Good Friday is a day of of abstinence from meat as well as day of fasting, when only one full meal is allowed. On days of fast, two other meatless meals may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat begins at age 14 and does not cease. The obligation to fast begins at age 18 and ceases at age 56. Although the faithful may excuse themselves from fast and abstinence, for a just cause, there is an obligation to substitute another penance in its place. No Catholic should lightly excuse him/herself from these Lenten obligations.
Saturday, March 18th - First Penance. Students to arrive in North Chapel at 9:30 am. Sunday, March 19th - Banner workshop during CCD class time. Parents are required to stay and assist their child.
During the Holy Season of Lent, Catholics are obliged to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of this penitential season. This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday and I am mindful that for many in our diocese this is the occasion for festive celebrations. Therefore, I am granting a general dispensation from this Lenten discipline for that Friday, March 17. I would encourage those who will forego the practice to prayerfully consider some substitution of equal sacrifice, including but not limited to abstaining from meat on another day~ Bishop William Byrne
Our parish has been asked to join with parishes throughout the Diocese of Springfield in support of the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal. This year’s goal is $3 million dollars. The proceeds fund more than 40 ministries, many that support our parish and charities across Western Massachusetts. You can participate by praying for the success of the campaign and through your donations. Please use the response card you received in the mail OR use an envelope available at Mass. We ask every family to prayerfully participate. Thank you.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat as well as days of fasting, when only one full meal is allowed. On days of fast, two other meatless meals may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat begins at age 14 and does not cease. The obligation to fast begins at age 18 and ceases at age 56. Although the faithful may excuse themselves from fast and abstinence, for a just cause, there is no obligation to substitute another penance in its place. No Catholic should lightly excuse him/herself from these Lenten obligations.
Holy Hour will take place on the last Sunday of each month following the 9 a.m. mass. It will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the rosary. The Knights of Columbus will be leading the rosary in February.
Each Sunday evening at 6 pm we are coming together in the Chapel with evening Prayer. Come and spend time with our God in quiet meditation and reflection during this Lenten season. Following Vespers there is a video presentation featuring “The Creed” with Bishop Robert Baron in the North Chapel. All are most welcome to attend. Coffee and dessert will be served.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the family community of St. Joseph’s Parish that supported the CCD penny social. To those who donated gifts, baked cookies, brownies, the kitchen crew, the team that worked on the floor, selling tickets, the runners, people who made monetary donations, and for those who came and enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you from the CCD students and staff. God bless you and be well. John A.
BINGO IS BACK! St. Mary's School, 115 Orchard Street, Lee, MA on Saturday MARCH 11, APRIL 1, MAY 13, JUNE 10. Doors open at 1 p.m. Game starts at 2:30 p.m. Full BINGO program with charitable lottery games like Jockey, Speedball, Horse Race, and Trolls. Cash prizes up to $300++. The BEST door prizes! 50/50 Raffle drawing, snacks & drinks available. Must be 18 years or older to play. COME JOIN US ! Questions, call us at 413-243-1079.
Vespers will begin on February 26th at 6 p.m. in the Chapel. All are welcome to come each Sunday evening for prayers and devotion. Following the even prayer liturgy, there will be a video presentation in the North Chapel featuring “The Creed” with Bishop Robert Baron. Coffee and dessert will be served. Come spend some time with God during this sacramental season of Lent.
Dear Friends, My family and I sincerely thank you for the expressions of kindness you have shown us. Carol's daughters and I are grateful for the mass cards, etc. that we have received. I am sure that if all those who had a Mass said for them by my sister were at the gates of heaven to greet her, I bet she is still waiting to see her dwelling place. Thank you, Fr. Mike & Family
Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22nd) Mass at 12:10 & 5:30pm. RCIA- Wed. at 6:30. Confessions-Daily (Mon.-Fri.) 11:30-1200, Wed from 5:30-6:30 ( not on Ash Wed.) and Sat from 3:00-3:45. Vespers and Presentation Sunday 6:00pm. Stations of the Cross & Lamentations Friday 6:30pm. Operation Rice Bowl-Please pick up a Rice Bowl at the church doors. My Parish App-Reflections by Fr. John Burns. Go to My Parish app. The Rite of Election-St Michael's Cathedral , Springfield, Feb.26th at 2:00pm. Copies of The Magnificat Lent Companion found by church doors. For the Lenten Season Adoration, Confession and Mass will be in the Main Church.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Fish Fry on Friday, March 3, 2023 in our Parish Center. The dinner will be fish, French fries, cole slaw and dessert. The cost is $18. There will be a 50/50 Drawing. Dine-In from 4 to 6, take out from 4:30 to 6. Please call the rectory at 413-445 -5789 to purchase tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door.
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 chose how much you would like to give and how often: weekly, monthly, semimonthly, 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.
Holy Hour will take place on the last Sunday of each month following the 9 a.m. mass. It will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the rosary. The Knights of Columbus will be leading the rosary in February.
From February 22nd through April 2nd you’re invited to join Christians for 40 Days for Life –40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right of way outside Planned Parenthood at 3550 Main St., Springfield, MA, and also to help spread the word about this important community outreach. If you’d like more information, especially if you’d like to volunteer to help, please contact Tim Biggins at 413-342-0340 or [email protected].