Saint Joseph Parish

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

“Big news. God exists. Christ is Lord, and he established the Catholic Church.”

That’s how Joe Schmid announced his conversion to Catholicism on his YouTube channel, “Majesty of Reason,” on Aug. 21.

Conversion is always a cause for celebration, but in Schmid’s case it was likely unexpected among his channel’s 55,000 subscribers.

For years, Schmid has used his YouTube channel to explore a broad variety of philosophical and naturalistic arguments and principles — and Schmid himself has openly identified as an agnostic for most of that time.

Schmid, who was raised Catholic, told EWTN News that he adopted atheism and then eventually agnosticism in high school. He said he was originally led to atheism because of “the problem of evolutionary animal suffering,” a well-known topic of philosophical and theological debate.

More: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/god-is-good-one-of-the-internet-s-most-popular-nonbelievers-announces-his-return-to-the-church

08/27/2026

We were joined by the newly ordained Fr. Jakob Wyder as he offered the Maronite Divine Liturgy at St. Joseph. Fr. Jakob was baptized at St. Joseph and grew up in the parish. He serves in the Maronite Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn which stretches from Maine to Florida and begins his first assignment in Miami!

08/18/2026

The countdown for the first day of school has officially begun! As we near closer here are some dates to mark on your calendar:

August 24th at 6:30pm: Parent Orientation
September 1st at 8:30am: First Day of School

Families, please check the email that you used to enroll for a more in depth message regarding these dates as well as what your child needs to be ready for the first day.

Haven't enrolled yet? We still have a few spots left for the 26/27 year. Send us a message or check out our website: goodshepherdmontessori.org to learn more about how to start the process.

We are so excited for the year ahead!

08/12/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3iMpzVyY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Archaeologists believe they've made a groundbreaking discovery, possibly uncovering the remains of a church they believe hosted the First Council of Nicaea, one of the most pivotal events in the history of Christianity. MORE BELOW ⬇️

08/12/2026

From Archbishop Richard Henning: Pope Leo recently reminded Catholics around the world of our call to respect human life.

As our Commonwealth is about to enact legislation removing any restrictions on late-term abortion, let us pray in the words of the Holy Father, “May we learn to welcome life unconditionally, to tenderly care for fragility, to accompany each stage with respect, and to bravely defend those who have no voice.”

08/10/2026

Why should a group of Dominican friars be interested in the importance of beauty and bluegrass music as a source of evangelization?

Join The Hillbilly Thomists as they explore the nature of beauty, the love of music and art for their own sake, the way that artistic beauty and delight can coincide with the splendor of the gospel, and how cooperation with divine providence can lead to the use of human talents in the service of divine goodness and compassion toward others.

Tune in to The Hillbilly Thomists for the Evangelical Power of Music on August 11 at 1 p.m. CT: institute.wordonfire.org/the-power-of-music.

07/26/2026

A Franciscan friar is challenging Catholics to rethink how they go to Mass—and his simple “6 challenges” are striking a chord on social media.

Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, shared a practical guide to help Catholics enter more deeply into the Eucharist by rediscovering silence, focus, and intentionality.

Arrive 10 minutes before Mass
Instead of sliding into the pew at the last second, take time to pray. Offer your week to God—your joys, struggles, intentions—and prepare your heart for what’s about to happen.

Leave your phone in the car.
“You can do it, you can do it,” Ames says.

Yes, really. He calls this a “heroic act.” For most people, the world can wait an hour. Enter the sacred space without distractions.

Read the readings before Mass
Whether at home or during those 10 quiet minutes before Mass, knowing the readings helps you engage more deeply with the liturgy.

Close your eyes after receiving Communion
After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, resist the urge to look around. Stay recollected. Speak to Him.

“Be with Jesus,” Ames says.

Keep your eyes closed after you receive Holy Communion until the priest says, “Let us Pray.”

He adds, “I know if you have little kids, that’s not possible.”

Make a thanksgiving after Mass
Instead of rushing out, take a few extra minutes to thank God. Let the grace of the Eucharist settle in.

Talk to at least one person
Before heading to your car, connect with someone. Build community. The parish is not just a place—it’s a people.

“Interact with at least one person before you head back to your car after you leave the church,” he says.

In a culture of distraction and hurry, these small habits can transform how we experience the Mass—turning routine into encounter.

More at: www.churchpop.com/leave-your-phone-arrive-early-stay-after-priest-shares-6-bold-challenges-for-mass/

🪶Kimmy Chacón