Confirmation and the Disciple Maker Index Survey

My Dear Parishioners,

This week we welcome Archbishop Edward Adams as he confirms 17 of our young people. Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers. We pray that they will remain open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that they will be strengthened in their faith as they live out their baptismal commitment as young Catholic Christians.

All parishes in the Archdiocese are being asked to participate in the Disciple Maker Index survey so that the parish may better respond to your needs and also as a way of participating in the church’s upcoming synod. You can take the brief survey online by going to our parish website, www.saintjosephchurch.us and clicking on the Disciple Maker Index link. The survey must be completed by Monday, April 4^th. If you do not have access to a computer, you may fill out a hard copy found on the tables at the exits and return it to the rectory for processing. You are also invited to participate in various listening sessions being held across the Archdiocese and via Zoom. You can register for a listening session by going to https://www.catholicleaders.org/archphila-synod-sessions.

Next week we will have a second collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Archbishop Pérez has asked that the following letter be communicated to all parishes. Since the writing of this letter, however, the U.S. Bishops have determined that the entire collection taken up in the United States for Central and Eastern Europe will be used to help the people of Ukraine. If you wish to contribute to this collection you may use the “Central and Eastern Europe” envelope or use your own envelope and just write “Ukraine” on it.

God Bless You,
Fr. Bordonaro

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For many years, Catholics in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union practiced their faith in the shadows for fear of persecution. Even now, 30 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Church continues to struggle to thrive and grow.

Your participation in the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will assist in the building of churches; training and educating of pastors and lay people; sustaining orphanages evangelizing children, adults and seniors as well as providing scholarships to Catholic students. This collection will be conducted in your parish on a weekend during Lent as determined by your Pastor. I am grateful, on behalf of our Catholic brothers and sisters in Central and Eastern Europe, for your generous sacrifice and prayers.

Gratefully and with best wishes in Jesus Christ,

+Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia