Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSSMy dear St. Joseph family,

What a grace-filled, joy-soaked, Spirit-breathing weekend the Lord gave us. Our Parish Festival on August 1 and 2 was not merely an event — it was a testimony of God’s goodness, the strength of our community, and the quiet miracles that happen when a parish chooses to love, serve, and celebrate together.

We express heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Stephen Berg, who presided over our 4:30 PM Mass with fatherly warmth and pastoral generosity. His
presence reminded us that we are part of a larger Church — a family that stretches far beyond our parish boundaries, united in faith, mission, and
love.

And now, what can we surmise — what can we read between the lines — from this extraordinary parish activity? We can say with confidence that St. Joseph Parish is alive. Not just functioning, not just surviving — alive. Vibrant. Growing. Hopeful. We can say that our unity is stronger than ever. People from different backgrounds, ages, cultures, and stories worked side by side as one family. That unity is not accidental; it is the fruit of prayer, humility, and shared mission.

We can say that our parish has a future worth dreaming about. When a community can gather like this — peacefully, joyfully, generously — it
means God is preparing us for even greater things. We can say that our faith is visible. Anyone who walked through our festival grounds could see it — in the laughter of children, in the kindness of volunteers, in the reverence of the Mass, in the warmth of fellowship. Faith was not hidden; it was shining.

And finally, we can say that St. Joseph himself smiled upon us. Our patron, the quiet protector, the faithful worker, the guardian of families — he surely walked among us these two days, blessing our efforts and guiding our hearts.

My dear parish family, thank you for making this festival not just successful, but meaningful. Thank you for showing the world what a parish can be when God is at the center, and love is the language we speak. May the Lord who began this good work continue to bless our parish with unity, joy, and courage. And may St. Joseph intercede for us always.

With gratitude and affection,

Fr. Joseph

We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who helped make the St. Joseph Festival a wonderful success.
Thanks to all who volunteered in setting up, preparing food, serving drinks, working booths, preparing our
fields for the tournament, making lady fingers and meatballs, counting tickets, and tearing down. We are
also grateful for all the donations of food and drinks, cakes, stuffed animals, and kitchenware.

We would also like to thank the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office for the excellent security provided. Please keep the YOS and Sheriff’s Office volunteers in your prayers.

Thank you to Most Reverend Bishop Stephen Berg for celebrating Mass with us this past weekend. It is always a blessing to have our Shepard in our parish.

Pictures from the festival will be up shortly.

Below are two Diocesan Advisory letters (in PDF format) from Bishop Stephen J. Berg and the Diocese of Pueblo regarding:

• Unauthorized Fundraising Activities
• Notice Regarding the Declaration of Schism of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX)

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo

When: August 9, 2026, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Charles Murray Hall. Menu: Eggs, sausage, hash browns, green chile, pancakes, coffee, juice, and peaches.

Price: $12.00 adults, $8.00 children

The best breakfast in town!! Come and share a meal and support your local Knights of Columbus council.

Hot coffee, pancakes fresh from the griddle, and delicious green chile—all without breaking the bank!

St. Joseph Catholic Church will livestream one Mass this weekend. It can be viewed on this website, the church Facebook page, and our YouTube page. 

That Mass will be at 11 a.m. Mass, Sunday, August 9 (The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
Assistant: Deacon Ed Riccillo

Spirit Choir Mass Music
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 9, 2026
(Sun: 11 a.m)

Entrance:
Breathe (SJPSB pg. 16)

Preparation of Gifts:
Holy Spirit (SJPSB pg. 42)

Communion:
Restoration (SJPSB pg. 107)

Sending Forth:
How Great is Our God (SJPSB pg. 47)

SJPSB=St. Joseph Parish Songbook

St. Leander's is hosting the last parish festival of 2026 on Aug. 8-9. Be sure to go with your friends and family and have a great time! Click the picture below for more information.

There are two golf tournaments taking place this summer. So dust those clubs off and get your team together while there is still time.

Click the flyer below for a larger view.

Attention Parishioners -

Religious Education registration for 2026-27 will begin on Aug. 15-16, after all Masses in the Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex. 

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."

Mark Those Calendars!

Aug. 22: Pueblo District CCW Walk-a-thon at City Park Fountain Pavilion

Sept. 18-19: Diocesan CCW Convention - (Meeting 9/18), (Convention 9/19)

Sept. 30: St. Joseph CCW Fellowship Meeting

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

What to Know:

• The goal is to generate $87,894 in pledges to meet the AMD assessment.
• Current AMD assessment is $8,530 a month or $87,894 for the year.
• The pledge is in addition to the weekly collection but can be paid weekly, monthly, or as a one lump payment.
• Please make checks out to St. Joseph Church and write AMD on the memo line of the check.
• The parish has not generated the necessary income to cover this expense.
• WE MUST DO IT AGAIN FOR THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE CHURCH.
• The church's major fundraisers (Parish Festival and Spaghetti Dinner) are now assisting us in paying this obligation and are no longer available for other activities or needs of the church.

P.S.  Please do NOT use the PayPal online tithing for the church to send in your gift. Thank You!

We would like to thank those households who have already pledged and/or given already. We have put your names on the wall by the thermometer to thank and acknowledge your pledge. If we have missed your name or you do not want your name on the wall after your pledge, please let the office know. Thank you once again for your pledge and/or donation. 

Click the AMF card to download, fill out and bring to the parish office or leave in collections at mass.

The Knights of Columbus (KOC) of St. Joseph (#9456) have introduced a new program called "The Holy Family"

We are inviting parishioners of any household to consecrate themselves to the Holy Family. Each week the parishioner will take the sanctuary of the Holy Family into their homes for one week of daily prayer. At the end of your week, you will bring back the sanctuary to the church for the next family.

Holy Family Testimonial:

"I have had the opportunity to take the Holy Family into my home three times. I can't even begin to express the extra peace and love that is felt with the Holy Family displayed in my family room. The prayers that are given with it are beautiful. This past Thanksgiving, I had it, and as we prayed before our meal, I included the dedication of my family to the protection of the Holy Family as part of our grace. I feel that if others could sense the love coming from the Holy Family display, people would be lining up to take it into their homes."
-- Karen DeCarlo 

"Having the Holy Family in your home is a great way to reflect on the love of family and pray for everyone in your lives in a concentrated effort. It is a beautiful way to start your day and/or a peaceful way to end the day. The time you take for prayer and reflection is a precious gift from the Holy Family. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to invite the Holy Family into their home and into their lives. You will want to do it on a regular basis because of the peace it brings into your life and home."
-- Terrie Tafoya 

Learn more

The Chalice for Vocations ministry was developed to promote fervent and devotional prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. These specific intentions are raised as the chalice travels within the parish community.

A prayer guide is provided and geared for readers that are young or old.  Spontaneous and personal prayers for vocations are always acceptable and welcome also. Please incorporate prayers for an increase in vocations within your prayer life.

If you would like to receive the Chalice for Vocations for a week, please contact the parish office at 719-544-1886. Thank you. Be confident that your prayers are heard.

CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS PRAYER GUIDE (DOWNLOAD - IN PDF)