Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph:

Parish Welcome back -- You should have received a letter indicating that there will be packets given out this weekend. With this recent surge of the Coronavirus, we will postpone the Welcome Back event scheduled for August 29. Please know, that it is possible we will postpone or adapt the other dates. However, we will still have the packets available this weekend and in the future, but the dates will not be accurate. There are some materials in these packets that are good for prayers, especially for families and we want to get them out to you.

Donut Sunday -- Donuts this weekend will be "to go."  

Second Collection --  Education of our Future Priests -- This is an important collection. The money is used to pay tuition for seminarians of the Diocese of Jackson. It can cost up to $40,000 per year for a graduate theology degree. The cost for undergraduate seminary studies is less, but still presents a challenge for the diocese to pay for six men in formation. There will be a second basket in the back with a sign indicating the cause. Please be generous.

RCIA -- Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and perhaps becoming Catholic? RCIA inquiry sessions begin on Wed., Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Preregistration is encouraged (but not required). For more information, contact Dave Monts, (662) 263-6946 or email him at rcia@stjosephstarkville.org.

Religious Education -- Classes begin September 19, 2021. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 12th grade, please fill out the registration form that was emailed, can be found in the back of the Church, or you can register online -- https://stjosephstarkville.org/religious-education. You may place your completed form on the designated table in the gathering space of church, in the church office, or simply email it to Deacon Jeff at deaconjeff@stjosephstarkville.org. The cost is $20 per child or $30 per family.

Casserole Kitchen -- If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, our parish will be cooking casseroles for the Casserole Kitchen at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection on Tuesday, August 17th . If you are willing to help with this ministry, please contact Deacon Jeff at deaconjeff@stjosephstarkville.org.

Food Pantry -- The Food Pantry will still be working tomorrow distributing food from 9 AM until 11 AM.

Peace,

Fr. Jason