ST. JOSEPH PARISH / PARROQUIA SAN JOSE

Saint Joseph Church   Saint Rose of Lima Church

371 East Main Street Middletown, Delaware

5th SUNDAY OF EASTER

APRIL 24, 2016 

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the faithful of St. Joseph Parish,

willingly accept our baptismal call to gather and worship as a community,

to proclaim the Word of God, and to serve in the image of Jesus Christ.

MISIÓN DE LA PARROQUIA Nosotros, los fieles de la Parroquia de San José,

aceptamos de buena voluntad nuestro llamado bautismal

a reunirnos y adorar como comunidad, a proclamar la Palabra de Dios,

y a servir en la imagen de Jesucristo.

OUR CHURCHES & SACRAMENT SCHEDULE

St. Joseph Church:

East Main Street, Middletown, DE Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:30 AM, 11:30AM Misa Dominical: 2:00 PM (Español) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Saturday at 4:00 PM

St. Rose of Lima Mission: Lock St, Chesapeake City, MD Sunday Masses: 8:00, 9:30 AM Tuesday Mass: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Sunday at 9:00 AM

St. Francis Xavier Shrine:

Church Road, Warwick, MD As announced

COUNCIL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Finance Council: John Sanders (410-275-1428)

Pastoral Council: Dave Aprillik (302-378-2138)

PASTORAL OFFICE STAFF

Very Rev. David F. Kelley, VC., Pastor Rev. Timothy Brady, O.de.M., Associate Pastor

Tim Enright, Deacon Bob Altmiller, Facilities Manager Vidette Benn, Parish Secretary

Nathan Costa, Coordinator of Liturgical Music Jackie Delaporte, Special Assistant, Sacristan

Diana Gotthold, Formation Office Rosemary Hadland, Coordinator of Music Ministry

Odile Jacob, Organist Mary Kirk, Director of Religious Education

Richard McAloon, Business Manager Antonia “Tonie” Vandenberg, Ministerio Hispano Mark Winterbottom, Coordinator of Youth Ministry

GENERAL INFORMATION

E-mail: vbenn@stjosephmiddletown.com Website: www.stjosephmiddletown.com

Pastoral Center / Centro Pastoral: 371 E. Main Street Middletown, DE 19709 (entrance on Cleaver Farm Road) 302-378-5800, 302-378-5808 (FAX) (toll-free from Maryland: 888-433-1874) Ministerio Hispano: 302-378-5805, Ext. 104

Office Hours / Horario de la Oficina: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Christ the Teacher Regional Catholic School

2451 Frazer Road Newark, DE 19702

302-838-8850 www.christtheteacher.org

Sr. LaVerne King, RSM – Principal

Liturgy Notes

Presider’s Intentions This week, our presiders will offer Masses for these intentions: Monday, April 25 St. Mark 8:30 AM (SJ) Peter Teneroqicz

Tuesday, April 26 8:30 AM (SR) Jeanette Geary Wednesday, April 27 8:30 AM (SJ) Bill Kelley Thursday, April 28 St. Peter Chanel St. Louis Grignion de Montfort 8:30 AM (SJ) Peg Holland Friday, April 29 St. Catherine of Siena 8:30 AM (SJ) Joe Nichols Saturday, April 30 10:00 AM(SJ) Edward Cieszynski 5:00 PM (SJ) Mary Rutkoske Sunday, May 1 6th Sunday of Easter 7:30 AM (SJ) Mary Kirk   9:30 AM (SJ) Eva D. Hassom 11:30 AM (SJ) Kellen Poultney 2:00 PM (SJ) Iraido Gabrielsen 8:00 AM (SR) Presider’s Intentions     9:30 AM (SR) Joseph Kimball *Please note we are now accepting mass intentions for the months of October, November and December.

Eastertime A Sense of the Season

First, we kept the forty days, with praying, fasting and giving alms. Then we celebrated the three days of Christ’s passion, dying and rising. Now we delight in the fifty days, with rejoicing, feasting and giving witness! The season of Easter is fifty days long. It is a time of unbridled joy, of exuberant rejoicing. The church tells us, “The fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exultation as one feast day, or better as one ‘great Sunday.’ These above all others are days for the singing of the Alleluia.” (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, #22) Why is Eastertime fifty days? The ancient cultures that gave us the Bible had great respect for numbers. They believed that numbers contained hints about God and the meaning of life. The number seven was thought to contain fullness: There are seven days in the week, according to God’s original way of ordering time, creating all that there is and resting. So if you multiply 7 times 7, you have “fullness times fullness.” But wait! 727 is 49! With God, there is always more—more than we can ever imagine. So our holy season of Easter is even more than “fullness times fullness.” It’s “fullness times fullness” and then some: 727+1. That’s what love is like: more than we can ever imagine. That’s what heaven is going to be like: more than we can ever imagine. The fifty days are days for looking for the risen Lord among us, for hearing in each other’s stories of rising from the big and small deaths, days when we experience something of Christ’s triumphs. That’s why we look to the newly baptized, robed in bright new clothes and oily with gladness: At Easter, they died and rose with Christ! Now they take their places with us. Together, like the apostles who were so full of the Spirit that people thought they were drunk, we rush about with good and giddy news: Death is not the last word! Life and love are forever! And slowly, painstakingly, we work together, together with Christ, to change this world into the world to come. Sing Alleluia! Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by David Philippart. Art by Chuck Ludeke.

The Word in Our Lives: Readings for May 1, 2016

Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number who went out without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: ‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Second Reading: Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23 The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. I saw no temple in the city for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

Gospel: John 14:23-29 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

La Palabra en Nuestra Vidas: 1 De Mayo De 2016

VI Domingo De Pascua

Primera Lectura: Hechos 15, 1-2. 22-29 En aquellos días, vinieron de Judea a Antioquía algunos discípulos y se pusieron a enseñar a los hermanos que si no se circuncidaban conforme a la ley de Moisés, no podrían salvarse. Esto provocó un altercado y una violenta discusión con Pablo y Bernabé; al fin se decidió que Pablo, Bernabé y algunos más fueran a Jerusalén para tratar el asunto con los apóstoles y los presbíteros. Los apóstoles y los presbíteros, de acuerdo con toda la comunidad cristiana, juzgaron oportuno elegir a algunos de entre ellos y enviarlos a Antioquía con Pablo y Bernabé. Los elegidos fueron Judas (llamado Barsabás) y Silas, varones prominentes en la comunidad. A ellos les entregaron una carta que decía: “Nosotros, los apóstoles y los presbíteros, hermanos suyos, saludamos a los hermanos de Antioquía, Siria y Cilicia, convertidos del paganismo. Enterados de que algunos de entre nosotros, sin mandato nuestro, los han alarmado e inquietado a ustedes con sus palabras, hemos decidido de común acuerdo elegir a dos varones y enviárselos, en compañía de nuestros amados hermanos Bernabé y Pablo, que han consagrado su vida a la causa de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Les enviamos, pues, a Judas y a Silas, quienes les trasmitirán, de viva voz, lo siguiente: ‘El Espíritu Santo y nosotros hemos decidido no imponerles más cargas que las estrictamente necesarias. A saber: que se abstengan de la fornicación y de comer lo inmolado a los ídolos, la sangre y los animales estrangulados. Si se apartan de esas cosas, harán bien’. Los saludamos”.

Segunda Lectura: Apocalipsis 21, 10-14. 22-23 Un ángel me transportó en espíritu a una montaña elevada, y me mostró a Jerusalén, la ciudad santa, que descendía del cielo, resplandeciente con la gloria de Dios. Su fulgor era semejante al de una piedra preciosa, como el de un diamante cristalino. Tenía una muralla ancha y elevada, con doce puertas monumentales, y sobre ellas, doce ángeles y doce nombres escritos, los nombres de las doce tribus de Israel. Tres de estas puertas daban al oriente, tres al norte, tres al sur y tres al poniente. La muralla descansaba sobre doce cimientos, en los que estaban escritos los doce nombres de los apóstoles del Cordero. No vi ningún templo en la ciudad, porque el Señor Dios todopoderoso y el Cordero son el templo. No necesita la luz del sol o de la luna, porque la gloria de Dios la ilumina y el Cordero es su lumbrera.

Evangelio: Juan 14, 23-29 En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: “El que me ama, cumplirá mi palabra y mi Padre lo amará y vendremos a él y haremos en él nuestra morada. El que no me ama no cumplirá mis palabras. La palabra que están oyendo no es mía, sino del Padre, que me envió. Les he hablado de esto ahora que estoy con ustedes; pero el Paráclito, el Espíritu Santo que mi Padre les enviará en mi nombre, les enseñará todas las cosas y les recordará todo cuanto yo les he dicho. La paz les dejo, mi paz les doy. No se la doy como la da el mundo. No pierdan la paz ni se acobarden. Me han oído decir: ‘Me voy, pero volveré a su lado’. Si me amaran, se alegrarían de que me vaya al Padre, porque el Padre es más que yo. Se lo he dicho ahora, antes de que suceda, para que cuando suceda, crean”.

ESQUINA DE ADMINISTRACIÓN El viernes marcan la observación anual del día de la tierra. Aunque hay mucho debate alrededor de el ambiente y cuestiones políticas de nuestro tiempo, esta ocasión puede servir como un recordatorio de que todos estamos llamados a ser buenos administradores de los dones de Dios. Cada año, tratamos de señalar y reconocer que por participar en nuestra comunidad, podemos hacer una diferencia y proteger y usar sabiamente los recursos terrenales que ha sido encomendados. Esto incluye los pasos pequeños alrededor de nuestra parroquia para conservar energía como apagar las luces cuando no sea necesario, etc.. Haciendo todos los días "Día de la tierra", podemos hacer nuestra parte para asegurar que mantener y, mejorar las condiciones para nuestros niños y generaciones en el futuro.

John Sanders, President, Finance Council

Stewardship Friday marked the annual observation of Earth Day. While there is much debate surrounding environmental and policy issues of our time, this occasion can serve as a reminder that we are all called to be good stewards of God’s gifts. Each year, we try to point out and acknowledge that by getting involved in our community, we can make a difference and protect and wisely use the earthly resources entrusted to us. This includes the small steps taken around our parish to conserve energy such as turning lights off when not needed, etc. By making every day “Earth Day,” we can do our part to ensure we maintain and/or better yet, improve conditions for our children and generations to come.

The offertory collection for the last week’s collection was $15,504 toward our weekly offertory goal of $16,150. This brings our year-to-date total to $669,392 received toward our year-to-date goal of $678,300. Thank you for accepting the responsibility of faithful stewardship.

John Sanders, President, Finance Council

MARTHA’S GUILD Team 3 will clean on Thursday, April 28, 2016

Joan Huhn, Captain Kathy Wisniewski Eleanor Knorr Marie Kreck Shirley Stafford Peggy Calvani Anthony Davies Audrey Taylor Eileen Edelin Kathleen Majewski Donald Strong George Vergel For more information or to volunteer, please call Loretta Williams, 302-378-8635. 

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE After two weeks, we are closer to reaching our goal of $100,000, but your help is still needed. Pledge cards are available in the pews through next weekend. After that, you may inquire at the parish office or pick up one in the gathering spaces at both churches. Completed pledge cards may be placed in the collection basket or brought to the parish office. We ask that you complete a card even if you are not able to participate. The Development Office of the Diocese of Wilmington conducts a follow-up campaign with anyone who does not complete a card. Your gift, of any amount, will make a difference.

PAT’S PIZZA Pat’s Pizza Family Restaurant, located at 311 N. Broad Street in Middletown, will donate 10% of all receipts we return to them. Please place your saved receipts in the collection basket or drop them off at the parish office. We are blessed that our local businesses continue to support our parish. Please thank them for their generosity when you visit Pat’s.

Esquire Plumbing, Heating & Air

Conditioning

Please be sure to visit our parish website and check out sponsors of our golf outing and those businesses who advertise in our bulletin. Your support of these sponsors is one way to say thank you for their generosity.

DEBT REDUCTION COLLECTION Next week is our monthly collection for debt reduction. The parish staff recognizes that we live in uncertain economic times and we must all be careful with our budgets. The staff also acknowledges the sacrifices you make and knows that your continued financial support is an act of faith. The staff thanks you for continually making our parish a priority in your giving.

MYSTAGOGY Our May Mystagogy sessions will be held on May 1st and May 22nd at 12:00 PM in the Parish Center Rooms 5&7. Mystagogy is open to all parishioners who completed the RCIA process. Each session is approximately 1 ½ hours.

ROSARY AT BROADMEADOW The Rosary is prayed each Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Broadmeadow Nursing Home. Any parishioner is welcome to attend and participate. We are also in need of people to lead the rosary. If you are able to help please call Helen Gaden at 302-376-0711.

Parish Life WELCOME

The people of St. Joseph Parish welcome into our family Vivian Elizabeth Baum and Theodore Glazier LaVay who will be baptized this weekend. Congratulations to you, your parents & godparents. God bless you as you begin your faith journey.

NEW TO THE PARISH

the Kotowski family of Middletown; the Mirolli family of Longmeadow; Mr & Mrs Smoyer of Middletown; Mrs Colleen Alicia of Middletown;

Mr & Mrs Tarantino of the Legacy at Odessa; and the Ruiz family of Middletown.

We pray that you will become closer to God through your participation in our Faith Community. We look forward to getting to know you. Welcome!

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL

We remember in prayer all those who are ill, especially Logan Miller, Nick Ciranni, Claudette Latsko, Shelly DiPietrapaul, Margaret Walters, Charlie Watson, Terrie Dunn, Phyllis Ciranni, Catherine Slater, Peggy Robinson, Lucy Vega, Mary Ann Maycen, Robert Knox, Sandi Polo, Kathleen Lichman, Timothy Eades, Rae Svecz, Joseph Nelson, Ann Thompson and Betty Schroeder.

MAY THE ANGELS LEAD THEM INTO PARADISE

Please remember in your prayers Ernest Hartsky, Helen Wojcik, Bernadette Lowe and our deceased parishioners, loved ones, and benefactors.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

POWER OF PRAYER Prayer is powerful…...do you have someone or something for which you would like prayers? You may phone the Parish Office or email your prayer requests to Kathy Dolde at kdolde@gmail.com and they will pass them on to members of our Prayer Chain. Parishioners are also welcome to join our prayer group. All it involves is getting an email and praying for the person or petition. If you are interested, please contact Kathy.

SEASONS OF HOPE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

If you are in need of consolation after losing a loved one, this Christ-centered faith sharing group is for you. The Bereavement Support Group will begin Season 3 on Wednesday, April 6th and will meet for six weeks. Our prayer, scripture, faith sharing and fellowship will begin at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. Please contact Fr. Tim Brady at 302-378-5800 for more details.

This Week in Our Parish Monday, April 25 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 9:30 AM—ESL Class in Rm 6 6:30 AM—High School Formation in Rm 2 8:00 PM—Friends of Bill W in Rms. 5 & 7

Tuesday, April 26 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Rose Church 6:30 PM—Columbiettes Meeting in SRH 7:00 PM—Cub Scouts in Parish Complex

Wednesday, April 27 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 9:30 AM—ESL Class in Rm 6 9:30 AM—Bible Study in Rms. 5 & 7 6:30 PM—St. Vincent DePaul Society Rm 1 6:30 PM—Parish Choir in St. Joseph Church 7:00 PM—Seasons of Hope in Rms. 5 & 7 7:00 PM—Charismatic Prayer in Rm. 2

Thursday, April 28 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Parish 6:00 PM—Boy Scouts in Parish Hall 6:00 PM—Wedding Rehearsal in St Rose Hall 6:00 PM—First Eucharist Rehearsal in St Joseph Ch 6:30 PM—Contemporary Choir in St Joseph Church 7:00 PM—First Eucharist Rehearsal in St Joseph Ch 7:00 PM—Carnival Meeting in Rm 3 8:00 PM—Friends of Bill W in Rms. 5 & 7

Friday, April 29 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Parish 6:00 PM—First Eucharist Rehearsal in St Joseph Ch 7:00 PM—First Eucharist Rehearsal in St Joseph Ch

Saturday, April 30 10:00 AM—First Eucharist Liturgy in St. Joseph Ch. 2:00 PM—Wedding in St. Rose Church 4:00 PM—Confessions in St. Joseph Parish 5:00 PM—Mass at St. Joseph Parish 5:00 PM—First Eucharist at Liturgy in St. Joseph Ch Sunday, May 1 7:30 AM—First Eucharist at Liturgy 9:30 AM—Children Liturgy of the Word 12:00 PM—Mystagogy Period in Rms 5&7 12:30 PM—YLT Meeting in Parish Hall 2:00 PM—Misa en Español in St. Joseph Church 2:00 PM—Event at St. Rose Hall 2:00 PM—Confirmation Formation Session in Parish Complex 7:00 PM—Youth Ministry Fellowship

SAVE THE DATE PARISH CARNIVAL 2016

JULY 19-JULY 23 CARNIVAL NEWS

We invite all parishioners who would like to help make this year’s Carnival our best yet to join us on Thursday, April 28, at 7:00 PM in Room 3. Please call Dominic Marra at 302-378-1568 with any questions. Please mark your calendars for St. Joseph Parish’s Annual Carnival which will be held Tuesday, July 19 thru Saturday, July 23.

THE CARNIVAL NEEDS YOUR HELP We are in need of the following sub committee, chair and co-chair's 1) Raffle co-chair 2) Fund Raising/Sponsorship chair and co-chair Please call for details 302-378-1568 or forward your interest to dommarra@aol.com for a detailed explanation of each committee.

TICKET SALES

If you're unable to attend this is a great way to participate in our carnival it only takes a few minutes before and after mass, please contact us for details we would appreciate your help.

Social Concerns

MINISTRY TO THOSE IN NEED Through your generosity, we received $177.10 from the Poor Box at St. Joseph last weekend. All monies collected from the Poor Box at St. Joseph and St. Rose Church go directly to the St. Vincent de Paul ministry.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY 302-463-6255

SERVING THE MOT AREA

VOCATIONS REFLECTION St. John tells us in the Book of Revelation that he heard a loud voice from God’s throne saying “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.” All of us are called to be signs of God’s dwelling with us. Some are called to do that in a specific way, serving Christ and His Church as a priest, a deacon, a religious sister or a religious brother. If you think God is calling you to a religious vocation, and if you’re ready to talk about it, please call or write Father Norman Carroll, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302-573-3113, vocations@cdow.org). Be sure to visit our website: www.cdow.org/vocations!

In a familiar Gospel reading, this week we hear a new commandment; “Love one another.” Bring It Home this week by brainstorming the many ways family members can follow this commandment. Write each idea down on a slip of paper. Put the papers in a jar or basket. Each day this week choose a slip and do it. Can you feel the difference when everyone is consciously loving each other?

MARRIAGE MOMENTS "Love one another." (John 13:35) You're married. Of course you love your spouse. But Jesus keeps repeating this command to love. Perhaps it is because love is never finished. Look for a new opportunity to show your love today. Surprise your beloved.

PARENTING POINTERS Gratitude can be an overused word these days, but that doesn't mean we should neglect it. Play a "Gratitude Game" with your child. See if each of you can list 10 things you're grateful for today. If something bad happens, see if you can find a silver lining.

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS Youth Fellowship offers young people an opportunity to meet and openly discuss faith matters, participate in exciting group activities, and learn new ways to enjoy and live life to the fullest. There are also many opportunities for young people to plan their own events and activities to share their creativity. Interested youth should contact Mark Winterbottom, 302-378-5800, ext. 106, or mwinterbottom@stjosephmiddletown.com. 

ROSE SALE Birthright of Delaware will hold its Annual Rose Sale at our parish. Please support Birthright’s pregnancy services by purchasing roses after Masses on Mother’s Day weekend, May 9th & 10th. Roses cost $2/one, $5/three, $18/twelve

and $35/twenty five. Your help will truly make a difference! Thank you.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to earn 50 service hours for school, NHS, or your college résumé? St. Joseph Parish Youth Ministry invites interested young people to register for its 6th annual summer work camp, as we head to Deep Roots at Clairvaux Farm—an outreach ministry that serves homeless children and their families in Earleville, MD. Clairvaux serves as a refuge for homeless families. If you are interested in learning more about the Work Camp and/or registering for the program, or if you wish to support the good work of our youth with a monetary donation, please contact Youth Ministry Coordinator, Mark Winterbottom, at 302-378-5800 Ext. 106.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION Religious Education registration forms and schedules are available on the parish website. Registrations and your preferred method of payment are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until August 31, 2016. A copy of the Diocesan “Form A” must be filled out annually and submitted for each student at the time of registration. Also, please note that this year we have seven different sessions- four sessions that follow a three hour time frame, two sessions that follow a two and a half hour time frame, and one session that follows a ninety minute time frame. Confirmation of session selection will be communicated via e-mail. We also offer a Special Needs Religious Education program. Please contact the Religious Education office at 302.378.5800, ext. 107 for further information. If your child has completed grade level one and is enrolling in grade level two you must complete a separate form to register for the sacramental preparation of Reconciliation and Eucharist. This is a separate process from Religious Education class registration and has a separate schedule and fee. St. Joseph Parish has one of the largest Religious Education programs in our diocese. We are blessed with many, many catechists who are willing to share their faith with our children. As our program grows, we are always in need of volunteers and gratefully welcome any parent that is willing to share their time and talent. Please contact Mary Kirk in the Religious Education office, 302.378.5800, ext. 107 or via email at mkirk@stjosephmiddletown.com if you are interested in learning more about this ministry.

FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN Knowledgeable and caring adults who are committed to protecting children can also protect our Church. Learn how to report child abuse. (www.cdow.org scroll to For the Sake of God’s Children link; scroll to Section Four Resources) DE hotline 1-800-292-9582; MD hotline: 1-800-492-0618. Survivors Assistance Program Coordinator 302-468-4507. Questions call: Coordinator for Safe Environments 302-295-0668.

Christian Formation 

RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is designed to help Inquirers on their faith journey. If you or someone you know has expressed an interest in joining the Catholic Church, please contact Deacon Tim Enright, 302-378-5800, ext. 119, or tenright@stjosephmiddletown.com.

BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER GROUP Dennis and Jan Faust host a Bible Study and Prayer group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month in their home. Please call 302-584-8703 for directions.

All are welcome!

CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETINGS Come and see what a Charismatic prayer meeting is all about. The next one will be Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00PM. We meet every Wednesday in the parish complex. There is usually a brief teaching on one of the charismatic gifts or aspect of faith, followed by singing and praising the Lord. If you have any questions, call Linda Wills @ 302-449-1498 or Cookie Ruane @ 302-378-2217.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Please join us for Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the parish center when we break open the Scriptures for the coming Sunday. We encourage people to share how the readings touch their lives or to sit quietly and listen as others reflect on them. The conversation is easy and informative. Come when and as often as you’d like. If you have questions please call 302-378-5800.  

ADULT FAITH FORMATION The AFF Committee needs your help and your input to accomplish our Mission. Join the people of God here at St. Joseph Church and St. Rose Church in bringing the gift that is Jesus Christ to the Adult Faith Community here in themes that are practical and relevant to all of us. As adults, most of us have no formal faith formation after high school and adult faith formation is at least as important as learning about our profession/job or our role as a parent, or a spouse. If you are interested in joining us or learning more about what we do and who we are. Contact: Fr. Kelley or Mary Kirk at 302-378-5800 or John Ruane at 302-378-2217.

ST. HELENA’S CARNIVAL Great Family Fun at St. Helena’s Carnival, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Monday, April 25 through Saturday, April 30. Dinners in the school hall start at 5pm. Midway opens at 6 pm. Admission: $5/night, $15/week, ages 13 to 59. Mega-Passes, good for unlimited rides & free carnival admission all week are $40 per person! FamilyNights—Tuesday and Wednesday—Ride all night for $20 per person! Live entertainment every night under the BigTop. Rides! Games! Prizes! Food! Baked Goods! Basket Raffles and much more!

CONCERT AT ST. ANN’S SOCIAL HALL In Concert –STRAWBS, the English 70s progressive rockers, at St. Ann’s Social Hall - 2013 Gilpin Avenue in Wilmington on Saturday, May 14th. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets $30 for adults in advance, $33 day of show. Ages 13 - 17 $5.00 all times, 12 and under free. To purchase tickets (cash only please), visit St. Ann’s Rectory at 2013 Gilpin Avenue in Wilmington or reserve on www.splatterconcerts.com. Food and drink available for purchase.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER St. Paul tells us to be careful in the way we live. Do we listen and follow God’s voice so we can discern His will in our own lives and marriage relationship? The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is scheduled for November 4-6 in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For more information, visit our website at www.wwme-delmar.org or to register for the weekend, please call Tony & Linda Massino @ 302-220-9833.

FIVE-DAY SILENT RETREAT Mother Bonidace Spirituality Center, located at 3501 Solly Avenue in northeast Philadelphia is offering a Five-Day Silent Retreat: Deepening Centering Prayer Retreat from May 1-5. It begins Sunday with Supper at 5:30 p.m and concludes Thursday at 11:30 a.m. This silent retreat will provide an opportunity to more deeply immerse yourself in the spiritual practice of Centering Prayer. Before attending this retreat, one should have an established daily practice of Centering Prayer for at least six months. Fr. Carl Arico and Roseanne Havird from Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. will be leading this retreat. The fee for this retreat is $320, which includes a $40 non-refundable deposit. To register, please contact us at (267) 350-1835 or at mbcretreat@msbt.org

PILGRIMAGES TO THE HOLY LAND Catholic Tours is having a special 10 Day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There are 5 different departure dates, leaving from JFK Airport: 11/6/16, 12/5/16, 1/9/17, 2/6/17 and 3/6/17. The cost varies from $2299 to $2249, which includes all land and airfare costs with twin accommodations and depends on the date you choose. We will be visiting Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea, Acre, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberius, Sea of Galilee, Tagba, Capernaum, Mt. Tabor, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and more. Brochures and reservation forms are available at Catholic Tour at 877-627-4268 or email jimadair@thecatholictour.com

Around the Diocese

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish in Wilmington, DE is seeking a part-time (25 hours per week; benefits included) Director of Religious Education to develop, implement and evaluate all formal Religious Education in the Parish: K-9 (185 students) through Adult Faith Formation. Minimum required qualifications will include: •Practicing Catholic in good standing committed to the authentic teachings of the Catholic Faith. •Master’s degree in Religious Education or Theology and knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained through five years of parish experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Mail cover letter and resume to: Monsignor Joseph Rebma, 10 Old Church Road Wilmington, DE 19807.

MOTHER AND ADULT DAUGHTER RETREAT The Marianist Family Retreat Center is hosting a Mother and Adult daughter retreat at their center. Knowing that your relationship is special and the need to nurture it throughout the years, this is a wonderful opportunity to walk upon common ground while celebrating your differences. Eucharist, small group sharing, prayer experiences, social and fun are included – beach walks too! It will be in Cape May Point, NJ 08212, from May 6-8 (Mother’s Day Weekend). The cost is $130 per person. Sign up online at www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829 for more information.

Job Opportunities

OFFICE MANAGER Jesus House Prayer & Renewal Center is searching for an Office Manager who will organize and coordinate office operations. This person will be exceedingly well organized, flexible and enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting the goals set by the Board of Directors. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have a working understanding of Quickbooks Pro. Please send resume and contact information to: angie.malmgren@gmail.com