St. Joseph Catholic Church held its Annual St. Joseph Table in the Fr. Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex on March 19-22. The table was blessed after the 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. mass on Thursday, March 19, which is St. Joseph Day. Thanks to all those in our parish who took the time to set up the table for this year's celebration! Below are some photos of the finished table and information about the history of the St. Joseph's Table.

History of the St. Joseph Table

"St. Joseph is the patron saint of our St. Joseph Parish and the Universal Church."

• The St. Joseph Table is a religious and traditional custom that started centuries ago in Sicily during a famine.
• Prayers to St. Joseph were answered, the rains came, and the famine came to an end.
• In gratitude, the farmers honored St. Joseph by filling an Altar with their most prized possessions, FOOD!
• After paying homage to St. Joseph, they distributed the food to the poor and less fortunate.
• This altar is known as "la tavola di San Giuse" or "Saint Joseph's Table" and is always blessed by a Priest.

St. Joseph Table Altar

The Altar has three levels symbolic of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
The elements that compose the altar are:

• An Image of St. Joseph
• Flowers
• Symbolically shaped breads
• Candles
• Fruit and Vegetables
• Fava Beans
• Sprouted Wheat

Symbolic Meaning

• Cross: represents the Crucifixion
• Chalice: represents the Consecration of the Bread and Wine at the Last Supper
• Heart: represents the Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the symbol of love.
• Large round loaves of bread: symbolize the crown of thorns
• Hands: represent God's hands
• Shepherd's Staff: symbolizes the Lord is our Shepherd
• White Lilies: Symbolize transformation and purity
• Wine: symbolic of the Last Supper and the Miracle at Cana
• Hammer, saw, and ladder: represent the tools used by St. Joseph the Carpenter
• Fava Beans: considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other plant crops failed.

St. Joseph Catholic Church will be holding a Pray the Rosary before our regularly scheduled mass times during the Lenten Season. The times will be as follow:

Saturday: 4:10 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m., 10:20 a.m.

Please be mindful of everyone who is praying the Rosary as you enter. 

 Click HERE on how to Pray the Rosary.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) will meet on Wednesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Maria Lopez classroom.

Deacon Ed Riccillo leads this class.

St. Joseph Catholic Church's adult confirmation class will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. 

These classes will be led by Deacon Ed Riccillo and held in the Maria Lopez Classroom.  

If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Ed or the office during business hours at (719) 544-1886.

St. Joseph Catholic Church livestreamed the 11 a.m. mass on Sunday, March 22, 2026 (The Fifth Sunday of Lent).

Celebrants: Fr. Joseph Lixon-Asweg
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Spirit Choir Mass Music
The 5th Sunday of Lent
March 22, 2026
(Sun: 11 a.m)

Entrance:
Holy is The Lord (SJPSB-42)

Preparation of Gifts:
Remembrance (The Communion Song) (SJPSB-105)

Communion:
Lord, I Need You (SJPSB-69)

Sending Forth:
We Believe (SJPSB-129)

SJPSB=St. Joseph Parish Songbook

After 15 years of priesthood in the Diocese of Pueblo, a priest may request a 6-month sabbatical for continuing education. After 25-plus years of Priesthood, Fr. Steve has requested such a sabbatical, and it has been approved by Bishop Berg.

The sabbatical will begin at the end of May and continue into December. He will be taking classes from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, beginning with Prayer and Spiritual Direction.

As of this time, the Bishop has not yet determined a replacement. It is possible that the replacement will be temporary and Fr. Steve will return in December or permanent and Fr. Steve will receive a new assignment. Please pray for the Bishop as he makes this decision.

Deacon Ed (right) and his son, Brad Riccillo, Leader of Superteam PCSO, get their heads shaved at the 14th Annnal St. Baldrick's event in 2025Deacon Ed Riccillo of St. Joseph Catholic Church will participate in the 15th Annual St. Baldrick's head-shaving event in Pueblo West on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This was the fourth consecutive year Deacon Ed would be a shavee. The event, sponsored by Superteam People Choosing to Serve Others (PCSO),  a non-profit organization that raises funds for childhood cancer research. 

Deacon Ed mentioned, "I'm shaving my head because kids with cancer need cures. I'm raising money to support the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. My goal is to raise $1,000. I hope I can count on you to help me reach my fundraising goal."  

Please visit my fundraising page at:

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1182541/2026 to make a donation. You can also donate towards my goal by calling 888.899.BALD (2253).

The Solemnity of St. Joseph Mass and Table blessing was livestreamed on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ONLY. There will be no livestream for the 5:30 p.m. Mass or the table blessing. 

The Mass will be on the website and the church's Facebook page, while the blessing will be LIVE on the Church's Facebook page. 

Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Lixon-Aswez
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Solemnity of St. Joseph Mass Music
Thursday, March 19, 2026 (8 a.m. / 5:30 p.m.)

Entrance:
Holy Patron, Thee Saluting (BB26-250)

Gifts:
Here I Am, Lord (BB26-242)

Communion:
One Bread, One Body (BB26-407)

Sending Forth:
Lead Me, Guide Me (BB26-313)

BB= Breaking Bread (Brown Missalette)

This short video below is from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pueblo, CO. Fr. Joseph Lixon-Asweg and Deacon Ed Riccillo perform the St. Joseph Table blessing after the 8 a.m. mass on Thursday, March 19, 2026, inside the Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex.

Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Lixon-Aswez
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Plants will be available in the Narthex
after all masses March 28-29Mark Those Calendars!

What: The 4th Annual “Helping Maria's Kids Grow in Jesus” Plant Sale.

Date: Saturday and Sunday (March 28-29)

Where: After all masses inside the Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex

Proceeds will be used to support Vacation Bible School / Religious Ed.

St. Joseph Catholic Church livestreamed the funeral mass for Catherine R. Stollsteimer beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026

Celebrant: Fr. Steven Murray
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

St. Joseph Catholic Church had wi-fi problems, so this section is a continuation of the funeral livestreamed (Homily given by Fr. Steven Murray) for Catherine R. Stollsteimer, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026

St. Joseph Catholic Church had wi-fi problems, so this section is the conclusion of the funeral livestreamed (Preparation of the Gifts) for Catherine R. Stollsteimer, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026

Click HERE to view Catherine's Obituary (Courtesy of Angelus Chapel Mortuaries, Pueblo, CO)

St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women will award one $1,000 scholarship to an institution of higher learning to a female high school graduating senior who is a member of:

• St. Joseph Church in Blende
• St. Therese Church in Vineland

She must have a 3.00 GPA or greater and be an active, participating member of the Catholic Church. Applications are available at St. Joseph Church office or by calling:

Diana Alvarado (719) 251-9146 or e-mailing her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A completed application, three current letters of recommendation, and a current unofficial transcript must be submitted by Saturday, April 11, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications are to be mailed to:
Diana Alvarado
St. Joseph CCW Scholarship Chairperson
4 Crownbridge Court
Pueblo, Co. 81001

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus #9456 will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships in 2026 to an institution of higher learning of the recipient’s choice. To qualify, please review the applicant guidelines listed below: Two scholarships will be offered this year, one based strictly on academic performance and community participation, and the second based on academic performance, community participation, and financial need.

• This is a one-time scholarship, awarded to a different applicant each year.
• Funds for this scholarship come from fundraising projects conducted by the Knights of Columbus.
• Minimum amount to be awarded for each scholarship is $1000.00.
• Applicants should be graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or better. 
• To be considered for the financial need scholarship, the applicant needs to meet the academic requirements and include a short essay explaining what circumstances justify consideration for financial reasons. Applicants need to provide sufficient data and information to enable the review committee to evaluate the individual’s level of need. All applications will be treated as personal and confidential.
• Scholarships shall be used at a Colorado school of higher education, which will include but not be limited to universities, colleges, junior or community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools.
• A committee of three Knights of Columbus members will screen each application.
• Finalists will have a personal interview with the committee.
• The Knights of Columbus Council 9456 must receive proof of enrollment before the scholarship is awarded. The scholarship will be sent directly to the school where the applicant is enrolled as a full-time student.

Applicants will be considered if they are members of St. Joseph Parish – Pueblo, St. Therese Parish – Vineland, or Sacred Heart Parish – Avondale.
Click to download an application below or pick one up in the St. Joseph Parish Office during office hours.
Applications should be submitted to the St. Joseph Parish Office no later than April 17, 2026.

Some of the training information for Extraordinary Ministers (EM) has been updated. For those who were unable to attend the recent session, I am attaching a copy of the handout that was provided.

Father Steve requests that Sacristans arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled Mass and that all EMs serving arrive 10–15 minutes early. This allows the Sacristans to confirm that all positions are covered. Please remember to check in as soon as you arrive.

There are a few additional updates that were not included in the handout regarding the sign‑in sheet:
• The Cup minister will now stand next to the Plate minister at the altar and follow them to their assigned station to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ.
• If you are assigned to the station near the music ministry, please place your plate and cup on the right side of the altar. Then remain by the stair banister until the other EMs have finished. Afterward, all ministers will gather in front of the altar as usual to bow together before returning to their seats.

Please contact Fr. Steve, Deacon Ed, or Diana Alvaravo if you have any questions. Please read the attached document in "Read More."

The St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women (CCW) brings together ALL Catholic women to enhance spiritual growth and develop leadership. We promote the Christian community through fellowship, education, empowering, nurturing, and supporting our members.

Our meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month with the fellowship beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the business meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Come join us.
Your Sister in Christ,

Diana Alvarado, President
St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus, Council 9456 members are looking for interested men of the Parish to become a member of the Knights.

If interested in becoming a Knight, contact John Spearing or any brother Knight you see in church and we will provide you with information and answer any questions you might have.

Read more HERE