St. Joseph's Church

Let the little children come to me. (Mt. 19) We are a little late this year but we will continue to offer the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) at the nine o’clock Mass beginning October 6th. During the C.C.D. calendar year, children at the 9 a.m. Mass will be called to the altar where the priest will talk to them and then dismiss them to the chapel to hear the Word of God in language appropriate for children. This program is designed for youngsters in grades K through 5. Plan on being there with us to celebrate and really hear God’s Word. Sorry, but this is NOT a program for toddlers and little ones.

Many Thanks to all who participated in our Festival of Sharing Roots, making our annual event a success. We appreciate the efforts of all the volunteers working together to move forward peacefully from 9-11-2001 as a Parish Family and community respecting all people and sharing their food and cultures. We Remember those who perished in that tragedy and for all the First Responders who risked their lives to save people. God Bless you all.

The Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Diocese of Springfield announces information sessions for Berkshire County Catholic Girl Scouts, Heritage Girls, Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA pertaining to Catholic Religious Awards and Emblems. The sessions will take place on Wednesday, September 18 at St. Joseph Church, North Chapel, 414 North St., Pittsfield. Information on Girl Scout / Heritage Girl awards and emblems will be presented 6:00-7:00 p.m. Scout BSA awards and emblems information will be presented 7:00-8:00 p.m. Scouts, parents and leaders may attend either or both sessions. For more information, contact Kathy, thesomdwoods@yahoo.com or Sr. Jean, ssjpine@verizon.net.

ST ANNE SOCIETY Due to a change in scheduling the St. Anne Society monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday September 25, 2019 in the Parish Center at 6:30 pm. It will be our annual Pot Luck Supper. Members are asked to bring their favorite dish large enough for about 6 servings to share with the group. The dish can be anything from dessert, entree, or appetizer. Please join us for food, faith, and fellowship. All are welcome.

ITALIAN FAMILY DINNER - Tickets on sale NOW - Remember to get your tickets for the St. Anne Society Parish Family Dinner which is scheduled for October 19th at the Parish Center. The dinner features homemade Italian food such as ziti with a rich meat sauce, meatballs, chicken parmesan, salad, dessert and coffee. Come and enjoy good food and camaraderie with your parish family. Take out service will be available and meals can be picked up at 4:45 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are available from Nina Mastrangelo at 442-3402 or the rectory. Tickets are limited and only unsold tickets will be available at the door.

The weekend of September 21 & 22, there will be opportunity to donate for those devastated in the Bahamas. If you are able to help please put your donation in a separate envelope in the collection basket. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

FINAL EVENTS FOR GRADE 11 CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES September 15th - Cathedral of the Beloved - 12:00-3:00 pm in Parish Center (1st shift: 12-1:30; 2nd shift: 1:30-3:30) September 29th – Confirmation Wrap-Up at St. Joseph Church 5:00- 7:00pm October 2nd – Retreat at Sacred Heart Parish. Registration: 4:30; Retreat: 4:45-9:15 pm October 17th – Rehearsal with Sponsors at Sacred Heart Parish at 6:00pm October 20th – Confirmation Ceremony at Sacred Heart Parish at 2:00pm (candidates should be there at 1:30pm).

Families should have received a letter in the mail with a registration form and calendar for CCD school year 2019/2020. Registration for classes will take place on September 8th in the North Chapel from 10:00-11:00 a.m. If you did not receive a letter, or need another form, you will be able to register and get a form at that time. GRADE 10 students – Any student entering 10th grade MUST register for this year AND grade 11 to receive Confirmation in grade 11. If you have not received a letter specifically for 10th grade students, the registration and parent meeting will take place at the first class on September 22nd at 6:00. September 8th – Registration in the North Chapel from 10:00-11:00 a.m. September 15th – Classes begin for grades K through grade 9 . All students will meet their teachers in Parish Center. September 22nd – Class for grades K-9. Grade 10 meet in Parish Center from 6:00-8:00pm September 29th – Class for grades K-9.

The first meeting of the Parish Council will be on Sunday, September 15, 2019, after the 9 AM Mass in the North Chapel. All are invited to attend.

On Friday, September 20, 2019, we are having our Annual Volunteer Picnic at the Skyline Country Club from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. All volunteers are invited! Please call the Rectory at 413-445-5789 for a reservation. We look forward to seeing you!

On Saturday evening October 19th the St. Anne Society will sponsor the annual Italian Family Dinner in the Parish Center from 5 until 6:00 p.m. featuring a delicious meal of pasta with homemade meat sauce, meatballs, chicken parmesan, salad, dessert and coffee. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 5. Tickets are available from ticket chairman Nina Mastrangelo who can be reached at 442-4203 or at the Rectory. Cash bar beer, wine, soda, and bottled water will be available. Only unsold tickets will be available at the door so be sure to get yours today.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults This process to welcome adults into the Catholic Faith will begin this fall on Wednesday, Oct. 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the North Chapel. Sessions last approximately one hour. If you are interested, please speak to Msgr. Mike or call the rectory at 445-5789 to register.