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U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Doctrine and for Pro-Life Address the Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine March 2, 2021 WASHINGTON– On March 2, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for use in the United States. “The approval of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States again raises questions about the moral permissibility of using vaccines developed, tested, and/or produced with the help of abortion-derived cell lines. “Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines raised concerns because an abortion-derived cell line was used for testing them, but not in their production. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however, was developed, tested and is produced with abortion-derived cell lines raising additional moral concerns. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has judged that ‘when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines are not available … it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.’[1] However, if one can choose among equally safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccine with the least connection to abortion-derived cell lines should be chosen. Therefore, if one has the ability to choose a vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines should be chosen over Johnson & Johnson’s. “While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.” For further details, we refer people to our earlier December 2020 statement, to our Answers to Key Ethical Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines, to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith’s Note, and to the statement of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Fridays at 12:10 PM (live streamed) and 7:00 PM. Recorded video of the Stations of the Cross is available by clicking on MASS TIMES (big white box above), then scrolling down to the list of Recorded Live Events.

Holy Thursday April 1st Mass at 7:00 PM Followed by Eucharistic Adoration; Night Prayer 10:00 PM   Good Friday April 2nd  Veneration of the Cross Service at 3:00 PM (ONLY) Candlelight Stations of the Cross  7:00-8:15 PM With Confessions to follow   Holy Saturday, April 3rd  Morning Prayer 9:00 AM Followed by Blessing of Baskets Easter Vigil 8:00 PM   EASTER SUNDAY Masses 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM

All DAC funds ultimately get sent to the Office of Stewardship & Development at the Diocese. If using the envelope that was mailed directly to your home, please make the check payable to the Diocese of Harrisburg and return it in the envelope provided. Our parish will get the credit. If you are donating in this way, or donating by credit card, there is no need to submit anything to the parish or to participate in next weekend’s DAC collection. If you are participating in the collection on the parish level, please make your check payable to St. Joseph Church. We will collect them then send one check to the Diocese for the total. Parish Goal for 2021: $233,764.00

Requested donation: $2.00 for large candle / $.50 for small candle

New this year - all cash prizes starting at $15,000, and easy fill tickets. If you would like more information on this exciting raffle please pick up an information packet in the church lobby, church office or email Michael Jahn at mjahn4@comcast.net. The deadline for turning in tickets is March 29th. Proceeds from this raffle support scholarships throughout PA, as well as various projects in and around St. Joseph Church.

The Women’s Care Center is conducting their “Change for Life” drive during Lent 2021.  The drive will end on Palm Sunday, March 28th.  The mission of the Women’s Care Center is to provide alternatives to abortion that respect Life and encourage healthy development of the family.  Last year we served 879 young women and families, over 2,136 Visits and 838 ultrasounds at our center.  We depend on the “Change for Life” to help fund the many services we provide, such as pregnancy counseling, limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, a Parent Education Program and material assistance. The women, babies, and families that we serve greatly appreciate your support! Any questions, contact Renee at renee@yorkpregnancycenter.com.

Click on the header above to read the letter.

Grief support workshop series beginning Thursday, February 18th on Zoom. Click the announcement title above for additional details.

33-Day preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph begins March 30th. The Day of Consecration will be May 1st--St. Joseph the Worker/Terror of Demons. ORDER YOUR BOOK NOW! "Consecration to St. Joseph--The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father" by Donald H. Calloway, MIC

Please submit a self-addressed stamped envelope to the parish office to receive a tax statement for the contributions you made to the church in 2020. If you need a tax statement for your contribution to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, please contact the Diocese of Harrisburg at 717-657-4804 ext 336 or Development@hbgdiocese.org.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Please click on "Year of St. Joseph - Message from Fr. Steve" above to read the message.

Please click on the link above to read this important letter from Bishop Gainer regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.

With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021. Our parish will be planning special events throughout the year in honor of our great patron! Stay tuned!

Radio Station AM 1630 now transmits the live audio feed from Mass inside the church through your car radio! Communion is still being distributed outside to those attending Mass from their car.

Donate a full scholarship of $300 or any amount that can be combined with others to cover one full scholarship. Contact Regina Mejo at teach36@comcast.net.