St. Joseph Catholic Church - Bluffton

05/31/2026

Trinity Sunday

05/26/2026

"I am pleased to see the release of the new encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas' by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV this morning. At a moment when artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding into our world, it is important that these technologies remain at the service of the human person — helping us pursue what is true, good, and beautiful, rather than replacing or diminishing our humanity.
I look forward to reading the Holy Father’s full encyclical and encourage the faithful of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend to do the same. I pray that this new encyclical will help all people of goodwill reflect more deeply on the use of technology, especially artificial intelligence, in the context of the dignity of the human person and the responsibility to discern carefully the benefits and the risks of technological developments in light of the Gospel and the Church’s social teaching."
—Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Solemnity of Pentecost

05/18/2026

🚧 Upcoming Railroad Crossing Closures 🚧

Several railroad crossings in the Montpelier-Bluffton-Kingsland area are expected to close beginning roughly May 19 through May 28 as railroad improvement work is completed.

Norfolk Southern Railway will work north-to-south through the list of crossings. Washington Street and Wiley Avenue in Bluffton will remain open to help maintain access through the community.

Planned closures include:
• CR300N
• Hale Street
• Oak Street
• Wabash Street
• Market Street
• Cherry Street
• South Street
• Silver Street
• CR200S
• Ash Road
• Wellsburg Road
• Meridian Road
• Main Street (SR 218 in Poneto)
• CR700S
…and several private/farm crossings.

⚠️ Important Notes:
• Each crossing is expected to reopen within approximately 2–3 days of closure.
• Construction schedules may shift due to weather, equipment availability, train traffic, or other operational needs.
• Additional crossings may be added or removed from the project as needed.
• Motorists should plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

We appreciate everyone’s patience during these important railroad improvements.

05/17/2026

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (2026)

05/14/2026

Know someone (age 15-35) considering the priesthood? Check this opportunity out. Signup before July 10th. Only $10!!

05/10/2026

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05/09/2026

Consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the American Semiquincentennial En Español “In consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the semiquincentennial anniversary,… Read More

05/06/2026

One month from today, on June 6, our diocese will joyfully celebrate the Ordination to the Priesthood of five men. Please join us in praying for our ordinandi as they prepare to offer their lives in service to Christ and His Church:
🙏 Rev. Mr. Patrick Ernst
🙏 Rev. Mr. Johnathon Hickey
🙏 Rev. Mr. Noah Isch
🙏 Rev. Mr. Samuel Martinez
🙏 Rev. Mr. Greenan Sullivan

May the Lord strengthen them with peace, courage, and joy in these final weeks of preparation. Please also pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood in our diocese.

diocesefwsb.org/discern-priesthood