 | |
Wise Men and Women still Seek Him!
|
|
|
| Join Our List |
 |
|
|
Happy New Year!!!
It's Advent, the beginning of our Church's Liturgical Calendar; the beginning of our Liturgical Year! (Learn more about our Catholic Year Celebrations here!) We begin with Waiting! Four Weeks of Waiting!!! I don't know about you, but I am not so crazy about Waiting! It seems I am always in a "hurry up and wait" mode...and the Christmas preparations seem to swallow up any preparation time for Jesus' coming! I think Jesus might be waiting for me to give Him some time!
Waiting makes me feel like I am not doing "anything", being lazy, and wasting time. I get anxious - not in a good way. I have a to-do list and waiting isn't on it!
However, Advent - is meant for something much more than doing nothing. It is a time for us to Wait for something that makes us FULLY ALIVE - and we could be Joyfully Anticipating the Coming of Jesus, the Birth of a Savior, the Coming of our Lord - for the end of suffering, pain and strife in this world - ushering us into HEAVEN!!! Waiting puts us into Communion with our God - which fills us with peace - (watch this video - and you'll get my drift!)
 | | What is Advent? Gangnam Style! |
Good things are coming? Ok...I can wait....but can I peek? (did you ever peek at your Christmas presents under the tree?) How will Jesus make my life better? I have an inquiring mind...I need to know!
As I am growing older (the years are flying by so quickly - I don't even have to wait for them! lol), I find little ways to wait so that it is not so stressful - in fact - I use it as time to connect to God. I say a Hail Mary, an Our Father, and/or I lift up a friend or family member to God's care. I find I even enjoy Silence (Shocker!)- which I used to dread and avoid at all costs- again - emptiness seems like a waste! But now I find that silence actually brings me into a very peaceful state. It took me some time to "get into" just being silent - just being "still" - a few minutes at first, then 5, 10, 20 minutes. I used to hide in the bathroom to get away from my kids - to get a little peace and quiet. God always blesses any time I give Him! Silence brings such peace and calm into my life! (Who needs high blood pressure drugs? - I just need more silence in my life!)
Our God loves us so much! He is always pouring out His graces if we just take the time to see it! God asks us (especially me) are we willing to try to do it His way? We pray: YOUR (God's) WILL BE DONE!!!! That should be our goal this Advent Journey - Take some time to discover God's will for our life - trusting Him for our welfare- just like we ask our children to trust us...
This building of a relationship with God will take some stillness, quiet and even some silence - so that we can hear His voice in this World of Noise!!!
A Great question to meditate on this Advent.... What do I really want in life??? For me and my house, I want MORE of Jesus! I want more of His Peace, joy and love in my life! I am done with the broken promises of the world. I am done getting frazzled and frustrated because I can't seem to keep up with what "I should be doing by the world's standards".
...I want what is REAL! I want what is LASTING! (eternally) I want more of you, Jesus! What do you really want this Advent season? We make time for things we really want to do!
I have put some great activities, prayers and devotions for Advent on our Website - if you check it out - you may find one thing that helps you to Joyfully Anticipate - making preparations for the coming of more of Jesus into your life - so that you can be overflowing with the Peace, Joy and Love that God wants to pour into your life!
Blessings in the Waiting
Joy in the Coming of our Lord,
Nancy Longo
|
|
|
|
Early Childhood News!
| | |
Early Childhood - Ages 3-5 - Sunday Mornings from 9-10 am.
Early Childhood Calendar
DID YOU KNOW...
Early Childhood Faith Formation is the process by which young children come to know God ~ an "awakening process". This awakening has its beginning in Early Childhood and is based on developing the child's awareness of God using life experiences relevant to the development of the young child, ages 3, 4 and 5. The child at this young age is able to relate to the care and love of God through self- identity, nature and the love of others.
|
|
News for Parents and Children Preparing for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist!
| | |
 Reminder - Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a two year process. Religious Education Calendar
It includes all children and parents (no matter what grade their child begins the process! 1st - 5th)
Reconciliation Parent/Child Retreat is on January 11 from 2pm-4:30pm. Meet in the Church.
Childcare available for other siblings for $5 per child. Please RSVP.
The Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation will be celebrated
- for School Children is on Friday, January 16th.
- for Religious Education Children is on Saturday, January 17th at 10am
- If you want to know more about this process and ways to help your child prepare at home...please check out our Sacrament Webpage.
|
|
News for Kids Quest! Children from 3rd-5th Grades continuing their faith formation!
| 1 | |
New Program for our 3-5th graders! They are on a Quest to grow closer to Jesus this year (the same as all of us!)
They are exploring the Scriptures, they are learning to journal, they are exploring ways to live out their faith in every day ways; all with music, games, prayer, Bible lessons - with an Adventure spirit! Some of these children are also preparing for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion! We are Community! Living out our Faith together! Religious Education Calendar.
|
|
Middle School Religious Education Class News!
| | |
Middle School - Grades 6-7-8 is on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm.
Not your boring-sit-in-class evenings! Learn how to put your faith into ACTION!!!
Middle School Calendar
- St. Joseph Middle School Religious Education is a partner with
St. Joseph Middle School Youth Ministry: On The Edge
Once a month - our young teens in Middle School Religious Education -can invite their friends on Tuesday nights - to:
ON THE EDGE Youth Ministry to explore their faith and build community!
Classes this month are on: Dec 2, 9th
and we will be going Christmas Caroling on December 16th - beginning at 6pm - meet at Long Beach Care Center off Willow by the Jewish Center. We will need parents to help drive us back to the hall for our PIZZA PARTY!!!!
Permission slip
Christmas Baby Shower - Gifts due on December 16th
(See below - On the Edge! Youth Ministry for Middle School for permission slip) |
|
Child CARE available during the 9am and 10:30am masses!
| | |
Please check out this free offering from St. Joseph. Janet Gomez is our Day Care Coordinator! Are your little ones restless this morning at Mass? Bring them to the day care room!
|
|
Protecting God's Children during Mass!
| | |
St. Joseph Parish is very serious about protecting our children from Child Sexual Child Abuse. One of the main ways we do this - as a community - is to keep our eyes open for dangers to our children.
DEAR Parents, Please DO NOT send your children to the restroom during mass by themselves....Our Church is NOT locked on the weekend and there could be strangers hanging out in the hallways or restrooms while we are in mass!
It is better to be safe and take your children to the restroom!
|
|
Confirmation for Teens
| | |
- Classes are on Sundays from 11am through 12:30 mass.
- Class dates for December are: Dec 7 & 14th. (food and gifts are due for our Adopted Family on Dec 14- See List)
- No Classes on Dec 21 or 28th
We return on January 4th with parent/teen meeting in the hall for both Confirmation I and Confirmation 2 - to prepare for upcoming retreats!
IPOD Raffle tickets are on sale! $5 a Ticket.
Confirmation 2 retreat is January 16-18th. We need men and women chaperones! Please email Marc or Nancy if you are interested!
Contact Marc Leon [email protected] or (562)598-0519
web links: Calendars are on:
http://www.stjosephlb.org/confirmation/ or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com
|
|
High School Youth Ministry Activities
| | |
All teens are Welcome - Bring your friends! 9th through 12th Grade!
Revelation on Wednesdays! 7:30-8:30pm
 The Word is on Thursdays from 7:15-8:30pm
Contact Marc Leon at [email protected] or (562)598-0519 Knott's Berry Farm on December 13th - meet there at 9:30am and pick up teens at 7pm. $35.00 Please RSVP ASAP. Flyer / Permission slip web links: http://www.stjosephlb.org/youth-ministry or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com |
|
Middle School Youth Ministry Activities
| |
All 6th-7th-8th graders are welcome! Bring your friends! Knott's Berry Farm - December 13th - Perm/ Flyer  We will be having Middle School Youth Ministry on Tuesday Nights - once a month from 7-8pm. On The Edge Calendar Christmas SERVICE Opportunity and FUN! Christmas Caroling & Pizza Let's Bring Joy to those who cannot get out on their own! We will be singing Christmas Carols at the Long Beach Care Center on Tuesday, December 16th. Parents, please drop them off at the Nursing Home at 6pm and Pick them up at 8pm the Parish Hall. We will have a pizza party and more Christmas fun! Parents, we will need a few drivers to help take the young people from the nursing home back to St. Joseph. Permission Slip / Flyer Christmas Baby Shower! Bring a Gift, too! Contact Marc Leon at [email protected] or (562)598-0519 web links: http://www.stjosephlb.org/middle-school/ or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com |
|
Sharing Faith together - for all parents!
| | |
I am out there all alone! Someone come and pray with me! Share with me!
Let's Share Faith - Better prepare for mass! Reflect with others on this coming Sunday's readings!
|
|
Web Resources for Families
| | |
I have created a new webpage just for families - It has articles, videos, for holidays and family issues...check it out!
Faith at Home Webpage -
- Check out Advent Resources - including family activities, devotions and family videos!
Articles about Marriage and family - (Balancing Family and Work, Stages of Marriage, Marriage Resources, Try a 5-point Tune-Up for your Marriage)
Check out the For Your Marriage Website for issues on Marriage.
Find out more on Synod on Family.
GREAT FAMILY FRIENDLY MUSIC in the CAR!
KFSH 95.9 is a great station and you never have to worry about what is going to be said! FAMILY FRIENDLY! Great Christmas Songs about JESUS!
_________________________________________________________________________
Helping you and your family to Understand more about Liturgy (Mass) - so that you can fully participate! Here is the Link: Enjoy!
8 Week Liturgy Challenge - Finding Joy in the Mass!
The beginning of the document has some additional resources to prepare you before you go to mass and before you begin the official challenge. The actual challenge begins at FINDING JOY AT MASS!
|
|
Children's Liturgy of the Word
| | |
 Liturgy of the Word for children is offered during the 9am mass most Sundays. We invite children from 3 years old through 6th grade to go with our catechists to hear and break open the gospel readings so that they will understand it at their age levels. Parents are welcome to join us! Help needed! If you can spare 1 hour a month (30 minutes preparing - 30 minutes sharing with our St. Joseph children) please email Nancy! Training and materials are provided! We need 1st Sundays and 5th Sundays! |
|
Children's Choir
| | |
Children's Choir is open to children entering 2-8th grade. First rehearsal is September 6th 8am-9:15am. children meet weekly and serve nearly once a month, mostly at the 9:00am Mass. Schedule and Registration forms at rehearsal.
Contact Vivian Doughty at [email protected] or (562)422-5430 for more information
|
|
Altar Servers
| | |
Are you 4th grade or older? Do you want to be an Altar Server?
Call the Rectory at (562)594-4657 |
|
There's an App for that!
| | |
What if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phones?
You Can! It's on your Smart Phone! Either IOS or Android!
Check it out! Download the App for Free! Laudate! two versions of the Bible - New American, Douay-Rheims.
Laudate also has Daily Mass Readings, Liturgy of the Hours, Order of the Mass, Calendar with daily readings, Rosary and Chaplet, How to go to Confession, Stations of the Cross, Basic Catholic Prayers,Latin Prayers, Catechism, Catholic Media, EWTN & Vatican Documents. Everything you wanted to know about being Catholic but were afraid to ASK! You are now smarter than a 5th Grader!!!
Parents check out Website NETSMARTZ to keep up on Technology safety for you and your children!
Here is a Super 10 List of things for your Kids to Know for Safety!
|
|
Adult Faith Formation
| |
-
Advent Retreat- Saturday, December 6th from 9am-noon. A moment of stopping, reflecting and rediscovering our personal journey. All are invited!
Facilitated by Verbum Dei Missionary Sisters.
- Advent Penance Service for the Whole Family - Tuesday, December 16 at 7pm. After your family receives Absolution - go and celebrate with Ice - Cream!!!
- Human Trafficking Ministry Gathering - Tuesday, Dec 16 at 7:30pm in the PAC.
- Meditation on Tuesdays in the PAC Chapel from 7-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome. "Let us search a place to meditate on the grace of God." Pope Francis
Looking Forward: Meditation for Women on Wednesdays beginning in January!
- "Jesus is Lord" -Bible Study - Tuesday Mornings 9:00am and Thursday Evenings at 6:30pm. topic: book of John. Information: call Rita Smith: 562-533-1243
- Mom's Prayer and Fellowship group
- Chris Serrano meets with women at her home once a month to study scripture and share faith! Please join them! Call Chris at 562-243-6959 for more information.
- Faith and Fatherhood Series for Dads will continue in the fall. Contact: Jim Crofut (562) 234-1432;[email protected]
-
 St. Joseph Book Club - Our book this quarter is " 50 Reasons I Love Being Catholic" by Elizabeth M. Kelly. There are so many reasons to love being Catholic, and thirty-something Liz Kelly-a successful writer and jazz singer-eagerly shares those reasons in May Crowning, Mass, and Merton. Kelly says, "Mine is not an extraordinary faith . . . but the litany of reasons to love being Catholic is extraordinary." Kelly lists 50 reasons to embrace the Catholic faith, including daily Mass, kneelers in church, and the crucifix. With wit and great affection, covering everything from Michelangelo's creation frescoes to Pope John Paul II, this lay Catholic reminds us all why the Catholic faith is so special. We will be selling the books on Sundays, Dec 7 and 14th outside Mass. Our Book Discussion will be on January 14 at 7pm in the Library.
CURSILLO Weekend Retreat - So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away: behold new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Men and Women of St. Joseph Parish
Is your heart on fire for Christ? Is it filled with the Holy Spirit? Or is your heart like a candle in the wind, flickering and barely alive? If you want to experience what the disciples felt ot he day of Pentecost, then give yourself the gift of a Cursillo and light your heart on fire!
For more information, contact Dcn. Shane at sfcuda @yahoo.com or go to Occursillo.org
______________________________________________________________
There are lots of opportunities for young adults to grow in faith! There are many Young Adult gatherings happening throughout the Los Angeles Archdiocese. You can easily stay connected by linking to the following website:
Saturday, December 6, 2014 - RESTORE LA - Young Adult retreat
a t St. Mel Parish - 20870 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, 91364. The retreat begins at 11:00 am - 9pm. The Jacob & Matthew Band will be providing music. The day includes speakers, Mass, Adoration, Confession, breakout sessions, lunch, dinner, and great fellowship. The cost is $10. Contact person: Sr. Val Roxburgh, Cell #805-452-9699, Email: [email protected] Young Adult Website at the Los Angeles Archdiocese...
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter
|
|
Multi-Parish Adult Faith Opportunities!
| |  St. Joseph - St. Bartholomew - St. Cornelius - St. Matthew- St. Maria Goretti have gathered together to share our calendars for Adult Faith Formation Opportunities with you, our parishioners and neighboring parishes. Feel free to find the opportunities that interest you and fit into your schedule. December Calendar December Details (Each month we will post a calendar of events). |
|
Social Media for St. Joseph Religious Education
and St. Joseph Youth Ministry - Let's Share Faith!
| | I apologize - I got ahead of myself - Facebook and twitter are NOW working!
Religious Education Social Media:
Youth Ministry and Confirmation: We are still working on these...they will be ready by Orientation! Websites: Youth Ministry Website: www.saintjosephlbym.com St. Joseph Religious Education Website link:
http://www.stjosephlb.org/religious-education/
We want to hear from you! We will be passing on information via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the website: What is going on in the Religious Education World (for 3 years old until we pass through to heaven!!!), what is going on in the Catholic World around us and we want to hear your feedback, your prayers, how you are living your faith in your homes! Parents to parents, teens to teens - We need to support each other! Help each other get to heaven! Let us connect! The Holy Father says to use the Internet for the Good News! It is a gift from God! We can bring Jesus closer to each other! Let's do it!!! |
|
Religious Education Office Hours
| | |
We are here to serve you!
Monday-Thursday - 8:30-4:00pm - Sundays from 8:00-12:00 noon
 | Michelle Johnson
Administrative Assistant |
 | Nancy Longo
Director of Religious Education |
If you need to reach us - try emailing us at:
rel[email protected] or leave a message at (562)598-0519 - We will get back to you as soon as possible! It is always best to call before you drop by - to make sure we are there!
|
 St. Joseph Religious Education Department is here to empower and support families in their ministry to form and teach their children about God and the Catholic faith. This is a life-long process that includes us as adults and those families with special needs!
If you have any questions or needs that we can help you with, please feel free to email us or call us! We are here to serve you!
May God bless you with His abundant Love, Peace and Joy as we grow more like Him every day during our journey of faith!
Nancy Longo
Director of Religious Education
|
|
|
|
|
