applications are located on the kiosk in the front entrance of Church, in the rectory or by clicking here. You may also speak directly to Fr. Tim about applying. The process is strictly confidential. Parishioners are eligible to receive up to a $500 grant within a twelve month period.
Tax deductible donations can be made to the Charitable Foundation at any time throughout the year. Please mail your donation to the rectory to Fr. TIm's attention. Thank you.