OUR PARISH IS LOOKING FOR SINGERS TO FORM A SMALL CHOIR FOR THE SINGING OF OUR SAINT JOSEPH DAYS CELEBRATION IN SEPTEMBER – If you would like to join in the formation of this choir for this occasion, please contact Sr. Linda at 814-934-0699 or speak with Beth Rossi or Michael Glunt.
OUR PARISH IS IN NEED OF CANTORS – Lynnea Burr along with Emily Bucher have served as the Saturday evening Cantors for at least the last two years. Emily is in College now and Lynnea has moved out of town. We are seeking parishioners who would be willing to serve as a Cantor or to sing with another person for the 4:00 p.m. Saturday evening Mass. If you would like to consider this ministry, (Male or female, young, middle aged, mature) please contact Sister Linda at 814-934-0699. We thank both Emily Bucher and Lynnea for their time and for leading us in song over the years.

FR. MICHAEL MCCORMACK, O.P., WILL PREACH A MISSION APPEAL AT
OUR PARISH ON JULY 31-AUGUST 1, to share the good works of the Domin ican Friars in East Africa.
Fr. Michael invites all parishioners to become partners in mission with the friars serving in the mission, where they are engaged in the work of evangelization and faith development.
The pandemic continues to severely impact the poor and underserved communities in Kenya where the friars serve. The Dominican Friars depend on the support of the Catholic faithful here at home. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Mark your Calendars. We will have an All-in-One Birthday Celebration for those who are in their 80’s or 90’s on Tuesday evening August 17, with the 6:00 p.m. Mass in the Church and followed by a Social in the Parish Hall. This event is sponsored by the Parish Association.  

FOOD SHARE ITEMS – MESSAGE FROM THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES – John Poe, in connection with the Bellwood Council of Churches, is inviting churches in Bellwood to begin their collection of items for the Fall give-away. St. Joseph Church is asked to collect Shampoo. We will have baskets for this collection at both entrances to the Church.

The Carmelite Community of the Word will celebrate a Memorial Prayer Service honoring the life of Sr. Celeste Ciesielka who died from Covid-19 on December 15, 2020.

Sr. Celeste served in many roles and touched the lives of many throughout the diocese. Family, friends and co-workers are invited to join in this celebration to be held at the CCW Incarnation Center Motherhouse, 394 Bem Rd, Gallitzin, PA, on Sunday, August 1, 2021. An outdoor prayer service is planned for 2PM with a reception to continue until 4PM.

Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair if possible to compliment seating within a tent. RSVP’s are requested by July 28, by emailing communityofficeCCW@gmail.com.

OUR MORAL OBLIGATION AND ACTION IS NEEDED:

Over the next few weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will be voting on the Labor/Health and Human Services bill that is expected to eliminate the Hyde Amendment. Without the Hyde Amendment, billions of taxpayer dollars could be used to pay for abortions in the USA and throughout the world.

Don’t let our government make you pay for taking of an innocent human life. Congress needs to hear from you. Please go to the following link to sign a petition urging our congressmen to keep the Hyde Amendment.

https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/86502/Respond

On this July 4th, let us celebrate two things:  the independence of the United States of America that we recognize on July 4th and the patroness of our country, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
As we commemorate our nations’ birth, we recognize our resources, the beauty and majesty of our lands, and especially, the religious freedoms that we have as a result of our independence. And, though it may seem paradoxical, while we celebrate our independence, we must admit our complete reliance upon God. It is only through God’s grace that we can accomplish anything at all. This month, may we recall what a blessing it is to live in such a nation, and may we never cease to express our gratitude to God for having given us such a loving and caring patroness to protect us. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us.  (Living with Christ, July 2021)