St. Joseph's Church

Let us pray... Generous and merciful God, we thank you for your abundant gifts to us. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving feast, we ask you to send your Spirit, to open our hearts to you and our neighbor, that we may share the gifts you have given us as your Son Jesus taught us to. Thank you for the many blessings of our lives: our family and friends, our home and the food we eat, our health and employment. We ask your blessing on all gathered here today, and all your people throughout the world, through Christ your Son. Amen.

Vespers will be held each Sunday evening at 6 p.m. during Advent which begins on Nov. 29th. This is a peaceful closing to the Lord’s Day and a peaceful start to the 4 weeks of Advent. This year the service will be in the main church and we will not have the video presentations following the service.

To the Confirmation Class of 2021 - Please continue to connect to the link with Mr. Hogue. We will not be seeing any students in person at this time. We will let families and students know when we will be able to come in person. If you have any questions you may contact John Arasimowicz 822-1297 or Mr. Hogue, the teacher directly with the link that was sent to you. Please stay safe and healthy. Please follow all the COVID-19 rules so this pandemic will come to an end. Thank you

During the pandemic, please remain seated for the entire Mass. We ask that you leave the kneeler down in the pew in which you are sitting so we know which pews need to be cleaned ~ Thank you

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Joseph's Annual Holiday Bazaar is postponed. Please watch the bulletin for more information. Thank you.

The Reverend Geoffrey John Deeker, C.S.S., in residence at Saint Joseph Church (Pittsfield, MA) was born to eternal life on Monday, November 2, 2020, in Dalton, Massachusetts. He was 86 years old, a member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers for 66 years, and in his 61st year of priesthood. Father Geoff was born on June 26, 1933 in Somerville, Massachusetts, the only child to the late Geoffrey A. and Margaret M. (Coughlan) Deeker. After attending Boston College High School he began his journey to the priesthood on September 14, 1948 when he entered the Stigmatine community in Waltham, MA., and professed his first vows on June 22, 1954. His perpetual profession came five years later on June 22, 1959. After completing his theological studies at Catholic University (Washington, D.C.), he was ordained on June 4, 1960 at Saint Peter's Church in Cambridge by Bishop Thomas Riley. From that day onward he ministered to the People of God with faith, integrity and perseverance. A devoted member of the Stigmatine community, Father Geoff had an affable personality, quietly sensitive to the people whom he served. He ministered in several communities, always with humility and grace. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Pittsfield, MA,) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Springfield, MA) and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (Waltham, MA.) Father Geoff also generously made himself available to assist with Stigmatine community needs in developing vocations and organizing the liturgy for special occasions. He often volunteered to act as recording secretary for many Stigmatine Provincial Chapters and assemblies, a tedious yet necessary function. Until its closure in 2008, Father Deeker was the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he had served for twenty one years. He remained in the Berkshires, however, residing at Saint Joseph's Church, assisting several local parishes with pastoral ministry, until declining health prevented him from doing what he most loved and enjoyed and had been his vocation for more than sixty years. Father Geoff will always be remembered for his kindness and gentle nature, and of course, for the enthusiasm he had for whatever he was involved in at the moment. As a young priest he was an avid and stylish bowler and for a while was a devoted scout chaplain. After a stint as chaplain to the Civil Air Patrol, he fell in love with all things aeronautical. But the most enduring memory of Father Geoff was his abiding and lively interest in the liturgical life of the Church. He understood and cherished every aspect of Catholic liturgy and ritual. The liturgy, for Father Geoff, was not simply an historical experience. Father Geoff saw the liturgy as a beautiful and vibrant way to bring a person into the presence of God. He was convinced this was relevant in every age and for every person of any age. Donations in Father Deeker's memory may be sent to the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers, 123 William Street, Springfield, MA 01105.

time to make the pierogi - On November 18 we will be making pierogi for the upcoming LIMITED BAZAAR. If you are free to help make the pierogi, please come to the Parish Center at 2:00 p.m. Thank you!!

November 21 Limited Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parish Cnter featuring frozen food to go, homemade Italian Cookie trays, limited Italian meat sauce, frozen cheese and cabbage perogies. Knitted items and a $100 lottery tree raffle. Cookie plates are $10 for 1 pound. A quart of frozen sauce is $5. Masks must be worn.

Vespers will be held each Sunday evening at 6 p.m. during Advent which begins on Nov. 29th. This is a peaceful closing to the Lord’s Day and a peaceful start to the 4 weeks of Advent. This year the service will be in the main church and we will not have the video presentations following the service. Plan on attending.

COOKIE WORKSHOP Thurs., Nov. 17th to bake Italian cookies to sell at the COVID modified bazaar being held on Sat. Nov. 21st. Your help is needed. Please come and lend your support and dedication to this effort starting at 9. Come for an hour or the morning but come and help.

Winter decorations for St. Joseph Cemetery may be placed on lots from November 1st to April 1st. Only one wreath or flower box per lot.

During the pandemic, please remain seated for the entire Mass. We ask that you leave the kneeler down in the pew in which you are sitting so we know which pews need to be cleaned ~ Thank you

Grades K-9: Families should have received their student’s at-home work by now. This work will ensure the children are engaged in the faith and connected to the church during these unprecedented times, while we are not able to meet in person. Please continue to use the materials that were sent home for your child to help with weekly gospel Saints and thoughts for the week. This week we celebrate All Saints Day . Please take time to remember a Saint and say a special prayer. If your child has not received materials and you would like them mailed to you please contact John A. at 413-822-1297. Also, if your child is to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion or Confirmation, please make sure they are registered. Thank you