Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph:

Here are a few of the important things going on this week.

Giving Tuesday (iGiveCatholic) -- As you know, we are preparing for Giving Tuesday. The day after Thanksgiving was Black Friday, tomorrow is Cyber Monday, and then Tuesday, November 30, 2021 is "Giving Tuesday." A time to consider "giving." This year we have two projects in the spotlight. The first is for our Fire Alarm System. After an inspection it was clear that the equipment we had was old, outdated, and not fully functional. This project was between $5,000 and $6,000. Many of you may remember when the previous church building burned on Good Friday, 1997.  The priority is to keep the Fire System current and updated to prevent another fire tragedy from happening again. We will also attempt to pay for the remainder of the Stained Glass Windows. We have some time with this project, but we still need a little more to get to the finish line. Our Goal for Giving Tuesday is $20,000. You can make a donation toward either of these projects, individually or together at anytime, but we will focus on them on November 30, 2021, at this link:

Or you can give through our parish online giving platform at Our Sunday Visitor or You can also write a check. Envelopes are available in the back of the Church, or you can bring it by the Church office and put Giving Tuesday in the memo line. (Or Fire Alarm or Stained Glass) either would be a great help.

Adopt-a-family Christmas Tree -- There are still several cards available on the Christmas Tree in the back of the Church. We are adopting 5-6 families this year in Starkville and would love to have your help.

Advent Men's Prayer Breakfasts -- The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Men's Prayer Breakfast for any man in the parish. Tuesday, 7 AM.

Penance Service -- Our Advent Penance Service is this week at 5:30 PM. We will have at least three priests available for confessions until 6:30. 

Wall Calendars in the back of the Church -- Our Parish 2022 Wall Calendars have arrived and are also available in the back of the Church.

Magnificat Advent Companions -- The Magnificat Advent Companions are great tools to help you engage your spiritual life during this season of Advent. It's loaded with some great prayers and a reflection for every day. Take one from the table in the back of the Church. If you know someone who will find it helpful, get a copy for them, maybe for that person you're thinking about asking to come to Church with you at Christmas.

Christmas Poinsettias -- If you would like to donate a Christmas Poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please enter the information or write “see last year” on the envelope included in your most recent shipment of offering envelopes. Envelopes are also available in the back of the Church. Poinsettias are $12 each.

CYO Garage Sale -- The annual CYO Garage Sale will take place Saturday, Dec. 4th, from 8-11:30am in the Parish Center. Donations in good and working condition may be dropped off Thursday, Dec. 2nd, from 8:30am5pm and Friday, Dec. 3rd, from 8:30am-1pm. No clothes please. If you have large items to donate and need help getting them here, please contact Deacon Jeff.

Peace,

Fr. Jason