---An excerpt from an online article in Vatican News (December 8, 2020):

In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.

The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To celebrate the anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St Joseph,” beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extending to the same feast in 2021.

Motivated by their respect for human life, every year since 1974, tens of thousands of advocates for the unborn have gathered in Washington, D.C., to participate in the March for Life. This year, because of that same respect for life, march organizers have asked the masses to stay home, as they announced on Friday that the event, scheduled for Jan. 29, would be held virtually this year.

“The protection of all of those who participate in the annual March, as well as the many law enforcement personnel and others who work tirelessly each year to ensure a safe and peaceful event, is a top priority of the March for Life,” organizers wrote in a news release. “In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different. The annual rally will take place virtually, and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually.”

Organizers are encouraging individuals and groups to view the events of the virtual march online, which will include “inspiring speeches from pro-life leaders, information on how to stay involved in the pro-life movement all year long, and a performance by Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West.” To RSVP to watch live, visit MarchForLife.org.

The announcement of the march going virtual follows the announcement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life would also be closed to the public and shown online. The vigil will begin with a live broadcast at 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 28 from the basilica, starting with the praying of the Rosary followed by Mass. Bishops from across the country will lead Holy Hours throughout the night in the livestreamed vigil. More information can be found at USCCB.org.

The Parish office will be closed in observance of the federal holiday:

Presidents' Day                          Monday February 15, 2021

The Faith Direct program is available now to all parishioners and even guests or friends of St. Joseph Church.  While it is purely optional, we do encourage all parishioners to check it out to see just how much is available on it.  All collections, including special collections, are included on the site.  Parishioners can set up all of their collections for the entire year.  Please click on the icon above to be forwarded to the website dedicated to St. Joseph Church.

For more information about all donation options, please see our Contributions page under the Home tab or contact the business manager.