Serving generations of faith since 1868
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Helpful Parish Info & Links
PLEASE NOTE OUR
NEW PHONE NUMBERS:CHURCH AND RECTORY
(845) 481-4560RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
(845) 663-2116
Parish Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 3:30
+ SUNDAY BULLETINS +
This Week's Bulletin
+ MASS TIMES +
MESSAGE - Our regular Mass schedule resumes the weekend, June 13-14, 2020.
A mask is required to be worn througout the Mass.
25% Capacity Only or about
100 people.
In Case of an emergency call the parish # 845-481-4560 and dial 9 -
Return to Masses
TO ALL OUR PARISHIONERS- September 8, 2020- FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY
I am glad that we have increasing numbers at Sunday Mass. The Eucharist is always our greatest strength. However, I can fully understand that many of you are still uncomfortable being in places with crowds. This is especially true for people that have any of the underlying medical conditions that put them at risk. Realize you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for all those who are sick and all those who care for them. We pray especially for all those who have lost a loved one in these difficult times.
Speaking of difficult times, there is an awful lot of unrest in many parts of the world. Let us pray and work for true peace and respect for ALL individuals. I constantly say we are made in the Image and Likeness of God, therefore every individual is deserving of respect and Love. Saint Mother Theresa constantly said it is the obligation of all Christians to see Jesus in every person we meet--great idea! Unfortunately, it seems we cannot express our differences without hating and attacking anyone that does not share our way of thinking. We pray for all those who put themselves in harms way for others.
Pray, also, for our young people receiving their First Holy Communion on September 26th and those preparing for Confirmation on November 2nd. Many have asked about our Religious Education Program. We are starting with a home program, and then in person in October. The home program is a vital part of the overall year, therefore, I urge families to register immediately if they want their student to complete this year’s Religious Education Program. A parent meeting is scheduled for September 15th and 16th. All parents are expected to attend. I have included an outline of my presentation to the catechists and parents. This touches on both the safety procedures that must be maintained as well as our expectations of the initial home section of the program.
On some practical notes. We are now allowing people to enter the Church from ground level Main Street entrance as well as the ramp on Wall Street. This alleviates any back up on entering Wall Street. The Church roof will be replaced. I expected this work to begin back in May, but they tell me September is a real possibility. We have not been using the front stairs and the main doors, but we are getting some estimates on altering these so that we can once again safely use the front doors. I have to admit I am not sure how much this will be but will keep you updated. The Archdiocese wants us to hold off on the elevator for the Parish Center (New School). Obviously, this whole situation with the pandemic has put the financial well being of parishes in jeopardy. No one can tell when this will end and if all of our parishioners will come back. There is a concern that many parishioners have moved with all the home sales in Kingston, and a question as to whether or not the new people are Catholic. We were fortunate by selling the Old School Building when we did, but the Archdiocese fears we might need the interest from that money to stay solvent for years to come. I have to express my gratitude to you for the collection over the last few months. Despite much smaller crowds, we are only down about one thousand dollars per week.
Let me end by saying we all want this to end- we really miss seeing you, and I know you miss coming to Mass. In the meantime we are called to continually pray and think of each other.
Yours in Christ, Msgr. Desmond, Father Cyprian, Msgr.
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Parish History
"St. Joseph's Parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1943. The occasion was marked by the publication of the Diamond Jubilee Journal, but the joy of the parishioners was marred because of World War II, with many parish sons in battle across the Atlantic and Pacific and the restrictions at home in their severest and most critical stage."
On Saturday, November 17, 2018
our 150th Anniversary Mass was celebrated.
Click HERE for the video
Click HERE for the audio
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Message from the Pastor
HAPPY THANKSGIVING/ NEWS ABOUT CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
On behalf of all of us here at St. Joseph’s, I do want to wish all of you, and your families, a very Happy, Safe and Christ filled Thanksgiving Day and weekend. In the midst of all that is going on with Covid-19, and families not able to get together as they usually do, some people question what we have to be thankful for. Yet we as a faith-filled people know that there is a God who still loves us, is looking over us, and has a plan for each one of us. That does not mean we always understand that plan, or that it’s always going to be easy, but we do have to trust God and be assured that in the end His Love always wins out. I am reminded that God’s greatest gift to us is Jesus, always present in the Eucharist. The word Eucharist is Greek for “We Give Thanks”. The early Christians named the Mass that and they were under the death penalty for celebrating the Mass. As bad as we might have it, they experienced a lot worse and still wanted to give “Thanks” to God. So, let all of us give thanks on Thanksgiving Day. Let us also be mindful of Jesus’ request to look out for those struggling with the necessities of life. In light of that, I do want to say Thanks to all still bringing in food for the food pantry, and we will have the Giving Tree at the back of Church again this Advent.
Christmas Eve Masses- Obviously, we live in a time when things can change from day to day, but many are already inquiring about Christmas Masses. We decided on Christmas Eve, December 24th- to have Masses at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 10pm. The 2pm is allowed this year only because of Covid-19 restrictions. For the safety of everyone attending we decided that these Masses would be by TICKET ONLY. This is to assure a seat with proper social distancing for everyone wishing to attend. The tickets are free and will be given out after all the Masses during the second Sunday of Advent, December 5th after the 5pm Mass and Sunday December 6th after the 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am and 5pm Masses. We will need volunteers to distribute the tickets in the Parish Center (New School) building after each Mass. If you can assist with this, please let us know. We ask that you enter the building through the rear Gym doors on Pearl Street, receive the tickets in the lobby, and exit by the front doors on Wall Street. This is the system we use for Religious Education Classes, it allows people to line up inside in case it’s raining, and maintains the necessary 6 foot distancing. The lines are already on the floor of the gym. If tickets are left over that evening, they will be distributed at the parish office during the week of December 6th. Lectors, Altar servers, and Ushers may reserve tickets. Music Ministry will be in the Balcony. NO ONE else may reserve tickets.
Christmas Day Masses will be at 7:30am, 9:30am and 11:30am. Since 70% of people try to attend Mass on Christmas Eve, we do not anticipate problems on Christmas Day so tickets will not be distributed for the Day Masses. Please be mindful we do have to maintain the social distancing in the Church and are NOT allowed to accommodate more people than we have designated with the blue spots on the pews.
I know this seems burdensome, but we do want to accommodate everyone in a safe manner. I was assigned to Rockland County in the 80s and 90s, and because of the large parishes and small churches, every parish had this manner of handling Christmas Eve. The only difference is that it was done there for 30 years in every parish so everyone knew tickets were necessary and would be given out the second Sunday of Advent. It’s new to us, so please tell friends who might not be on any of our lists. Thank You.
GOD BLESS, Msgr. Desmond
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Parish Census Registration
C E N S U S U P D A T E
Thank you for sending in your Parish Registration Forms. It is important that every household completes a new form.
Use this Parish Registration Form to register.
We really do have to update our parish registration forms. The information we have limits the way we can communicate with our parishioners- something extremely critical in the current situation. We were waiting for a new Archdiocesan format to be established in June, but we decided this would be an excelllant time to conduct a parish registration. Use the form at the link above, especially for new parishioners. The form has also been mailed to all parishioners we have currently registered to update your information. Please take the time to complete the form and mail it back to the parish. Thank you, Msgr. Desmond -
Announcement for Saint Joseph's Parish On-Line Giving
On-Line giving provides a easy and secure way to make your offering to our parish.
All parishioners currently using on-line giving should verify their account by going
https://saintjosephkingston.churchgiving.com
The security of your personal information is important to us. If you want to make any changes to your account or adjust your giving amount, WeShare requires a one-time security verification to provide you access.Any parishioner who would like to begin using on-line giving please click the red logo. It provides an excellant way to support the parish even when you are unable to attend Mass. The direct deposit it provides to the parish also deminishes the work of counting and recording the collection.
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Join our Flock
Flocknotes is an excellant way we can stay in touch with all our parishioners- using text or email.
To get on Flock notes: Text SJCR to 84576 or by email at stjosephkingston.flocknote.com -
Parish Mission Statement
We, the people of God of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic community, Empowered by the Holy Spirit, must manifest to the city of Kingston, New York, and to the world, a clear vision of God's plan for His kingdom as we strive to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, one another, and the universal Church.
We endeavor to be a welcoming parish, and are dedicated to creating an environment of faith through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Sacred Liturgy and by the reception of the Holy Sacraments, study, stewardship, and action, so that in union with our Triune Godhead, we may build up the Kingdom of God. Sharing these ministries, as the Mystical Body of Christ, we as the People of God at St. Joseph Parish challenge ourselves to witness to the truth of His Church in Word and Deed to one and all.
Monsignor Desmond, Father Cyprien and Staff
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Mass Schedule
Welcome to Our Parish Family! If you are newly moved into our parish or are established
residents but not registered, please see the Pastor's Parish Registration Message aboveWEEKDAY MASSES & Saturday morning Masses are in the Parish Center Chapel
Saturday 5:00pm 7:00 a.m. & 9:00am
Sunday 7:30am SATURDAY MORNING MASS
Sunday 9:30am 8:00 am
Sunday 11:30am FIRST FRIDAY MASSESSunday 5:00 pm 7:00am; 9:00am
HOLYDAY MASSES - As Announced
____________________________________________________________________________Reconciliation: Saturdays (4:00 – 4:45)
Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays at 2:00
Holy Hour: Thursday from 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Communion Calls: Contact the parish office for Communion to be brought to shut-ins and call the church if someone should be prayed for.
Pro-Life Rosary: After 7:00 and 9:00 AM Mass.
Music at Our Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5:00 PM (Cantor), Sunday: 9:30 AM (Choir), 11:30 AM (Cantor), Sunday 5:00 p.m. (guitar).
Baptisms: Please call the Rectory to arrange for your child's Baptism.
Marriages: Contact the Church at least six months prior to celebration. A Marriage Preparation Program is required.
Prayer Group: Meets Mondays at 7:30 PM
Parish Office hours: 8:30 – 3:30 Monday – Friday. Call to make an appointment with a Priest.
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News from the Vatican
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Several former students told a Vatican court that they experienced an "unhealthy" environment at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.
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For believers, the ability to practice their faith and receive spiritual guidance are "the highest of essential services," and pandemic practices over the past year have shown they are not...
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Pope Francis, 84, has chosen a specialist in internal medicine and gerontology to be his new personal physician, the Vatican said.
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The Vatican threw its support behind an effort by India, South Africa and a host of developing nations to loosen international patent protections and speed up sub-licensing agreements for the...
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Marking the 90th anniversary of the apparition of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope Francis wrote a letter to Catholics in Poland expressing his hope that Christ's message of divine mercy would...
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