ST. JOSEPH PARISH / PARROQUIA SAN JOSE

Saint Joseph Church   Saint Rose of Lima Church

371 East Main Street Middletown, Delaware

The Transfiguration of the Lord

August 6, 2017 

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the faithful of St. Joseph Parish,

willingly accept our baptismal call to gather and worship as a community,

to proclaim the Word of God, and to serve in the image of Jesus Christ.

MISIÓN DE LA PARROQUIA Nosotros, los fieles de la Parroquia de San José,

aceptamos de buena voluntad nuestro llamado bautismal

a reunirnos y adorar como comunidad, a proclamar la Palabra de Dios,

y a servir en la imagen de Jesucristo.

OUR CHURCHES & SACRAMENT SCHEDULE

St. Joseph Church: 371 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, 19709 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM Sunday Masses: 830, 10:30 AM Misa Dominical: 1:00 PM (Español) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Saturday at 4:00 PM

St. Rose of Lima Mission: 301 Lock St, Chesapeake City, MD, 21915 Sunday Masses: 8:00, 9:30 AM Tuesday Mass: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Sunday at 9:00 AM

St. Francis Xavier Shrine: 1604 Church Road, Warwick, MD, 21912 Mass Dates: May 21—4:00 PM, May 29—10:00 AM, Sept 17—4:00 PM and Oct 22—4:00 PM

COUNCIL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Finance Council: John Sanders (410-275-1428)

Pastoral Council: Tom Kohl (302-376-7940)

PASTORAL OFFICE STAFF

Very Rev. David F. Kelley, VC., Pastor Rev. Timothy Brady, O.de.M., Associate Pastor

Tim Enright, Deacon Bob Altmiller, Facilities Manager Vidette Benn, Parish Secretary

Lauren Cataldi, Organist Jackie Delaporte, Special Assistant, Sacristan

Diana Gotthold, Formation Office Rosemary Hadland, Coordinator of Music Ministry

Mary Kirk, Director of Religious Education Richard McAloon, Business Manager

Antonia “Tonie” Vandenberg, Ministerio Hispano Mark Winterbottom, Confirmation Coordinator

GENERAL INFORMATION

E-mail: vbenn@stjosephmiddletown.com Website: www.stjosephmiddletown.com

Pastoral Center / Centro Pastoral: 371 E. Main Street

Middletown, DE 19709 (entrance on Cleaver Farm Road)

302-378-5800, 302-378-5808 (FAX) (toll-free from Maryland: 888-433-1874)

Ministerio Hispano: 302-378-5805, Ext. 104

Office Hours / Horario de la Oficina: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Christ the Teacher Regional Catholic School

2451 Frazer Road Newark, DE 19702

302-838-8850 www.christtheteacher.org

Sr. LaVerne King, RSM – Principal

Liturgy Notes

Presider’s Intentions This week, our presiders will offer Masses for these intentions: Monday, August 7 St. Sixtus & Companions St. Cajetan 8:30 AM (SJ) Francis Murphy Tuesday, August 8 St. Dominic 8:30 AM (SR) George Shestock Wednesday, August 9 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross 8:30 AM (SJ) Frances Shetzler Thursday, August 10 St. Lawrence 8:30 AM (SJ) Rose Beck Friday, August 11 St. Clare 8:30 AM (SJ) John & Elsie Conly

Saturday, August 12 5:00 PM (SJ) Eleanor Brett

Sunday, August 13 19th Sunday in Ordinal Time 8:30 AM (SJ) Tom Meyer 10:30 AM (SJ) Thomas Applegate 1:00 PM (SJ) Virginia Celeste Rodriquez Torres 8:00 AM (SR) 9:30 AM (SR)

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PETER

The Cathedral of Saint Peter is in need of our help. The weekend of August 19 & 20, a special collection for the maintenance and preservation of the Cathedral of Saint Peter will be taken up in all parishes in our diocese. Please be as generous as you can. For more information about the Cathedral, please visit the Cathedral’s website at www.cathedralofstpeter.com. For a video tour of the Cathedral, special video message from Father Klein the Cathedral’s Administrator, and a tour of the Cathedral’s 99 year-old organ, visit the diocesan website at www.cdow.org. Together, we can help assure that our Cathedral will remain a place of beauty and prayer for generations to come.

The Word in Our Lives: Readings for August 13, 2017 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire—but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5 Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

La Palabra en Nuestra Vidas: 13 De Agosto De 2017

XVIIII Domingo Ordinario Primera Lectura: 1 Reyes 19, 9a. 11-13a Al llegar al monte de Dios, el Horeb, el profeta Elías entró en una cueva y permaneció allí. El Señor le dijo: "Sal de la cueva y quédate en el monte para ver al Señor, porque el Señor va a pasar". Así lo hizo Elías y, al acercarse el Señor, vino primero un viento huracanado, que partía las montañas y resquebrajaba las rocas; pero el Señor no estaba en el viento. Se produjo después un terremoto; pero el Señor no estaba en el terremoto. Luego vino un fuego; pero el Señor no estaba en el fuego. Después del fuego se escuchó el murmullo de una brisa suave. Al oírlo, Elías se cubrió el rostro con el manto y salió a la entrada de la cueva.

Salmo Responsorial: Salmo 84, 9ab-10. 11-12. 13-14

Segunda Lectura: Romanos 9, 1-5 Hermanos: Les hablo con toda verdad en Cristo; no miento. Mi conciencia me atestigua, con la luz del Espíritu Santo, que tengo una infinita tristeza, y un dolor incesante tortura mi corazón. Hasta aceptaría verme separado de Cristo, si esto fuera para bien de mis hermanos, los de mi raza y de mi sangre, los israelitas, a quienes pertenecen la adopción filial, la gloria, la alianza, la ley, el culto y las promesas. Ellos son descendientes de los patriarcas; y de su raza, según la carne, nació Cristo, el cual está por encima de todo y es Dios bendito por los siglos de los siglos. Amén. Evangelio: Mateo 14, 22-33 En aquel tiempo, inmediatamente después de la multiplicación de los panes, Jesús hizo que sus discípulos subieran a la barca y se dirigieran a la otra orilla, mientras él despedía a la gente. Después de despedirla, subió al monte a solas para orar. Llegada la noche, estaba él solo allí. Entretanto, la barca iba ya muy lejos de la costa, y las olas la sacudían, porque el viento era contrario. A la madrugada, Jesús fue hacia ellos, caminando sobre el agua. Los discípulos, al verlo andar sobre el agua, se espantaron, y decían: "¡Es un fantasma!" Y daban gritos de terror. Pero Jesús les dijo enseguida: "Tranquilícense y no teman. Soy yo". Entonces le dijo Pedro: "Señor, si eres tú, mándame ir a ti caminando sobre el agua". Jesús le contestó: "Ven". Pedro bajó de la barca y comenzó a caminar sobre el agua hacia Jesús; pero al sentir la fuerza del viento, le entró miedo, comenzó a hundirse y gritó: "¡Sálvame, Señor!" Inmediatamente Jesús le tendió la mano, lo sostuvo y le dijo: "Hombre de poca fe, ¿por qué dudaste?" En cuanto subieron a la barca, el viento se calmó. Los que estaban en la barca se postraron ante Jesús diciendo: "Verdaderamente tú eres el Hijo de Dios".

Team 2 will clean on Thursday, August 10, 2017 Loretta Williams, Captain

Pat McTiernan Anthony Davies Shirley Stafford Peggy Calvani Ellie Collins Karen Headley Ed Fitzgerald Kathy Ursitti Arlene Lyons Joe Ruff Susan Hogan Ella Garvine Marlene & JimJacono Joanne Russell For more information or to volunteer, please call Loretta Williams, 302-378-8635.

Life Watch USA

for advertising in our parish bulletin.

Please be sure to visit our parish website and check out those businesses who advertise in our bulletin. Your support of these sponsors is one way to say thank you for their generosity.

REDNER’S RECEIPTS The CCEA collects Redner’s receipts. Receipts can be put in the collection basket or dropped off at the church or CCEA office. Please submit the whole receipt as partial receipts will not be considered. Refunds from the Redner receipts covers the expenditure for meats purchased by the food pantry staff for our clients. Thank you for your assistance, it is appreciated.

PAT’S PIZZA Pat’s Pizza Family Restaurant, located at 311 N. Broad Street in Middletown, will donate a portion of all receipts we return to them. Please place your saved receipts in the collection basket or drop them off at the parish office. We are blessed that our local businesses continue to support our parish. Please thank them for their generosity when you visit Pat’s.

Stewardship Many thanks to all who volunteered and participated in our annual carnival. We were blessed to have mostly dry weather, albeit hot! Much effort went into the preparation, execution, and clean-up of the event. We look forward to the final financial results to be shared by members of carnival committee, however preliminary calculations point to another successful year. Most importantly, the fun, smiles, laughter, and camaraderie were immeasurable! Special thanks to the continued dedication and leadership of the carnival committee and those “unsung heroes” throughout the parish for their quiet devotion, and many thanks to all for another outstanding year! The offertory collection last weekend was $13,936 toward our weekly offertory goal of $15,800. This brings our year-to-date total to $73,463 received toward our year-to-date goal of $79,000. Thank you for accepting the responsibility of faithful stewardship.

John Sanders, President, Finance Council

DEBT REDUCTION COLLECTION This week is our monthly collection for debt reduction. The parish staff recognizes that we live in uncertain economic times and we must all be careful with our budgets. The staff also acknowledges the sacrifices you make and knows that your continued financial support is an act of faith. The staff thanks you for continually making our parish a priority in your giving.

EL V ENCUENTRO NACIONAL DEL MINISTRO DE HISPANOS/LATINOS:

Las parroquias de la diócesis de Wilmington están actualmente participando en un proceso de reflexión y discernimiento como parte del Quinto Encuentro Nacional, un proceso de cuatro años de consultas, discernimiento, discusión y colaboración. El objetivo principal del V Encuentro es discernir formas en las que la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos pueda responder mejor a la presencia de los Hispanos/Latinos, y potenciar modos en que los Hispanos/Latinos respondan como discípulos misioneros al llamado de la Nueva Evangelización, sirviendo a toda la Iglesia.

Para ayudar a financiar estas actividades, una segunda colección tendrá lugar en todas las misas en español en la diócesis el fin de semana del 26 y 27 de agosto de 2017. Por favor, sea lo más generoso posible.

SUMMER GIVING Now that summer is here and vacations are upon us, we thank you for always remembering St. Joseph Parish’s needs even when you are away. Many people find that electronic giving helps greatly in this regard. Please contact Dick McAloon at 302-378-5800 for more information about our ACH program.

This Week in Our Parish Monday, August 7 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 7:00 PM—Friends of Bill W

Tuesday, August 8 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Rose Church 10:00 AM—Prayer Shawl in Rm 2

Wednesday, August 9 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 6:00 PM—Cantor Rehearsal in St. Joseph Church 6:00 PM—Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition in Rm 3 7:00 PM—Charismatic Prayer in Rm. 2 Thursday, August 10 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 6:30 AM—Boy Scouts Troop 123 Open House in Parish Hall 6:30 PM– Cub Scouts Leaders Meeting in Room 1 7:00 PM—Friends of Bill W in Rooms 5 & 7 Friday, August 11 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 2:00 PM—Wedding in St. Joseph Church Saturday, August 12 10:00 AM—Knights of Columbus State Picnic in Parish Complex 4:00 PM—Confessions in St. Joseph Church 5:00 PM—Mass in St. Joseph Church Sunday, August 13 1:00 PM—Mass at St. Joseph (Spanish)

Parish Life

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL We remember in prayer all those who are ill, especially Joel Rivera, Lea Castelli, Ludwig Possenti, Susan Schlotzhauer, Ron Huff, Joel Rivera,  Andrew Tomaino, Ralph Bessinger, Ronald McGrath, Jim Barrett, Karen Weis, Trudy Copley, Paul Henderson, Keith Delaney, Margaret Cassling, Karen Gabrielsen, Ed Bisone, Kathy Lichman, Irene Shestock, Christine Cavaliere, Mary Maycen, Brandon Austin, Krystina Paulson, Matt Malus, Terrie Dunn, Madeleine Toner, Peggy Robinson, Joseph Nelson, Joan Huhn, Connie Beardsley, Don Lushis, Shelly DiPietrapaul, Jackie Provost, Alvin Atallian, Catrina Copley and Tess Dooley. We also remember in prayer their caregivers and all others in need of our prayers.

MAY THE ANGELS LEAD THEM INTO PARADISE

Please remember in your prayers Henrietta F. Burris our deceased parishioners, loved ones and benefactors.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

BULLETIN DEADLINE Just a reminder the deadline for submitting information for the bulletin is Monday at noon. Thank you for your understanding.

MARRIAGE MOMENTS "And [Jesus] was transfigured before them, his face shone like the sun." (Mt 17:2) What is the most endearing physical feature of your beloved? Has it changed over the years?

PARENTING POINTERS Read a book to (or with) your child that was a favorite when you were their age. Already did that? How about writing or telling a short story together.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS! Registration forms for Religious Education and the sacraments of Reconciliation & First Eucharist and Confirmation are available on the parish website, www.stjosephmiddletown.com. Religious Education registrations are accepted from registered parishioners on a first-come, first-served basis until September 1, 2017.

NOTICIAS DE EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSA! Los formularios de inscripción para la Educación Religiosa y los sacramentos de Reconciliación y Primera Eucaristía y Confirmación estarán disponibles en el sitio web de la parroquia, www.stjosephmiddletown.com, Los registros de educación religiosa son aceptados de los feligreses registrados por orden de llegada, hasta el 1 de septiembre de 2017.

PUNTEROS DE CRIANZA Lea un libro para (o con) a su hijo que era un favorito cuando tenías su edad. ¿Ya lo hizo? Que tal escribir o contar una historia corta juntos.

MOMENTOS DE MARTRIMONIO "Y [Jesús] fue transfigurado delante de ellos, su rostro resplandeció como el sol". (Mt 17: 2) ¿Cuál es la característica física más entrañable de su amada? ¿Ha cambiado con los años?

SUMMER PREP SESSION D HAS BEGUN We ask all visitors to our parish complex to use caution when driving into and out of the parking lots. Our Parish Religious Education Program has begun its last summer session and we will have large numbers of youth on our property during the day. Parents will be dropping off and picking up at the rear of the Parish Complex. Please keep a watchful eye out for them!

ST. JOSEPH CHILDREN’S CHOIR The Music Ministry of St. Joseph Parish is excited to announce the formation of the St. Joseph Children’s Choir. Beginning September 2017, the choir will be open to all children and youth in grades 4 to 8. Rehearsals will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 3:30 – 4:30 pm from September to June. The Choir will sing for 5:00 pm Mass on the 1st Saturday of each month, beginning in October. No vocal training or prior musical experience is necessary. We are looking for children who simply love to sing! For additional information or to sign your child(ren) up for St. Joseph Children’s Choir, please email Rosemary Hadland, Coordinator of Music Ministry, at rhadland@stjosephmiddletown.com. Include parents’ contact information, child’s

EYEWITNESSES Today, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, is a day of eyewitness accounts. The first, a vision reported by the prophet Daniel, was well known to Jesus and his apostles. The vision account was written in quite mystical and figurative language. It is a vision of heaven, powerful and memorable. There are flames of fire, burning wheels, the Ancient One, and a Son of Man. Clearly, Daniel saw something. But was it a dream? Was it real? Was it merely a clever myth? Peter wants no such confusion about his vision! We are told in Matthew's Gospel what he and his friends James and John saw when they went up on the mountain with Jesus one day. Jesus warned the three witnesses to tell no one until "the Son of Man has been raised from the dead" (Matthew 17:9). Lest readers of one of the Gospels discount the story or simply write it off as a pious myth, Peter gives his own account of the Transfiguration of Jesus in his second letter to the church. He writes with authority, as an eyewitness. He reports this message from God concerning Jesus: "This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased," and he assures us that the message is "altogether reliable" (2 Peter 1:17, 19).

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Social Concerns

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY 302-463-6255

DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THOSE IN NEED IN THE MOT AREA

CANNED GOODS COLLECTION This weekend is our monthly canned goods collection to replenish the shelves at the food pantry. Canned goods may be brought to either St. Joseph or St. Rose church. Your donations are taken to the Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association for distribution. 

MINISTRY TO THOSE IN NEED We received $194.30 last weekend from the Poor Box at St. Joseph. We received $13 last weekend from the Poor Box at St. Rose of Lima. Thank you for continuing to assist those in need.

OUR DAILY BREAD Our Daily Bread feeds low income families, individuals, children, the elderly and those in need in the MOT communities with nutritious meals in a safe environment. They serve Lunch,

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and Dinner Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. If you have any questions email: ourdailybread.2016@gmail.com or call 302-285-9540. Our Daily Bread is located at 214 North Broad Street, Middletown.

PLEASE NOTE We are no longer accepting printer cartridges, cell phones or shoes. These were collected by the Youth Program which is no longer active. Thank you for all your past help is collecting these items.

CCEA PANTRY FOOD DONATION NEEDS With the heat of summer running a “full speed” our walk-ins for food services have increased. Many anticipate the increase in cost of electric for cooling their homes and look to agencies such as ours as a way to supplement their food needs. Please review the list provided and consider helping as you are able.

Breakfast Items: **Cold cereals, oatmeal, pancake mix & syrup; breakfast bars, Pop-tarts

Canned Fruits: **All varieties (bottled)

Bakery Items: Cake mixes; brownie mixes; muffin mixes

Canned/boxed soups: All varieties

Crackers: **All varieties such as saltines, Ritz, etc. Condiments: Salad dressings (prepared and or boxed)

Drink Items: ** Juice drinks

Jelly: **Jelly and other spreads complimentary to peanut butter

Snack Items: **Puddings, jello, popcorn (micro-wave & regular)

Ramen Noodles: ** All flavors

Canned Vegetables: **All varieties EXCEPT corn and green beans

Canned meats: **spam, canned chicken; corned beef/hash; tuna, salmon

ELKTON COMMUNITY KITCHEN Our next date to serve at the Elkton Community Kitchen is Friday, August 11. We are planning a menu of Sloppy Joe sandwiches, summer salads, fresh fruit and dessert. We would appreciate any volunteers for the month of August. Please let Wilma Fitzner know if you are able to give about 3 hours on August 11 and/or are able to donate for the menu. You may respond to 410-275-1156 or wilmafitzner@gmail.com. We thank all our volunteers for your support of this ministry which is feeding so many.

Personal Care Items : **Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Razors and Shaving Cream, Deodorant, Laundry Detergent

Items noted with the * are least donated and most needed.

Items with ** are out. Please no economy or group sized items. No #10 cans. Thanks!

Donations can be left at any of the Chesapeake City Churches during their operating hours or at the CCEA Complex, 227 Basil Ave, 21915 on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9-noon.

POWER OF PRAYER Prayer is powerful…...do you have someone or something for which you would like prayers? You may phone the Parish Office or email your prayer requests to Kathy Dolde at kdolde@gmail.com and they will pass them on to members of our Prayer Chain. Parishioners are also welcome to join our prayer group. All it involves is getting an email and praying for the person or petition. If you are interested, please contact Kathy.

ROSARY AT BROADMEADOW The Rosary is prayed each Wednesday at 10:00 AM at Broadmeadow Nursing Home. Any parishioner is welcome to attend and participate. We are also in need of people to lead the rosary. If you are able to help please call Helen Gaden at 302-376-0711.

VOCATIONS REFLECTION One day, each of us will share the transfigured life of the Lord in the Kingdom of God. Until we get there, though, religious women, religious men, deacons and priests attempt to keep us focused on that new life through lives of holiness and service. Is God calling you to serve the Church in one of these vocations? If you think so, please call or write Father Norm Carroll, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302-573-3113 or vocations@cdow.org). Be sure to visit our website: www.cdow.org/vocations!

CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETINGS Come and see what a Charismatic prayer meeting is all about. The next meeting will be Wednesday at 7:00PM, in the parish complex. There is usually a brief teaching on one of the charismatic gifts or aspect of faith, followed by singing and praising the Lord. If you have any questions, call Linda Wills @ 302-449-1498 or Cookie Ruane @ 302-378-2217.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Bible Study begins again on August 9th. Please join us for Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the parish center when we break open the Scriptures for the coming Sunday. We encourage people to share how the readings touch their lives or to sit quietly and listen as others reflect on them. The conversation is easy and informative. Come when and as often as you’d like. If you have questions please call 302-378-5800.  

Christian Formation 

BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER GROUP NEW! We will be starting a new bible study, entitled “The Bible and the Virgin Mary” beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 1st. Our group meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of the month at 6:30pm. Please call Jan Faust at 302-584-8703 for more information. All are welcome! A second group, hosted by Ed Sumner & Ellen Losse, meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month to discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Please call Ed @ 302-449-2387 or Ellen at 302-449-5532 for directions.

RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Thinking about becoming Catholic? Now is the time to “Come and See”. RCIA is open to all non-baptized, baptized and those who desire to be confirmed in the catholic faith. St. Joseph Parish welcomes you to “Come and See” September 11, 2017, where you will have an opportunity to meet with clergy and non clergy members of the RCIA team. We invite you to bring your questions or just listen as we share what it means to be a Catholic. To register please call Deacon Tim or Fr. Brady at 302-378-5800. Or just stop by on September 11, 2017 from 7-8pm. Children are welcomed. Refreshments will be provided.

THE RCIA PROGRAM

This is a reflection of my experience in the RCIA program at St. Joseph Parish.

Although it's coming up on 10 years since I went through the RCIA program, the experience is still very fresh in my mind. I had been attending Mass regularly for over 20 years with my husband and children. My background was the Methodist church but I had not attended since I was a teenager. As my children grew, attended religious education and received their sacraments, I began to feel that I was missing something. RCIA helped me fill that void. The program helped me to better understand some of the teachings that were not clear to me and definitely strengthened my faith. Being able to fully take part in Mass was such a blessing for me; and everyone in the program was so kind and welcoming...I wish I had done it sooner!

Terry Kovalevich

GOOD NEWS 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, August 13th, Father John Solomon, Associate Pastor of Holy Cross Church in Dover and co-chairman of the Diocesan 150th Anniversary Pilgrimage Committee, will discuss the pilgrimage to Rome and Annecy that will take place in April 2018. 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 cdow.org/communications or search “Catholic Forum” on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio podcasts.

Around the Diocese 

RETROUVAILLE Retrouvaille may be the way to rediscover and rekindle the loving relationship in your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples have successfully saved their marriages by attending a Retrouvaille weekend and the six post sessions that follow it. The next program begins the weekend of August 11-13 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register for one of our weekends, visit our web site at: www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential. A PILGRIMAGE TO ANNECY,

ROME AND ASSISI As part of the Diocese of Wilmington’s 150th anniversary celebration, a pilgrimage to Annecy, Rome and Assisi will take place April 16 – 26, 2018. And you are invited! Annecy, the birthplace of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of the Diocese of Wilmington, is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It’s known for its cobbled streets, winding canals, and pastel-colored houses. Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display, including ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum. It is the home of Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, as well as the burial place of Blessed Pope Pius IX, the diocese’s founder. Assisi is a hill town in central Italy’s Umbria region. It was the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints. For more information about this affordable, once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, including a day-to-day itinerary, exclusive features, and pricing, go to www.cdow.org/anniversary-pilgrimage. The deadline to register has been extended to August 15.

ST. MONICA TEAR DROP DEVOTIONAL MASS Would you like to know how to bring your loved ones back to the Catholic Faith? Please join us in praying for our families and friends on the Feast of St. Monica, Sunday, August 27, 2017. We will be praying together to bring back all those who have fallen away from the Church at a special Devotional Event celebrated by Rev. Andrew Molewski, at St Hedwig Church, 408 S. Harrison Street, Wilm, DE. At 3pm, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession, Rosary, Benediction and at 4pm the Holy Mass. Come fill out a Tear Drop card for your loved ones and all who have fallen away from the church, All are welcome. For more information email: 12374columbiettes@gmail.com

JESUS HOUSE RETREATS & REFLECTIONS Monday evenings, Continuing Series on the Second Monday of each month - 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Evenings of Reflection, Common Threads: God and Therapy, Weaving the Wisdom of God into our Daily Lives.  Retreat Leader, Dr. Christopher Hyde, PhD. will discuss techniques to help us enrich our approach to both the difficulties and joys of life. A freewill offering of $15/evening is suggested but, if you are interested, please come regardless. All offerings go to support the programs of the Jesus House. Sunday August 13 to Friday August 18: Silent, Directed Retreat Metanoia with Tom Ashe. Jesus House Prayer and Renewal Center is located at 2501 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, 302-995-6858. For more information or to register for these and additional retreats please visit their website at http://jesushousecenter.org/.