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Thursday, February 3rd is the feast of St. Blaise. Saint Blase was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia during the fourth century. Very little is known about his life. According to various accounts he was a physician before becoming a bishop. His cult spread throughout the entire Church in the Middle Ages because he was reputed to have miraculously cured a little boy who nearly died because of a fishbone in his throat. From the eighth century he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with illnesses of the throat. Blessing of throats will be offered at the end of both morning Masses (6:45 AM and 8:00 AM.

Candlemas Day is another name for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Presentation is a proclamation of Christ — Messiah and Priest, Lord and Savior. He is the light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness. For this reason, traditionally at least since the seventh century, candles have been blessed at Mass this day that will be used throughout the year, hence coining the term “Candlemas.” All are invited to bring candles from home to be blessed at either of the morning Masses Wednesday, February 2nd (6:45 AM or 8:00 AM). The presider will bless the candles with holy water at the end of each Mass.

The Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of the United States, along with Bishop Gainer, are asking for prayers for the Ukraine. Click here to see the attached letter for more information.

This weekly study, presented by Jim Ostrom, is based on the book “Angels & Demons” by bestselling author & theologian Dr. Peter Kreeft. Join us Tuesday mornings 9:15-10:45 am in the St. Francis room starting 2/22/22 as we explore questions including: ~ What are guardian angels? ~ Is the devil real & do demons exist? ~ Do we become angels when we die? ~ Can you prove the reality of the supernatural? There will be a $15 book fee collected after the first session for all who plan to continue for the next 11 weeks. To register, email SYC@sjy.org. “There is a battle; it’s real & we are in it. The battle of life & death.“ ~St. Augustine

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK The York Deanery has provided Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to York Hospital for many years. This ministry provides a support service to the parishes and serves all Catholics confined to the hospital. With the construction of the new UPMC Hospital in West York and the growth of multiple rehabilitation facilities in York, the consideration for expanding our coverage of this ministry needs to be evaluated. Today, most ministers go to the hospital one day a week. The days for coverage are flexible and attempt to ensure that patients receive a visit at least every other day. By doing this, the ministers provide the Catholic Chaplain the ability to focus on providing the sacraments of healing. Every attempt is made to team up ministers each day to keep the number of patients visited manageable. Without question COVID has had its challenges for this ministry. The great news is that this will end and being prepared to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ can expand with your help. If you would like to consider joining this ministry, please let your pastor know and he will contact the Deanery Staff.

On October 10, Pope Francis inaugurated in the Universal Church a two-year synodal process leading us toward the Synod of the People of God scheduled to take place in October 2023. ...Please click on the heading above to read the full letter.

Because the church leadership has encouraged the faithful to receive the vaccine “for the greater good”, we cannot issue exemption letters.  The only thing we can do is issue a letter which refers to the church’s teaching regarding choices that are made from an “informed conscience” ...Please click the Header above for additional details.

Please note the updated directional map for receiving Communion during Mass on weekends and holy days. The communion rail station is NOT JUST for receiving on the tongue. ALL communicants in the lines to the communion rails are welcome, regardless of how you receive (standing, kneeling, in the hand, or on the tongue). IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE ON THE TONGUE, please join one of the lines that is directed to a communion rail. Put another way... If you want to receive on the tongue, you must receive at a communion rail, but if you are at a communion rail, you NEED NOT receive on the tongue.

For Immediate Release August 6, 2021 www.hbgdiocese.org Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania Prioritize Safety as Mass Obligation Resumes HARRISBURG, Pa. – Please click on the heading above for additional information

Today, Bishop Gainer and Mr. Daniel Breen, Secretary for Education, are announcing the launch of a strategic vision planning process. This process, named “Christ Before Me: A Strategic Vision for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg,” will develop a strategic vision plan to strengthen Catholic education in the Diocese. The first phase of this process is data gathering, which has already commenced. We anticipate this development process will be completed by May 2022. Attached, please find a letter from Bishop Gainer and Mr. Breen with more information.

On Sunday, August 15, 2021, the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days is being restored in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Learn more at www.hbgdiocese.org/returntomass. #hbgdiocese #Catholic #ReturnToMass

In response to those with a compromised immune system, Fr. Steve agrees to continue offering drive-up Communion in the parking lot (behind the building only) during the weekly Saturday evening Masses at 5:00pm. This Mass will still be audible on AM Radio Station 1630 in your car in the parking lot. Please note, if you are listening to the Mass from the front lawn, you will need to come into the Church to receive Communion. If you are listening from the parking lot, you can drive up for Communion.

As we are united with Christ, so are we also united with each other. Effective July 3, 2021, St. Joseph Parish is encouraging in-church Mass participation. The faithful are to return to the practice of participating at weekly celebration of Mass in-church. We will continue to live-stream the 9 AM Mass for the sick, those with underlying health conditions, and those who remain fearful of COVID-19 transmission. Bishop Gainer has not yet lifted the dispensation for Mass attendance What’s changing: “Parking lot Masses” and “In-car reception of the Eucharist” will be discontinued. The collection baskets will once again be passed. Holy Communion will still be distributed by the Sacred Host only.

CHECK OUT THE CATHOLIC WITNESS’ NEW WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR THE FREE DIGITAL EDITION The Catholic Witness recently unveiled its first-ever website, in a new and exciting effort to deliver more up-do-date news, photos and videos to its readers. The site, www.catholicwitness.org, includes the latest features, all in a user-friendly, mobile and dynamic layout. Through the website, parishioners can register to receive The Witness’ free bi-weekly digital edition directly to their inbox. The digital edition includes links to the most recent news features, as well as a printable PDF file. Visit www.catholicwitness.org and sign up today!

If you are interested in becoming a Lector, please contact Thelma Greaves, Lector Coordinator at Tlgreaves@aol.com or 717-417-1057. You will be contacted and a Lector training session will be set up in the near future. If you are interested in being an usher, please contact Marcia Salvatore at marcia646@aol.com or call the parish office.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.