St. Joseph s. c a t h o l i c c h u r c h. Gratitude, Discipleship, Hospitality. September 21, 2008 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 St. Joseph s Gratitude, Discipleship, Hospitality c a t h o l i c c h u r c h September 21, 2008 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection on the Word Readings for the week of September 22, 2008 Monday Proverbs 3:27-34 Luke 8:16-18 Tuesday Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13 Luke 8:19-21 Wednesday Proverbs 30:5-9 Luke 9:1-6 Thursday Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 Luke 9:7-9 Friday Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Luke 9:18-22 Saturday Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:8 Luke 9:43b-45 Sunday Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32 At Home with the Word (pg 124) Preaching next weekend: Fr. Jim Schwartz Reflection Question: How can we know God s will? MY PARISH DREAMS FOR THIS FALL My fall dreams for the vibrancy of our parish community revolve around the growth of the number of our small Christian communities; and, secondly, that we grow in our love and in our understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist in our lives. How can this happen? As a parish community we have developed five sessions for our small Christian communities on the Mass with a DVD video for each session. It all starts with a kick-off session at 4:30pm Sunday afternoon, October 5, and then the 5:00pm Mass with a supper to follow. At this kick-off session we will both celebrate the mystery of the Eucharist and provide a teaching to lead a greater understanding of the meaning of the Mass. At this kick-off session, you will have an opportunity to join a small Christian community and to continue our teaching and dialogue on the various parts of the Mass. As a parish community whose most important prayer is the Mass, may we welcome this opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of the Mass. Are you looking for an adult education opportunity this fall? Mark Sunday, October 5 on your calendar. (Yes, it s more important than the football game.) A STEWARDSHIP DREAM Another dream I have for our parish is that we embrace the spirituality of stewardship. Regardless of whether the stock market goes up or down a couple hundred points, we are called to live a Gospel spirituality in which we affirm that all is a gift of God. Whether we have little or whether we have much, we are called to share what we have in service of others. How do we give? Always, with an attitude of gratitude. We are stewards of the giftedness we have received from God. Our stewardship reflection is how am I called to share my gifts for the building of the Body of Christ? In filling out a stewardship commitment card of time, talent, and treasure, I willingly and gladly commit myself to building up the faith community of St Joseph s. I ask you to join in making this stewardship commitment for the honor of God and in service to our faith community. SCHOOL CLASS MASSES My final dream (for this week) is that I will continue to be inspired at our Tuesday morning 8:00 Mass with the various grades from St Joseph s School taking part in the liturgy. Our parish youth are a great blessing for me and for all of us. I pray that the Mass will be the central prayer of these blessed students all the days of their lives. Schwartz@stjosephspenfield.org As a Catholic Community, we witness to the love of Jesus Christ in the world.

2 Parish Directory Office Phone: PASTORAL MINISTRY... Phone/Ext. Stephen Ministry (confidential line)... ext. 130 Fr. James Schwartz, Pastor... ext. 112 Fr. Bob Kreckel, In Residence Fr. Jim Boyle, In Residence Deacon Don Germano... * Germano@stjosephspenfield.org Deacon Duncan Harris... * Harris@stjosephspenfield.org Michelle Castelli, Pastoral Associate... ext. 113 Castelli@stjosephspenfield.org Cathy Kamp, Parish Life Coordinator... ext. 115 Kamp@stjosephspenfield.org Nancy Veronesi, Director of Worship... ext. 124 Veronesi@stjosephspenfield.org Matt Curlee, Director of Music... ext. 125 Curlee@stjosephspenfield.org FAITH FORMATION & YOUTH MINISTRY Patrick Fox, Director of Faith Formation... ext. 114 Fox@stjosephspenfield.org Eva Mascadri, Administrator... ext. 116 Mascadri@stjosephspenfield.org Christina Schmidt, Youth Minister... ext. 119 Schmidt@stjosephspenfield.org OFFICE MANAGEMENT Brian Waldmiller, Director of Operations.. ext. 111 Waldmiller@stjosephspenfield.org Mary Beth Ransom, Secretary... ext. 110 Ransom@stjosephspenfield.org Eleanor Czarnecki, Receptionist... ext. 120 Czarnecki@stjosephspenfield.org Bud Gurnow, Maintenance... ext. 123 Gurnow@stjosephspenfield.org OTHER Tom Glisson, Pastoral Council Chair PastoralCouncil@stjosephspenfield.org Liz Barry, Finance Council Chair FinanceCouncil@stjosephspenfield.org Sr. Christina Luczynski, Principal principal@sjspenfield.com * please leave a message with the receptionist Membership Info St. Joseph s Catholic Church 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield New York Office: Fax: Parish Membership: We welcome you to worship regularly with us. If you wish to join our parish community formally offering your time, talents, and financial support please call the Parish Office to begin the registration process. You may pick up a registration packet at any of the entrances or by asking one of our Ushers or Greeters. Sacrament of Baptism: Parents anticipating the arrival of their child are asked to call Eleanor at the Parish Office to begin the process of baptismal preparation. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Individual celebrations are 3:30-4:30pm Saturday in the church Reconciliation Room. Communal Celebrations are as announced in the bulletin. Sacrament of Marriage: Engaged couples are asked to contact Fr. Jim at least six months before the wedding. Sacrament of Ministerial Priesthood (Holy Orders): Men interested in serving God s people as priests proclaiming the Gospel, preside at Liturgy and minister the Sacraments can call the Parish Office or the Director of Vocations, Fr. Mike Conboy, at Becket Hall, Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick: Available for those who are seriously sick, the elderly, or those who face surgery. Please contact the Parish Office. Hospital Visits: We are pleased to visit any of our parishioners who are patients in any of our local hospitals. Please call the Parish Office to tell us when your stay will begin. Hearing Loop in Church - induction loop, set the T switch on the hearing aid. Works especially well in the west main section of the church. Liturgy of the Word for Children: 5:00pm Saturday, and 9:00 & 11:00am Sunday. Nursery: Available for children ages infant to 4-year-olds during the 11am Mass. Open 10:45am until 12:15pm. Located in the Parish Resource Center, Room 2. During other Masses, parents are welcome to use either the room located in the church loft or the Chapel as needed for their children. 2

3 Mass Schedule and Intentions Day/Time Offered for Mon, Sept 22 8:00 am Daniel R. Salmon by Esther Innes John Reina, wedding anniversary remembrance by Ed Cala Tues, Sept 23 St. Pio of Pietrelcina 8:00 am Barbara Griffin by Pam & Chuck Spiteri Yolanda Cordaro by Mary & Bob Muoio & family Wed, Sept 24 8:00 am Emily E. Owens by Kim & Rob DiLuglio Larry Cervon by Bud Ayer Thu, Sept 25 8:00 am Stephen Blackburn, 1st Anniversary by Mike & Meredith Hurley & family Anthony DiPasquale, Birthday Remembrance by his wife Mary Fri, Sept 26 Sts. Cosmas & Damian 8:00 am Peter & Karl Thummler by the family Mass of Thanksgiving to thank St. Joseph s Parishioners for prayers by Arlene Blane, Davidine Mason & Colleen Farmer Sat, Sept 27 St. Vincent de Paul 8:00 am Special Intention of Mercy HS Students: Past, Present & Future by the Circle of Mercy 5:00 pm Donald Montgomery, 2nd Anniversary by his wife, Joan Verna Streicher by Lillian Cappiello Sun, Sept 28 7:30 am Dorothy Hendrickson by Leonard Hendrickson Jean Borzilleri By Aunt Marge & Uncle Gunner 9:00 am Mark Bezek, Wedding Anniversary by the family 11:00 am Ruth Trabert by Pat & Ed Gartland Gregg Bartus by Mr. & Mrs. Terry Davenport 5:00 pm Donna Pagano by Shirley Ford Prayer and Intentions 3 We Hold in Prayer This Week Those who are sick Anne Allenza George Altman Susan Arena Lisa Asadorian Bill Baller Agnes Bauman June Baschnagel Korleen Bush Paul Callozzo Vincenza Capozzi Peter Cardamone Vince Cavuoto Tiffany Russo Centi Shirley Charbonneau Bill Cherry Charity Chinelly Adeline & Peter Cimino Ray & Helene Cleary Kathleen Cole Mary Dalassandro John Davis William Daylor Eleanor Dillon Rosemarie DiMartino Mary Discavage Ray Elsbree Emma Falk Gerry Fly Arlene Gioto Jean Glanton Kathy H. Mary Ann Harper Dorothy Hefner Mary Kay Hintenach Helen Holowka Harvey Jennings Darwin Johannes Kirk Johnston Lois Jordan Jewel Kelly Jerry Kenny Roland Kent Cathy Killackey Elinor Kreckel Davalene Layng Kathleen Lynch George Maier Michael Malachowski Bob Maley Michael Mandrick Virginia McCarten Margaret McClellan Bill McMaster Ida Mitrano Josephine Mongiello Ryan Moynihan Stephy N. Kayla Nicholas Charles Oesterly Rose Opipari Those who are serving in the military Jonathan Barber Michael Bartell Aaron Bush David Carley Andrew Cegla Evan Davies David Dougherty Michael Dougherty Lauren Foley Edward Gerlach Michael Giannetti Chris Hornig Eric Horton A.J. Lopez Zachary Milne Daniel Murphy Samuel Nasso Brian O Connor Those who are preparing for marriage October 4 October 18 Rosemary Parnell Patricia Patte Onni Peck Patti Pinckney Barbara Redick Clif Rice Stacy Robinson Melissa Rossi Alan Rupp Kate S. Bobbie Schloff Tracy Schuhmacher Kathleen Sherman Helen Sherbinski Marianne Spanos Maureen Steenburgh Fran Swift Helen Talarczyk Joseph Tansey Jacqueline Stukas- Tennenbaum Amy Thorne Betty Tofany Michael Paul Trahan Dorothy Tubinis Michael Verno Ed Wandtke Thomas Weinhart Craig Wilson Margaret Urbach Thomas O Toole Eric Plant Kellen Rowley D.J. Scully Adam Servatius Shaun Story Michael Stout Brett &Evan Wilby Christopher Wilson Marilyn Yackiw & Matthew Klim Julie Burghardt & Mark Heminway Those who have died in the Peace of Christ Dorothy Colucci Cooper The Sanctuary Candle will burn this week in loving memory of Charles Titus, 6th Anniversary, by his wife.

4 Meetings, Gatherings & Events WATER FOR SUDAN News & Updates Sunday, Sept 21 After all Masses: Youth Ministry Fundraiser Penfield Food Cupboard Cereal Collection 12:00 pm Parish/School Picnic Grounds 12:15 pm Children s Choir Rehearsal Rm 4 6:00 pm Youth Group Lounge Monday, Sept 22 7:15 am SGM Morning Group ALC 6:30 pm Family Program ALC 7:00 pm SGM-Olmstead Lng 7:00 pm St. Joseph Book Club Rm 5 7:30 pm Ensemble Rehearsal Rm 4 7:30 pm CYO Sports Advisory Committee ALC Tuesday, Sept 23 6:15 pm First Eucharist Class School 7:00 pm Healthy Living Small Group Rm 1 7:00 pm Family & Friends Choir Rm 4 7:00 pm Social Ministry Lng 7:15 pm First Eucharist Parent Meeting CH/ALC 7:30 pm St. Joseph Prayer Group Rm 6 Wednesday, Sept 24 9:15 am Women Growing in Christ Rm 1 6:15 pm Faith Formation Classes School 7:00 pm Engaging Spirituality Lounge 7:15 pm 9:00 Choir Rehearsal Rm 4 Thursday, Sept 25 8:30 am Exec New Horizons Network Rm 1 5:30 pm Hand Bell Choir Rm 4 7:00 pm Morningstar Rehearsal Rm 4 7:30 pm Morninglory Lounge 7:30 pm St. Joe s Men s 40+ Hoops Gym 8:15 pm Stephen Ministry Supervision Rm 3 Friday, Sept 26 6:30 pm Cub Scout Popcorn Kick-off Gym Saturday, Sept 27 No events scheduled Sunday Sept 28 10:00 am RCIA 12:15 pm Children s Choir Rehearsals Rm 4 6:00 pm Youth Group Gym On September 7, Salva Dut, founder of Water for Sudan, was present at the 9:00 St. Joseph s and 11:00 Our Lady of the Americas Masses to accept a $18, contribution for the drilling of 2 water wells in Sudan. Parishioners were able to speak to Mr. Dut about the wonderful work he is doing for the people of Sudan at Java & Juice after the presentation. He was most appreciative of the generous hearts of the people of the parishes and the amazing amount that we raised. On behalf of the Sharing Hearts Urban Suburban Connection committee, we would also like to thank everyone for their support of those in need. Mr. Dut will let us know early in 2009 when the wells will be drilled. WEEKEND WARRIORS WANTED Help tame a wild beast. We want to form a special work crew of 8 to 12 people to trim, weed, prune, and reshape the burm on the west parking lot. One of our parishioners who manages horticulture operations at another large facility has offered to help coordinate and guide this work. Work date to be determined based on people s availability. Some chainsaw work is needed, but there s also plenty of pruning and weeding to do. Please call the parish office to express your interest in helping. PARISH NURSERY Located in the Parish Resource Center Room 2. Open 10:45am until 12:15pm. VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE: 9/21: Nathalie Pearson, Michelle O Brien, Patty Moynihan 9/28: Anne Werner, Patty Moynihan, Michelle O Brien 10/5: Michelle Woods, Lisa Chidsey, Nathalie Pearson 4

5 PARISH COMMUNITY New Moms & Tots Group Forming! Learn more, sign up today Sunday, September 21 after the 9:00 or 11:00 Mass in the PRC or call Cathy Kamp (at the Parish Office) or Angela Hanson ( , Java & Juice - No J&J this weekend, come to the Picnic. We need groups to sign up to host. Contact Mary Serio at to be added to the calendar. Parish Nurses need Help for Blood Pressure Screenings after Mass. Screenings are held the third Sunday of every month. Commitment would be 2-3 times per year for 30 minutes after Masses. If you are qualified to take blood pressures (i.e. EMT, LPN, Medical Technician, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor or Nurse), we could use your help. Please call Judy Roth ( ). 40 Days of Spirituality. This fall our parish will focus on Eucharist and the parts of the Mass. Mark your calendars to participate in a parish-wide event on October 5 that will take place around the 5pm liturgy, celebrating our understanding of Eucharist. FAITH FORMATION Men s Bible Study. Begins 7:30pm October 1 in the ALC. We invite men to gather to study and pray with the Bible. We will look at The Acts of the Apostles to begin and discover the developing Christian Community. The focus will on the historical context and on how what Paul wrote applies to he lives of men today. Join us in the ALC! First Eucharist Parent meeting: Tuesday September 23. It is not too late to register for this program. Call Patrick Fox to include your family in this time of preparation. Creating A Safe Environment (CSE) Training Session: 7-9pm Tuesday September 30 in the ALC. This training is for adult and high school volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults. To reserve a spot, contact Patrick Fox (ext. 114 or fox@stjosephspenfield.org). YOUTH MINISTRY Fundraising. After all the Masses this weekend and next, you can purchase discount cards for just $15 in the St. Josephs store in the Parish Resource Center. Sales of these cards will help support our many activities and retreats planned for this year. The reusable discounts are good at Hyjea, Mark s Pizzeria, Rigatoni s, Arby s and many more! If you can help out after one of the Masses, please contact Christina. We appreciate your support of our ministry! Jason Everett Youth speaker to come to St. John of Rochester, 7:45-9pm September 28. His talk, Romance Without Regrets gives meaning to the value of chastity as a teenager today. Visit to read more about it and hear clips from his talk! Diocesan Youth Convention Over 500 Catholic youth will gather together at the 14 th annual Diocesan Youth Convention on November at the Rochester Plaza Hotel. Get inspired by our keynoter, Jerry Goebel and spend time with Bishop Clark as we explore Global Solidarity. There will be plenty of music, a dance, prayer, worship and workshops awaiting you. Cost is $105 plus lodging. Sign up with a friend today to reserve your space! For more info, contact Christina. Registration deadline is Oct. 3. ST. JOSEPH S SCHOOL Announcements After School Care Program. Needs to hire 2 persons for 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 2:00-6:00pm. Please call Sr. Christina at the School Office ( ) for more information. This is a paid position. Gift Card Sales. The School will again be selling gift cards from various merchants starting in a week or so. Watch the bulletin for more details and watch for our sign in the PRC window. 5

6 ACTS OF DISCIPLESHIP Going out around 5:00 he found others standing around and said to them, Why do you stand here idle all day? They answered, Because no one has hired us. He said to them, You too go into my vineyard. Matt. 20:6-7 Today s Gospel tells us that it is never too late to get involved in the work of the Church. God has a special need for each one of us in his vineyard. The world teaches us to be selfish and greedy, like the workers who grumbled about their wages. Yet, God continually requests that we offer our special gifts to build up his kingdom. Come, there is work to be done is God s personal invitation to each one of us. How will you respond? STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE September 14 Offerings: Envelopes: $17, Electronic Transfer: $ 9, Plate (loose): $ Other: $ Capital Improvements: $ 1, Poor Boxes/Mt. Carmel: $ St. Joseph s tithes on its weekly offerings, a portion of which went to Dimitri House to support the men s shelter. THE CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COLLECTION Of the 37 million people considered to be living below the poverty line, 45% work full time but still do not make enough money to feed their families, keep roofs over their heads, and pay for health care. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) supports communitybased projects founded and managed by the poor themselves that work toward building a better and more just community where poverty does not exist. You can make a difference. Please donate prayerfully and generously in today s CCHD Collection. CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL (CMA) The Diocese is about to launch the Catholic Ministries Appeal. All registered parishioners should receive a brochure, letter, pledge card and return envelope in the mail this week or next. Please read the material carefully and give consideration to your participation. We will be talking about the appeal in the parish next weekend. Stewardship What you give and do for yourself, dies with you. What you give and do for others, lives eternally. 6 FOCUS ON STEWARDSHIP How to be Good Stewards The first step is to recognize that all you have or ever hope to have is yours in trust only. Stewards will strive to manage the resources entrusted to them in ways that advance God's kingdom of love and goodness. Recognize that you have gifts that have been given and which you have nurtured, gifts to share in ways that show the presence of Christ to those around you. Next, seek the opportunity to be a significant part of the family of God around the world through prayers, participation, service, and gifts of money. Commit yourself to grow in love as you care and share by... Praying daily for the extension of God's love; Bible study, reading, meditation, and sharing faith in conversation and in the way you live; Sharing your abilities in ways that build up and affirm the giftedness of others; Participating regularly in the life of the parish family through worship, study, service, and fellowship; Setting aside a specific percentage of your income for the work of the God's people and continuing to grow in your giving. In short, strive to uphold the church by your prayers, presence, giftedness, and service. In this way you can grow and fulfill your Christian stewardship in response to God s graciousness. PLANNED GIVING Please remember St. Joseph s Church in your Will Leaving A Legacy A young man was surprised to find his sick and elderly grandfather planting a small peach tree in his backyard. When the young man asked his grandfather why he was planting the tree, the old man replied, Son, all my life I have eaten the fruit from trees that other people have planted. I figure I have an obligation to make sure there is some fruit around for others to enjoy.

7 Pastoral Care MORNINGLORY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT You are invited to a casual Fall Gathering 7:30-9:00pm Thursday September 25 in the parish lounge. Coffee, Teas & Dessert will be served. (Please bring a favorite dessert or cookies to share) How to Live & Survive the Stages of Grief Have you had a recent loss of a loved one or continue to grieve a past loss? Experiencing grief can be a lonely feeling. Joining with others in sharing memories and our loss can help ease our struggle and keep our spirit alive. No one can take the pain away but knowing others care can inspire us to keep moving forward in our own grieving process. Together we will reach out to each other with support and encouragement. Please join us and learn how others have survived. All are welcome especially those experiencing grief and those who support them. Open to the public. Free of Charge. For more information contact Facilitator and Director, Nancy Gullen ( ) STEPHEN MINISTRY providing a variety of care for those in need. Is someone you know being deployed in service of our Country soon? This may be a stressful time as you prepare to see your friend or loved one leave you. The day will soon be here. It is an exciting time, but do you feel it will be difficult for you not just to see them go, but to wait for their return? Do you wish you had someone to share with during this time? A Stephen Minister is here to listen to you and to walk with you. This confidential one on one ministry can help you during this difficult time in your life. Take a moment today and call us. Our Stephen Ministry can be accessed by calling ext Just leave your name and number and one of our Stephen Leaders will call you back. JUSTICE / SERVICE Social Ministry With upcoming November elections it is important to look at how the Church views our Catholic call to political responsibility. Last weekend, this column discussed the document: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship- A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. We looked at why the U.S. Bishops say it is appropriate for the Church to play a role in political life by teaching about moral values that shape our public lives. The bishops point to the need for Catholics to form a welldeveloped conscience in order to be politically responsible. This formation of conscience includes several elements: First: There is a desire to embrace goodness and truth. For Catholics this begins with a willingness and openness to seek the truth and what is right by studying Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Next: It is important to examine the facts and background information about various choices. Prayerful reflection is essential to discern the will of God. Catholics must also understand that if they fail to form their consciences they can make erroneous judgments. We have a responsibility to discern carefully which public policies are morally sound. The Church fosters well-formed consciences not only by teaching moral truth but also by encouraging its members to develop the virtue of prudence. Prudence enables us to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it. * Aided by the virtue of prudence in the exercise of well-formed consciences, Catholics are called to make practical judgments regarding good and evil choices in the political arena. Next bulletin: Making Moral Choices NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR matches parishioners with needs with parishioners who can help. Contact Michelle Castelli (ext 113) Can you help Morgan DeMatteo, a young girl in our parish who has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder? Angels of Mercy is looking for donations to help her with her medical costs. Send your donation check to: Angels of Mercy, 125 Highview Drive, Rochester NY and write Morgan DeMatteo in the memo line of your check. Thank you! Parishioner #14: visually impaired female parishioner needs housekeeper every other week. Paid position Parishioner # 15: has an artificial Christmas tree she would like to give to a family. Do you need one? 7

8 NOURISH YOUR BODY & SOUL Come to be inspired. Join us for an informational session 7:00 8:30pm on September 23 in Parish Resource Center Room 1. Be inspired to join our 4-week healthy living series. Come to one session or come to all. Be inspired by parishioners who have lost weight and kept it off. Do you want to live a healthier lifestyle? Do you want to exercise but don t know how to get started? Do you want to change your eating habits, but lack motivation? Do you think you don t have the willpower to lose weight? Have you tried every diet out there with no success? Learn how other parishioners just like you have embraced healthy living and changed their lives. Plan to join us for a 4-week program involving prayer, support, strategies, and inspiration. Nourish your body and your soul! Date Subject Location Sep 23 Informational Session: Room 1 Sep 30 Motivation Room 1 Oct 7 Faith Room 1 Oct 14 Forgiveness Room 1 Oct 21 Patience Lounge For more info, contact Kathy Mortenson ( ) or Sr. Rosemary ( x 619) ST. JOSEPH S BOOK CLUB 7pm Monday, Sept 22 Selection: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and Daniel Oliver Relin. An American mountain climber s failed attempt to conquer K2 in Pakistan results in a promise to build a school in an isolated village. Three Cups of Tea is the story of keeping that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade, Mortenson builds a total of 55 schools especially for girls in the land that gave birth to the Taliban. His compassion, determination, and dedication are inspiring. Copies are available from the public library. Membership is not limited to parishioners or to Catholics, only to those whose goal is personal growth. Join at any time throughout the year. Call Mary Serio ( ). Spirituality WOMEN OF GRACE FALL OPPORTUNITIES Women Growing in Christ to start the year with Women of Grace Women Growing in Christ meets on Wednesdays 9:15 to 11:00 am in Meeting Room 1 at St. Josephs. Our focus is to help us grow closer to Christ in our daily lives, supporting and encouraging each other on our spiritual journey. Group features are prayer, Bible study, book reviews, and guest speakers. This year s program starts off with Johnnette S. Benkovic s Women of Grace, followed by the Bible studies: Psalms: Praying with Jesus, St. Joseph's Lenten small group program, and I Corinthians: Living as Christians. Our first meeting will be on September 24. You may join us for the whole school year or just for the Women of Grace series (October 1 to November 19). Babysitting is available. For more info please call Martina Stoeckl ( ). Come join us! This is a great way to meet other women of this parish! WEEKEND WITH JOHNNETTE BENKOVIC, author of Women of Grace The Women s Care Center is sponsoring a series of events for its 2008 fundraiser featuring Johnnette Benkovic. Her talks will be the Gift of Femininity at an afternoon tea, and Voting Catholic at the evening s banquet. On the following day, Respect Life Sunday, she will speak after the National Life Chain and Benediction. The dates, locations, and times for the events are: AFTERNOON TEA: 1:30-3:30pm October 4: Diplomat Banquet Center. Teens bring your moms! $15 per person or $10 with purchase of banquet ticket FUNDRAISER BANQUET: October 4: Diplomat Banquet Center, 5:00pm Social; 6:00pm Dinner. $40 per person, $25 for students. RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY: October 5: St. John the Evangelist of Greece. 2-3pm National Life Chain; 3:15pm Benediction; 3:30pm Talk and refreshments. Johnnette is the founder and president of Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc., a Catholic evangelization apostolate with outreaches in television, radio, print and Internet communications. She is also the founder of Women of Grace, an apostolate for Christian women that outreaches through conferences, curricula, study groups, and more. For more information or to order tickets, please call the Women s Care Center ( or ) 8

9 A Very Catholic Conversation THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL Volume 3 Number 2 Paul was one of the greatest missionaries the church has known. He was born in Tarsus, which is in modern Turkey, and he was raised in the Jewish faith. In fact he was known then as Saul. He was part of the group called the Pharisees, among the most rigid of the Jews of his time. He was a dedicated opponent of the followers of the Way of Jesus and was eager to arrest and persecute those who followed the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. As we hear in Acts 9:1-19 he had a conversion experience and the same energy that he had shown against the followers became the passion he had for sharing the message and bringing others to Christ. Next Sunday our second reading portion is from Philippians 2:1-11. Paul preaches unity in humility. He urges his listeners to be united in love a love rooted in the selflessness of Christ. The intimation is that if we are consistent and united, the reward that Jesus found will be ours as well. Let the message that Paul offers to people in Greece rest with us. You might want to continue with 2:12-18 and hear about the work of salvation and the joy that can be found in sacrifice for one another. FAITH WORD Jesus Christ: Jesus is his name and Christ describes him as savior. Paul imbeds this idea in the writing. He speaks of the reward that is Jesus given by his father. So Paul says we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We are saying that Jesus, who came to earth and was born of Mary, is the man and the God, further sustained by the title Christ, savior and so we all proclaim him to be our Lord. OUR PARISH CATECHETICAL EFFORT We offer adults the opportunity to continue to learn. There are the opportunities offered by the 40 Days program of Small Group Ministry sprinkled throughout the year. There are many groups of Bible study and book club and prayer groups. Some take offerings at Saint Bernard Institute or at other places of learning. We all are encouraged by Paul and all of our staff to be lifelong learners. We are beginning a new men s Bible study every other Wednesday night beginning October 1. Why? Why not? Where would you rather be? That could be said of all our small groups who are learning in a variety of ways. For truly if you are growing in faith, where would you rather be? Join us for our latest small group series The Eucharist, a 5-week program starting the week of October 5 where you will learn new insights about our liturgy, its symbols and our role as the assembly that is the community of St. Joseph s Church. In addition to Fr. Jim's narration of video footage of our own weekend liturgies, groups will receive a descriptive readable booklet written by Cardinal Bernardin called A Guide to the Assembly as well as a parish-created workbook with prayer for each session. Mark your calendars to participate in a parish-wide kick-off event celebrating our understanding of Eucharist on October 5 that will take place around the 5 PM liturgy, starting at 4:30pm and continuing after Mass with a casual supper. Whether you are just now exploring your beliefs or you are a long-time active participant in your Catholic faith, your journey will be enriched by learning more about our liturgical traditions. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 Call Cathy Kamp (ext 115) or Terry Madonna ( ) to join a group, or to volunteer to start a new group. Program Outline October 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Small Group Study Parish kick off event after 5 PM Mass Gathering Rites Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist Communion Rite Dismissal Rite Let s continue the conversation. Peace, Patrick fox@stjosephspenfield.org 9

10 GENERATION TWO Additional Announcements If there were a way to increase the self-esteem of children would you help? Would you support a program that results in decreased school absences? What about a program that increases enthusiasm for learning among children who like school the least? Of course you would! Please become a volunteer with Generation Two(G2). G2 creates a foundation for learning in elementary schools. G2 is looking for volunteers to play with first grade students to facilitate social and emotional development of the children. This is not a tutoring program. These are normal kids in regular classrooms in the Rochester City and Fairport School Districts. Volunteers meet once a week from early October thru May to play one on one consecutively with 3 children for 30 minutes each. Afterwards there is a half hour group discussion with the other volunteers and the site coordinator. The time commitment is 2 hours per week. Full training and ongoing support is provided. There are 4 in-service education programs during the year that address various topics on child development. This is a great position for anyone who likes children. No special skills are needed beyond a smile and the ability to play checkers or make 'cookies' out of play dough. We have a lot of fun and the children love us. For further information or to volunteer contact Melanie Mroz ( or mmroz@frontiernet.net). RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND - Before you see the lawyers! If your marriage is in difficulty and your relationship is strained, consider a Retrouvaille weekend and follow-up. Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples renew their marriages and find healing and hope. Retrouvaille of Rochester is sponsoring a weekend on Oct , 2008 at Notre Dame in Canandaigua. Call or visit All inquiries are strictly confidential." 10