Parish Update from Fr. Sebastian

Dear Parish Family,

I pray this note finds you well. I am happy to share some exciting news with you regarding life here at that Parish.

Parish Mission: God’s Mercy

February 8^th—10^th at 7:00p.m. in the Main Church

I would like to invite all of you to join us for our Parish Mission. This year we are blessed to have Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss. R, a member of the Redemptorist Order, leading this wonderful spiritual event.  Fr. Kevin will preach at all Masses the weekend of February 6 & 7. Fr. Kevin will present his talks in the Main Church Monday - Wednesday of that week at 7:00pm.  Following Tuesday evening’s talk, confession will be available, with additional Priests from our Diocese in attendance to assist. Wednesday evening will conclude with a Mass. In addition to the evening events, Fr. Kevin will preach at the 8:00am daily Masses Monday-Wednesday.  The morning talks will be different from the evening talks. Please share the good news of this event and pray for its success!

Attached to this email is a promotional video created by Fr. Kevin which explains the importance of a Parish mission.

The Legacy of Fr. Bernie

Capital Campaign Phase II

On January 23 & 24 we launched the public component of the Capital Campaign Phase II: The Legacy of Fr. Bernie.  To date we have received pledges totaling, $1,072,095.50

 and I cannot thank our benefactors enough for their tremendous generosity.  The second phase of our campaign seeks to raise $1.75 million to help us complete the many projects we still have planned.  Thanks to your generosity we have already completed the restoration of the Cody Center, Main Church, and are close to completion on our School Gymnasium project.  I want to especially thank our Campaign Co-Chairs Dick and Diane Erickson, and Rick and Patricia Jones, for the excellent leadership and promotion of our Campaign.  Attached to this email is a pledge card and I sincerely hope you will make a commitment to ensure the success of our Parish goals. 

Faith Direct and Phase II

Phase II of the St. Joseph Capital Campaign is well underway! To ensure that your contribution is credited to Phase II: The Legacy of Father Bernie, please make sure to notate on your check or envelope that it is for Phase II. If you prefer to give through Faith Direct, you will see a separate fund set up with Father Bernie’s photo next to it. If you would like your envelope number, or have questions about your giving, don’t hesitate to contact Angela Drain in our parish office. 904-268-5422 Ext 109 or adrain@stjosephsjax.org

Lent Schedule 2021

Below you will find a schedule for the many spiritual activities that will take place this Lent in the Parish.  Please note that the distribution of ashes this year will take on a different form due to the ongoing pandemic.  The traditional marking of ashes on the forehead in the sign of the cross will be replaced with a sprinkling of ashes on the head.  This change, which was given to us from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, is meant to ensure the safety of all. 

Ash Wednesday— February 17th

Masses:  8:00 am, 12:00 noon, 7:00 pm—Main Church

Rice Bowls

Rice Bowls will be distributed on Ash Wednesday and on the first Sunday of Lent.

They will be collected on the fifth Sunday of Lent and on Palm Sunday.

Stations of the Cross, Confession & Adoration

Each Friday in Lent from 7:00pm - 8:00 pm—Main Church

St. Joseph’s Feast Day Celebration, Sunday, March 21

10:00am Mass celebrated by Bishop Estévez—Main Church

Reception following Mass in the courtyard.

Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal

The initial stages of the Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal are underway with in-pew commitment weekend scheduled for February 13 & 14.  This important Diocesan effort allows all of us to participate in the many works of the Diocese.  Last year, thanks to the generosity of 844 St. Joseph’s families, the Parish pledged $328,531 to support the Bishop’s Appeal.  The focus of the Bishop’s appeal has turned towards overall participation within a Parish and we have been given a participation goal of 1008 families. I hope you will work to ensure that our Parish reaches the goal it has been given.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Fr. Sebastian