PASTOR'S CORNER

Dear Parishioners, I was looking so much forward to celebrating my 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood with you and I still will, but a bit later than planned. Due to the concerns over the Coronavirus, I thought it prudent to reschedule my Anniversary celebration until the end of August. When I am able to confirm all of the details, you will be the first to know. It has been a joy to serve you all of these years, and I pray I will be serving you for many more. Yours in Christ, Fr. McGuffey

Will you please share your talent...?

As our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) prepares for upcoming changes (starting September 2020) we ask that you consider helping... There is a great need for Catechists, Classroom Aides, Substitute Catechists.

Please contact the PREP office at 732-969-8767 for additional information.

Catholic School 2020-2021 Tuition Assistance Online Application Process Open

Families interested in applying for tuition assistance to attend an eligible Diocese of Metuchen elementary or high school may apply online now through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid. Online applications must be completed (including all required documentation) no later than March 31, 2020.

Applications are available in English and Spanish. Families that need assistance completing the online application or need access to a computer to apply should contact their school.

24 HOUR PRAYER LINE

Our Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities has a 24 hour prayer line for those who desire prayer for special needs.

If you, a family member or friend would like to be remembered in prayer for a temporary or permanent illness, please call and leave a detailed message at 732-765-6431 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS

If you have requested a Mass to be celebrated for your intention and would like to present the gifts that will become the Body and Blood of Christ at that Mass, please inform one of the ushers before Mass; otherwise, they will ask someone from the congregation to present the gifts. Thank you.

BAPTISM, SPONSOR and GODPARENT GUIDELINES

In accordance with Canon (Church) Law, at least one godparent who is of the Catholic faith, is required at Baptism.

Normally there are two and must be of different genders. The godparent(s) must be at least fourteen (14) years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Each godparent is required to submit a certificate of eligibility from his/her own parish. The certificate must state that the sponsor is a Catholic in good standing, who attends Mass regularly, and, if married, is in a valid marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. An individual married civilly by a judge, or a mayor, or divorced and remarried without an annulment is not eligible to act as a godparent.

In the absence of a second godparent, a non-Catholic Christian (never a former Catholic) may serve as a Christian witness. A copy of his/her baptismal record must be submitted beforehand.

Please help us help you. We are only able to provide you with a sponsor certificate if you are an active, registered member of our Parish, attend Mass regularly, and meet all the guidelines. Please be sure to register if you have not already done so.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP

Are you registered in St. Joseph Parish? All Catholics should be registered in a Parish so that the Parish may know you and your family and so be able to serve you better.

Registration is your statement that you belong to a particular faith community where you are known, your faith is strengthened, and your relationship with God is nourished and given expression.

When you are registered, actively involved, and a Catholic in good standing, the Parish is able to provide you with testimonial certificates to be a sponsor for Baptism and/or Confirmation. Your registration information is strictly confidential and never in any way becomes a public record.

If you have not already registered in the Parish, please stop by the Parish Office and take the time to do so. Thank you.

SACRAMENTS

Please call the parish office at 732-541-8946 if you are interested in receiving any of the following Sacraments - Baptism, Pastoral Care of the Sick, Matrimony. Please call the Parish Religious Education office at 732- 969-8767 if you are interested in receiving any of the following sacraments - First Holy Communion, Confirmation, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)