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.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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.
In anticipation of us being able to have our Fall Bazaar, we are looking for donations of used Jewelry, Please leave donations at the church by Nov. 6th
If you would like to make a donation for the people of Haiti, put it in a plain envelope with the word Haiti on it. Checks can be made out to St. Joseph Church. We will transfer the donations to the diocese for Haiti.
ON-LINE GIVING -Please consider signing up to give your donations to our parish online. It is very easy to do. You can donate either with a credit card or a check and choose how much you would like to give and how often: weekly, monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. You can go directly to the website at https://stjoepittsfield.weshareonline.org to sign up. We thank you for your generosity during these difficult times.
CHICKEN PARMESAN, SHARING ROOTS DINNERS, TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVES - Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases and pending restrictions, having consulted with Msgr. Mike, Trustees and Jack, it has been decided that these events have been canceled. I am sorry that these steps had to be taken but public safety has always been our number 1 priority.
Bishop McDonnell and I ask you to join us in wishing Fr. Michael Goodreau a very Happy 1st Anniversary in the priesthood. Father’s anniversary is this weekend, the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother. We are grateful for Father’s ministry here at St Joseph’s and wish him many years of joy in his ministry. God’s Blessings on you and thank you for all you do in the service of God.
Attention Religious Education parents/guardians: I’m pleased to announce that the kindergarten through 9th grade religious education students will be meeting in-person for the 2021/2022 school year. Classes will begin September 19. We will meet from 10 AM to 11 AM in St. Joseph’s Parish Center. You will be receiving a copy of the calendar and registration form by mail. We will also be having registration in-person September 11 and 12 following the 4 PM and 9 AM Mass in the North Chapel. We encourage you to enroll your child(ren) before the first class. St. Joseph is committed to providing a safe environment for our students and following all the recommendations from the Diocese and the Center for Disease Control. If you have any questions please contact me, John Arasimowicz, at [email protected] or call 413-822-1297. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Stay healthy and well. Thank you, John Arasimowicz
September 12—Final Class 5:30 PM at St. Joseph’s Parish Center***** October 3– Retreat 4:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Parish Center***** October 17—Confirmation: 10:00 AM at St. Marks’ Church and 11:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church
POLKA PICNIC at ST. JOHN PAUL II PARISH - The Parish Family of St. John Paul II will once again hold their Polish Picnic on September 12th at the Polanka Grounds on Mill St. in Adams. The gates will open at 12:00 noon and the Eddie Forman Orchestra will play from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5/person. Children 12 and under are free! Polish and American Fare will be served and the Shire Bakery will be on-site. Beer, wine, soda, and water will also be sold. There will also be free children's games!