St. Joseph's Church

A journey of Faith. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will begin on Wed. Oct 20th at 6:30pm. These sessions last about one hour and are open to any adult wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith and about joining the Church. For more information please speak to Msgr. Mike or Fr. Michael or call the Rectory at 413-445-5789.

In the upcoming weeks you will hear more and more about the fall 40 Days Campaign, 40 Days for Life. Please be aware the date for this event is from September 22 through October 31. There will be cards placed in the pews at St. Joseph. The pew card is for you to keep. Why not post it on your refrigerator? So keep your eyes open and look for the pew cards - they will have the correct date 9/22 - 10/31. Please do not be confused with other dates that you may see posted outside the Planned Parenthood Site such as 2/17 - 3/28. To reiterate, the correct date is 9/22 - 10/31. So please, mark your September & October calendar and watch for more information coming. Thank you!

2021 CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES October 3 – Retreat 4:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Parish Center October 17 — Confirmation: 10:00 AM at St. Mark's Church and 11:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church

PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE BERKSHIRES - We are in need of size 4T-5T Pull Ups, size 5 and 6 diapers, sizes 1-10 new or used clothing. Please leave in baby crib which is located in front of church. Thank you, Pregnancy Support Services of the Berkshires

St. Joseph’s Parish would like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to these young men who are receiving First Holy Communion today Andrew Y. Rios Cotto & Ian Y. Rios Cotto

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an important part of the Mass because it allows our children to hear the Word of God in language they can understand, question and discuss. The readings are the same as those read I n the church only in simplified language fore children to comprehend. After the opening prayer, and before the proclamation of the Word of God, the children are gathered before the altar and they process out from the main assembly to gather in the chapel where they are able to listen, pray, sing and discuss what they heard. They return to the main assembly in time to present the gifts to the priest. This is the children’s time to celebrate the ritual event of the Word where God speaks to them through His Word, and they hear an understand. Our children excel at the prayer of the faithful where they offer their own prayer and intentions. The program is meant for children in grades K through 5. It is not for toddlers and infants. We hope parents will bring their children to these masses and encourage them to attend. Our program will be conducted at the 9 o’clock Mass on the Sundays when CCD is in session starting Sun, Sept. 26th.

Labor Day Mass will be Monday, Sept. 6th at 9:00 a.m.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH COUNCIL - We will meet in person in the North Chapel on Sunday morning, September 19th after the 9:00 AM Mass. All those attending must wear masks and there are no refreshments. We will distance as much as possible. If as a council member, you are not comfortable, please notify Jim before the meeting. Stay well in the meantime.

ST. ANNE SOCIETY St Anne members are reminded that their presence is requested at the 11am Holy Hour and Rosary on Wednesday September 8. Please make every effort to attend and pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and lay ministry.

Reminder to the students receiving Confirmation in October the class of 2021, final class will be held Sunday, September 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph’s Parish Center. Please bring all your paperwork to class. ____________ The 10th grade class coming in to receive confirmation for the fall of 2022 may register following the 4 p.m. mass September 11th or following the 9 o’clock mass September 12th. Registration forms have been sent out. If you have not received your registration form you may register your child at St. Joseph Parish Center prior to the 6 o’clock class. The Confirmation class of 2021/2022 will begin September 19th, once a month, at 6 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Parish Center. Masks will be required at all programs and all COVID-19 procedures will be followed. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at 413-822-1297 or email johnaccd@gmail.com Thank you, John Arasimowicz

PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE BERKSHIRES - We are in need of size 4T-5T Pull Ups, size 5 and 6 diapers, sizes 1-10 new or used clothing. Please leave in baby crib which is located in front of church. Thank you, Pregnancy Support Services of the Berkshires

If you like working with our youth and teaching the Word of God and would like to join our CCD team of St. Joseph’s Church, please contact John Arasimowicz at 413-822-1297 or email johnaccd@gmail.com

St. Joseph will be having registration for CCD K-10 grades following the 4:00 Mass on Saturday, September 11 and following the 9:00 Mass Sunday, September 12 in the North Chapel. CCD will begin September 19h following the 9:00 Mass.

We welcome Father Marvin Gacek to our parish this weekend. Father, who is a member of the Polish Redemptorists, is making the mission appeal for his community’s mission work in Russia. Welcome to St. Joseph’s! The mission coop will take up a second collection for the missions.