PLEASE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR OUR SICK AND SHUT-IN, AND THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE MILITARY

Genya Barkley Donald Evans Margaret Dorsey Nellie Lawrence Rose Henderson

Ronald Toy Joanna Warren Delores Tuller Kendra Denhardt Giuseppina Fazzone

Leta Johnson Frances Reed Roberta Howell Bernard Paskins Bernice T. Ashe

Tanya Wilson Mark Gallagher Benjamin Stanford Barbara Stacey Jessica Fullman

Jeffrey Britton Tony Dash Jane McDonald Shirley Smith Donna Scott May

James Thomas Doris Gallagher Terry McDonald Arlene Watson Jemison Asante

Ethel Barrett Gerry Reybold Charlie Anderson James Collins Mary Joan Thompson

Sean Willis Jean Toy London Louise Simmonds John Thompson Gordon Sanders

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

PASTOR

Rev. Paul M. Williams, OFM

pw4ofm@aol.com

DEACON

Deacon Robert J. Cousar

MARRIAGE: All couples contemplating marriage

are asked to give the Pastor at least

one year prior notice in order to satisfy

all diocesan requirements for

marriage. All couples must attend

either Pre-Cana Classes or make an

Engaged Encounter.

BAPTISM: Before a child is Baptized, the parents

and Godparents must participate in a

Pre-Baptismal program. Please call

the Pastoral Center to make

arrangements.

NEW PARISHIONERS:

Welcome! We encourage new

families moving into the area to stop in

or call the Pastoral Center and

complete a parish registration form.

CARE OF THE SICK AND

HOMEBOUND: The Pastor, Deacon,

and special ministers of Holy

Communion will gladly bring

Communion to anyone who is ill or

otherwise unable to get to Mass. The

Pastor and Deacon make regular visits

to local hospitals. Please notify the

Parish Office if any parishioner is ill

or hospitalized.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, EMAIL,

TELEPHONE NUMBER: Contact

the Parish Office if your personal

contact information changes.

APRIL 17, 2016

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

► Every Sunday ~ CCD Following Mass, Grades K—8 ► Every Sunday ~ Adult Catechism, 11:30 am—12:15 Blue Room

► April 16 & 17 ~ Annual Catholic Appeal Follow-Up

► April 20 ~ Parish Council Meeting, 6:30 pm ► April 23 ~ Junior Sodality, 10:30 pm — 12:00 pm Sharp!

► April 24 ~ Junior Sodality Meatball Sunday

► April 24 ~ Wilmington Diocese Gospel Choir

► April 24 ~ KPCLA Monthly Meeting, 12:45 pm ► May 01 ~ Sodality’s Monthly Meeting, 8:45 am ► May 07 ~ KPC Monthly Meeting, 10am

► May 08 ~ Mother’s Day ► May 08 ~ Blood Pressure Screenings sponsored by Health Ministry ► May 9, 10, 11 ~ Parish Revival ► May 15 ~ First Holy Communion and Pentecost Sunday

Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm

Friday, 10am - 1pm

Parish Secretary: parishsecretary@stjosephfrenchst.org

Bulletin News: stjosephsbulletin@yahoo.com

Website: www.stjosephfrenchst.org

1012 French Street,

Wilmington, DE 19801

302-658-4535 (Tel)

302-658-2006 (Fax)

THE CRADLE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CATHOLICISM IN DELAWARE

MASS SCHEDULE

Sunday — 10:00 am Tuesday to Friday — 12:10 pm

Saturday Vigil — 5:00 pm Holy days — As announced

The Church is open for Prayer & Meditation Tuesday—Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Confessions are heard on Saturday at 4:30 pm and by appointment.

Notary Services

Available

Upon Request

See Loretta Young

Weekly Collections

April 10, 2016 ~ $2,881

April 12, 2015 ~ $2,755

Thanks for your generosity!

Question of the Week

As a lamb who was lost but is now found, how can I join Jesus this week

in seeking, finding, and gently carrying home at least one precious lamb?

Mass Intentions April 16, 2016 — April 24, 2016

Saturday, 04/16 5:00 PM † Edwina Lewandowski

Requested by Helen Jeszyk

Sunday, 04/17 10:00 AM For the People

Monday, 04/18 ——— No Mass

Tuesday, 04/19 12:10 PM

Wednesday, 04/20 12:10 PM

Thursday, 04/21 12:10 PM

Friday, 04/22 12:10 PM

Saturday, 04/23 5:00 PM

Sunday, 04/24 10:00 AM For the People

PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Rev. Paul M. Williams, OFM

Deacon: Robert J. Cousar

Parish Secretary: Loretta L. Young

St. Vincent dePaul Society: Barbara J. Willis

Director of Religious Education: LaVon Robinson

Director of Teen Ministry: Derrick B. Johnson

Bookkeeper: Jane Putscher

Introduction to the Liturgy

Today is known as Good Shepherd Sunday because the Gospel

on the Fourth Sunday of Easter every year portrays Jesus

proclaiming himself the Good Shepherd. It is also the World

Day of Prayer for Vocations, as we pray for all those in our

midst who hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and seek to

become shepherds as well, by God’s grace. As we gather today

at God’s invitation, let us listen for the Shepherd’s voice and

pray for vocations, too.

Fr. Paul

We are continuing to accept donations for the

Emmanuel Dining room. Please make checks

payable to St. Joseph Church with the notation

CANS. You may see Janice Jolly after mass or you

can place the check in the collection basket.

Religious Education — Every Sunday!

St. Joseph’s Adult Catechism

11:30 am until 12:15 pm in the lower level of the

Parish Center (Blue Room).

CCD

11:30 am until 12:30 pm in the Parish Center

Conference room

Transportation to Church

If you would like to have the new parish bus pick

you up for Church on Sunday mornings, please sign-

up today by contacting the parish office or seeing

Loretta Young. Now that the bus has arrived, we

are preparing to re-organize our efforts around

Health Ministry

Free Blood pressure screenings will

commence on the 2nd Sunday of each month

starting in April. See Denise Scales, RN in the

Church Hall after Mass.

Junior Sodality

Meatball Sunday ~ April 24

It is sponsored by the Junior Sodality. The

tickets are $6 and include your sandwich, drink,

and snack. See any Sodality member for

tickets.

2016 Annual Catholic Appeal

“Blessed are the Merciful for

They Shall Obtain Mercy”

Last weekend, several of our parishioners responded to the 2016

Annual Catholic Appeal. We are making good progress toward

our goal; however, to achieve complete success, we need everyone

to consider participating. Therefore, I ask anyone who has not yet

made a pledge to consider prayerfully how they may support the

ministries of our diocese, in addition to our parish.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is all about helping people. It helps

over 100,000 individuals and families throughout our diocese in

need of life’s material essentials, spiritual assistance, religious

instruction, and guidance so crucial to overcoming life’s greatest

struggles.

Whether or not you wish to contribute, it is important you

complete a pledge form. If you do not wish to contribute, simply

indicate the words "No Gift" on the card. This will save the

diocese the time and expense of a follow-up mailing.

For your convenience, pledge forms are available at the end of

each pew. Please fill them and place in the collection basket.

Fr. Paul

THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE

by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net

MARRIAGE MOMENTS

After the last child leaves home, Mom and Dad may

wake up and wonder who they are looking at.

Somewhere over the years, they've gotten so

involved in their children's lives that they forgot

about each other. Prepare for an empty nest by

paying attention to your honey today. Plan a date for

this week.

PARENTING POINTERS

On Earth Day take stock of what your family already

recycles (paper, plastic, cans...) Can you add one

more thing to recycle? Better yet, can you refrain

from buying something that needs recycling? We

call it "precycling."

Office for Marriage and Family Life

Religious Vocations Office

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus says “My sheep hear my voice; I know them,

and they follow me.” By virtue of our baptism,

each of us is called to follow the Great Shepherd,

but He calls each in a specific way. How does the

Lord want you to follow Him? Might He be calling

you to serve as a priest, a deacon, a religious brother

or a religious sister? If you think that might be the

case, please contact Father Norman Carroll,

Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious

Vocations (302-573-3113, vocations@cdow.org).

Be sure to visit our website: www.cdow.org/

vocations!

FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN

The best way to protect our children and

our church is for adults to learn red flag

behaviors and to report concerns to

supervisors. This creates a culture of protection. View safe

environment training even if you are not required.

(www.cdow.org scroll to For the Sake of God’s Children

link; scroll to video) Questions call: Coordinator for Safe

Environments 302-295-0668

Reporting Allegations of Child Abuse to Authorities

1. Division of Family Services at 1-800-292-9582

2. State Attorney General’s Office 302-577-8310

3. Report to Fr. Paul, Deacon Cousar or Loretta Young

4. Report to Diocese: Vicar General 302-573-3118

Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at 10:05

a.m. on WDEL 101.7 FM, 1150 AM and

www.wdel.com. Next Sunday, April 24th, learn about

Saint Francis Hospital’s LIFE Program when Amy

Milligan and Maria Miller will be the guests. For photos,

information regarding upcoming guests, podcasts and

more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/catholicforum. Listen to past episodes

of Catholic Forum online at

catholicforumradio.libsyn.com or search “Catholic

Forum Radio” on iTunes podcasts.

St. Thomas More Membership – If you are a

judge or a lawyer, please consider joining the

St. Thomas More Society. Visit the

websitehttp://stms-wilmington.org to sign up!

This Sunday we hear Jesus speak about himself as

the Good Shepherd. His sheep hear his voice and

follow him. Bring It Home by spending some time

in quiet this week. Listen for God’s voice. Talk

about how you can recognize God's voice in your

life. What do you do or what choices do you make

because you are a follower of Jesus?

Reminder from Catholic Cemeteries Diocese of Wilmington

The Church teaches that the dying must be given attention and care

to help them live their last moments with dignity and peace. The

prayers of their relatives and friends help them prepare to meet

God. Once a person has died, their body must be treated with

respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The

burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy. Prayer for the dying

and dead is a spiritual work of mercy. Preparing for our death and

funeral are gifts we give to those we leave behind. The experienced

family service staff at our diocesan Catholic cemeteries, Cathedral

and All Saints in New Castle County and Gate of Heaven in Sussex

County can provide you with the practical advice you need. For

more information visit the web at cathcemde.com or call the

cemetery office.

The Sodality honors the Blessed Mother

through prayer. These ladies faithfully pray

the rosary each Sunday before mass and they

pray continuously for the parish, the city and

for individuals in need of the intercession of

the Blessed Mother. If you would like to

join this ministry, please contact Denise

Scales on 302.368.9881.

JUNIOR SODALITY The Jr. Sodality mission statement includes:

having a deeper appreciation and understanding of others by

enriching values of respect, responsibility and sharing with the

guidance and example of St. Joseph Senior Sodality. Making a

difference by bringing joy, love and refreshments to brighten

the lives of others including St. Joseph community and the shut

-in, hosting a luncheon for those less fortunate, sharing in the

ministries of the church and participating in the Angel Tree

Adopt A Child Program. ALL YOUNG LADIES, 6 TO 14, IN

THE DIOCESE ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

PLEASE CONTACT JEAN TOY, 302-658-2218 FOR

INFORMATION. THANK YOU.

Buy gift/ pre-paid cards for a good cause. Please consider buying gift/ pre-paid cards for everyday

items & gifts. Proceeds are used to support the mission of

the Knights of Peter Claver, such as service to the Church,

assistance to the needy and youth scholarship. Order

forms are in the back of the church or online. For

information, phone 302 598 0448; Email:

kpc.scrip@stjosephfrenchst.org Web: http:kpc.stjosephfrenchst.org.KPC_ScripFundRaisingInfo.pdf

BAYLOR PRISON MINISTRY: Every Friday morning,

parishioners and friends brighten the lives of women

who are incarcerated. On the first and third Friday,

Fr. Paul celebrates mass. For additional information,

please contact Rose Henderson, 302-762-9044.

The Saint Vincent dePaul Thrift Store Boutique is

in need of shopping bags. PLEASE give bags from

department Stores such as MACY, BOSCOV,

NORSTROM and any specialty boutiques. .

Saint Vincent de Paul has a Boutique Store in

Eastern Maryland and use these type of shopping

bags for customers. Please provide Barbara E.

Willis with all bags.

Emergency contact == To contact the pastor after

hours, call the parish number. The messages are

checked every few hours, the first thing in the

morning and the last thing at night. When the pastor

is away, the parish secretary checks the phone

frequently and will notify the pastor if there is a grave

situation.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

The journey of faith is a process that takes time.

Please contact the pastor about taking steps leading to

initiation as a Catholic Christian. If you know

someone who needs special invitation, please inform

the pastor. The whole church is built up when an adult

embraces the faith. We need to embrace those called

by Christ.

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH LIFE AND NEWS

St. Joseph’s Book Club Meets in the

Parish Center. Bring your book, a friend,

snack, and your insights to this lively

discussion group. On March 28, 2016 at 7pm the

group will discuss the book entitled FAT TUESDAY ,

by Sandra Brown

Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies' Auxiliary is

comprised of over 18,000 Catholic family members.

We continue our expansion efforts welcoming all

Catholics to join. Our purpose is to render service to

God and His Holy Church. If you would like to join

our organization please see Grand Knight Vincent

Robinson or Grand Lady Brenda Burns.

Stock the Pantry - Catholic Charities

Non-Perishable Food Donations

A barrel for non-perishable foods is located in the estibule

of the church. Please help to replenish their food closets by

contributing non-perishable food items as well as personal

hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, etc.

To make a cash donation online, visit https://www.cdow.org/

ccdonation.html.

The St. Joseph Choir is Recruiting

If you would like to help us celebrate the

Mass and get extra credit, (because you

know when you sing you are praying

twice), please come and join the St. Joseph

Choir.

We rehearse and sing every Sunday, except 4th Sunday, in

the Parish Center Conference Room at 9:15 AM. If you are

interested, please see DeAnna Cardenas after Mass or call

the Parish Center and leave a message. Thank you!

WILMINGTON DIOCESE GOSPEL CHOIR WDGC sings at St. Joseph on the fourth Sunday and throughout the Diocese during the year. For information, call Brenda Burns at 302-322-6899.

St. Joseph’s Parish Revival 1012 French Street, Wilmington, DE

May 9, 10, 11

7:00 pm

“The Year of Mercy”

April

Juanita Harmon 02

Bruce Daye 04

Carolyn Wing 06

Dominique Broadus 07

Lisa Sorantino 07

Beverly White 10

Helena Crumety 13

Lakesia Anderson 15

Earl White 15

Toni-An Cunningham 16

J’Amie Walker 16

Ange Michelle Vanier 17

Claude Adzalla 18

Ava Simone Wycliff 19

Brandon Harris 19

Vincent Robinson 19

Vincent Caesar 21

Patricia Robbins 21

John Madison 23

Marissa Ledesma 24

Eric Pitts 24

Deacon Robert Levesque 26

Judith Taylor 26

Kharan Bracy 27

Annette Jackson 27

Adele Blanchard 28

Ramsey Lowery 28

Christopher Blancato 29

Julianna McGill 29

Zaniyah Hammond 30

Note: Apologies if your name does not appear on the birthday list.

If this is the case, please call the parish office at 302.658.4535 or

email the parish secretary at parishsecretary@stjosephfrenchst.org

Please include your name , birth month, day and year.

Liturgy Schedule ~ April 2016

Saturday, April 2, 5:00 p.m.

Herbert Sterling ~ Lector

Debbie Sterling ~ Eucharistic Minister

Sunday, April 3,, 10:00 am

Tia Pulliam ~ Altar Server

Bertley Wharton ~ Greeter

Phyllis Woolley-Roy ~ Lector 1

Gail Rando ~ Lector 2

Barbara Pulliam ~ 1st Eucharistic Minister

John Rando ~ 2nd Eucharistic Minister

Saturday, April 9, 5:00 p.m.

Vernon Taylor ~ Lector

DeAnna Cardenas ~ Eucharistic Minister

Sunday, April 10, 10:00 a.m.

Ava Wycliffe ~ Altar Server

Sheila Cavin ~ Greeter

Stephanie Bolden ~ 1st Lector

Jeff Flynn ~ 2nd Lector

Stacey Lowery ~ 1st Eucharistic Minister

Marie Cousar ~ 2nd Eucharistic Minister

Saturday, April 16, 5:00 pm

Stephen Thorpe ~ Lector

Annette Jackson ~ Eucharistic Minister

Sunday, April 17, 10:00 am

Kali Watkins ~ Altar Server

Fayetta Jackson ~ Greeter

Kevin O’Connell ~ 1st Lector

Anthea Bedminster ~ 2nd Lector

Pat Rafter ~ 1st Eucharistic Minister

Delores Spencer ~ 2nd Eucharistic Minister

Saturday, April 23, 5:00 pm

Loretta Young ~ Lector

Denise Scales ~ Eucharistic Minister

Sunday, April 24, 10:00 a.m.

Joaquin Ledesma ~ Altar Server

Marissa Ledesma ~ Greeter

Jed Donohue ~ Lector 1

Lorraine Eckrich ~ Lector 2

Denise McIntyre ~ 1st Eucharistic Minister

Marie Cousar ~ 2nd Eucharistic Minister

Saturday, April 30, 5:00 p.m.

Vernon Taylor ~ Lector

Gwen Cavin ~ Eucharistic Minister

Parish Leadership

Parish Council is advisory to the pastor on matters of the

church such as the mass schedule, improvements to the

building, parish social life, etc. The Council meets on the

third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm and all

parishioners are invited. The next meeting is scheduled

for April 20, 2016. The members are:

Fr. Paul Williams, President

Deacon Cousar, Ex Officio

Linda Abili Sheila Cavin

Vincent Caeser Kathy Hodges

Chantal Jackson Derrick Johnson

Julianna McGill Deirdre Robinson

Damita MacFarlane Doris Matthews

Laura Wharton Loretta Young

The Finance Committee is responsible for helping

the pastor with creating and managing the budget

and to ensure the parish is fiscally sound.

Members are appointed by the pastor and meet

quarterly. Current committee members are:

Deacon Bob Cousar, Chair

Dana Crumety

Judy Gallagher

Herb Sterling

Bertley Wharton

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Parish Registration Form

Last

Name:_________________________________________

Full Name:

______________________________________________

List all resident family members you wish to register at

Saint Joseph’s and the relationship of all.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Email Address:

______________________________________________

Mailing Address:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Cellular Phone:

______________________________________________

Home Telephone:

______________________________________________

THANKS FOR BEING HERE!

If you would like to become an ACTIVE member of

Saint Joseph’s Parish we invite you to complete the

Parish Registration form below and place the

completed form in the Offertory basket or send to the

Parish Office. Someone from the Parish Office will

contact you.

Sunday Morning Fellowship

We’ve been blessed to have the coffee and pastries donated on each Sunday of the

month as indicated below.

1st Sunday - Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality

2nd Sunday - Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary

3rd Sunday - Anonymous

4th Sunday - Krispy Kreme Donuts coordinated by Kathy Hodges

5th Sunday - Sandra & Jed Donahue and

Kathy & Paul Fahey

Cold & Flu Season: Please take precautionary

measures such as washing hands often and thoroughly.

If you are under the weather take care not to share your

misery at the sign of peace and at Holy Communion by

sharing the Cup. We will all bless you for it.

TRIP TO THE

BATHROOM

Little people sometimes find it

necessary to make a bathroom

visit during mass to relieve

boredom if nothing else.

Fellowship hall and the

bathrooms are unsupervised

and accessible to outsiders.

For the safety of our little

ones, their grown-up should

accompany them when they

take a break. Nothing has

happened and we want to be

sure it doesn’t.