WOMEN’S RETREAT SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU!

There will be a Women’s Retreat at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, NJ, on February 28 - March 1. The theme is “Choosing To Live In Peace.” Jesus said “Peace is my gift to you.” However, we do not always experience that gift because of what goes on outside of us and within. This Retreat will invite us to come back to our center in God and to be drawn into the peace of Jesus so that we might be peacemakers in our world.

The cost of this weekend is $240. This includes six meals, lodging, a spiritual experience with great fellowship. If you are interested, please call Maureen DiLullo on 732-280-1976 by February 10.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 26 - 31 - JOIN US!

St. Joseph School will kick off Catholic Schools Week by welcoming our Alumni and School Families. We invite you to join us for light refreshments in the Church Hall following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, on Sunday, January 26. There will be pictures on display of students past and present – stop by to see if you can find your picture!

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 if you are interested in receiving any of the following Sacraments - Baptism, Pastoral Care of the Sick, Matrimony, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)