Ascension Thursday 2024 Mass Schedule

Ascension Dosso_Dossi_022

This Thursday, May 9, 2024, is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Mass schedule at Saint Joseph Church will be as follows:
Wednesday (Vigil) – 7:30pm
Thursday – 10am.

The Mass schedule at our twin parish, Presentation BVM Church, will be as follows:
Thursday – 6:30am and 7:30pm.

…When they had gathered together they asked Him,
“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons
that the Father has established by His own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
When He had said this, as they were looking on,
He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as He was going,
suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee,
why are you standing there looking at the sky?
This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven
will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven.”
Acts of the Apostles 1:6-11

Holy Week and Easter 2024 Schedule

March 24 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
9:15am Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph Church
10am Mass* and Blessing of Palms at St. Joseph Church

March 25 – Monday of Holy Week
10am Mass at St. Joseph Church

March 27– Wednesday of Holy Week
10am Mass at St. Joseph Church
10:30am Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph Church

March 28 – Holy Thursday
5pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Joseph Church
St. Joseph Church will remain open until 9pm
(7:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Presentation BVM Church)

March 29 – Good Friday
St. Joseph Church will be open 12 noon until 4pm for private prayer.
7:30pm Solemn Service of the Lord’s Passion at St. Joseph Church
(3pm Solemn Service of the Lord’s Passion at Presentation BVM)

March 30 – Holy Saturday
4pm-5pm Sacrament of Reconciliation at Presentation BVM
5pm Blessing of Easter Foods at Presentation BVM
8pm Solemn Easter Vigil at Presentation BVM

March 31 – Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
10am Mass* at St. Joseph Church
(8:30am & 11:30am Mass at Presentation BVM)

*Please note: the Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses from St. Joseph will be livestreamed on the parish’s website and Facebook page. 

There is a sign-up sheet available on a table in the Church Hall for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday evening and Good Friday afternoon.  Please consider signing up for a time slot (or two) so that the Blessed Sacrament will not be left alone during this solemn time. The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed in the side room near the organ.

The bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons over 14 years of age are gravely obliged to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent .  All persons over 18 years of age and up to the beginning of their 60th year are gravely obliged to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals are to be light.

Funeral Notice: Ronald A. Fella

Ron Fella

Please pray for the soul of parishioner, Ronald A. Fella, husband of the late Joan, and father of Michelle Przybylowski (St. Joseph School, Class of 1972), Maria Cain (St. Joseph School, Class of 1976) and the late Vicki Pleier (St. Joseph School, Class of 1970).

Ron’s viewing will take place at the Pleier Funeral Home, 950 E. Butler Pike, Ambler, on Thursday, March 14 from 7pm to 9pm.   A viewing will also take place at St. Joseph Church, Cheltenham, on Friday, March 15 beginning at 8:30am followed by Ron’s Funeral Mass at 10am.  Click here for the obituary.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Lent Begins Wednesday!

The penitential season of Lent begins this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and lasts until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons over 14 years of age are gravely obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.  All persons over 18 years of age and up to the beginning of their 60th year are gravely obliged to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, while the other two meals are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged at attend Mass and to receive the Most Holy Eucharist daily, to use frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to attend parish Lenten devotions and Lenten educational programs.

Ashes will be distributed on Ash Wednesday at the 10am Mass at St. Joseph Church, also, at the 6:30am and 7:30pm Mass and 1:30pm Scripture Service at Presentation BVM Church.

We will pray the Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph Church on Sundays at 9:15am and Fridays at 10:30am.  Stations of the Cross will be prayed at Presentation BVM Church on Tuesdays at 7:15pm and Fridays at 1:15pm (not February 16).

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the Presentation BVM Adoration Chapel on Monday afternoons in Lent from 3pm until 5pm beginning February 27.

Videos explaining various topics related to the Catholic faith will be shown after the 10am Sunday Mass in the Parish Community Room.

All are encouraged to participate in the annual CRS Rice Bowl, which has aided countless hungry persons here in our Archdiocese and throughout the world.

You can sign up for FREE daily and weekly Lenten reflections at the following sites:

FORMED Daily Lenten Reflections

Dynamic Catholic’s Best Lent Ever!

Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal

Relevant Radio

EWTN

Word on Fire (Bishop Barron)

Pray More Retreat

2023 Christmas Celebration Schedule

Christmas 2019

The schedule of Masses on the weekend of December 23-24 and December 30-31 will be the regular schedule at both parishes.

CHRISTMAS MASSES AT SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH
December 24 – 5pm (Carols begin at 4:30pm) (Mass will also be livestreamed on our website and Facebook page)
December 25 – 10am (Mass will also be livestreamed on our website and Facebook page)

CHRISTMAS MASSES AT PRESENTATION B.V.M. CHURCH
December 24 – 7:30pm (Carols begin at 7pm)
December 25 – 8:30am and 11:30am

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
December 31 – 5pm Mass at Saint Joseph Church
January 1 – 10am Mass at Presentation B.V.M. Church

CONFESSIONS
Saturday, December 23, 4pm-4:45pm at Presentation B.V.M. Church
Saturday, December 30, 4pm-4:45pm at Presentation B.V.M. Church

Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule for 2023

Blessed Mother Altar

This Friday, December 8, 2023 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Mass schedule at Saint Joseph Church will be as follows:
Thursday (Vigil) – 7:30pm
Friday – 10am

The Mass schedule at our twinned parish, Presentation BVM Church, will be as follows:
Friday – 6:30am and 7:30pm

“The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” (Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, 1854)

November 23, 2023: Thanksgiving Day

ThanksgivingWe set aside Thanksgiving Day to thank God for all the blessings that He has bestowed on us, our family and our country.  Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023 at Presentation BVM Church, Cheltenham, at 8:30am.

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION
City of New York, October 3, 1789

WHEREAS it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and

WHEREAS both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me: “to recommend to people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

NOW THEREFORE I do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.

Funeral Notice: Sr. Ceceila McCluskey, F.D.N.S.C.

Sr. Ceceila McCluskey, FDNSC

Please pray for the soul of Sr. Ceceila McCluskey, F.D.N.S.C., who died on November 15, 2023.  Sr. Ceceila was a teacher at Saint Joseph School, Cheltenham, from 1986 until our school closed in 2004.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Rose of Lima Church, Haddon Heights, NJ, on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10am.  Click here for the obituary.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Funeral Notice: Catherine M. Boyce

Catherine Boyce

Please pray for the soul of Catherine M. Boyce, son of Bill Boyce, who died on October 28, 2023.  Catherine’s funeral will take place at Saint Joseph Church on Friday, November 3, 2023 with a viewing at 8:30am and the Funeral Mass at 10am.  Listed below is the obituary.

Catherine Boyce (nee McTeague) of Cheltenham, PA, formerly of County Donegal, Ireland, Philadelphia, PA and the Bronx, NY, died on October 28, 2023.  She was 88 years old.  She was the beloved wife of the late William P., the devoted mother of William J. and the loving sister of Noreen Brennan and the late Nan Nestor.  She is also survived by her cousin in Ireland, Catherine Doohan, her sister-in-law, Mary Boyce, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Catherine’s funeral will take place on Friday, November 3 at St. Joseph Church, 7631 Waters Rd., Cheltenham, PA 19012, with a viewing from 8:30am until 9:45am and Mass at 10am.  Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, Mass cards or donations to Presentation BVM School, 100 Old Soldiers Rd., Cheltenham,  PA 19012 for tuition assistance would be appreciated.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

All Saints Day – 2023

all-saints-1998

All Saints Day at Saint Joseph, Cheltenham, 1998

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 is All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses at Saint Joseph Church will be Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 5pm and Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 10am.

Masses at Presentation BVM Church will be 6:30am and 7:30pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Funeral Notice: Nanette Sanchez

Susanita "Nanette" Sanchez

Please pray for the soul of parishioner, Nanette Sanchez, husband of Emelito, mother of Linette and John, mother-in-law of Richie Drey and daughter of Pomposa Ochabillo.

Nanette’s Funeral Mass will take place at Saint James Church, Elkins Park, on Saturday, September 9 at 10am. Click here for the obituary.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Solemnity of the Assumption Mass Schedule

Assumption_GuercinoThis Tuesday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Mass schedule at Saint Joseph Church will be as follows:
Monday (Vigil) – 7:30pm
Tuesday – 10am.

The Mass schedule at our twin parish, Presentation BVM Church, will be as follows:
Tuesday – 6:30am and 7:30pm.

“Preserved free from all guilt of original sin, the Immaculate Virgin was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory upon the completion of her earthly sojourn.  She was exalted by the Lord as Queen of all, in order that she might be more thoroughly conformed to her Son, the Lord of Lords and the conqueror of sin and death.” (Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, 59)

“The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s  Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”  (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 966)

Ascension Thursday 2023 Mass Schedule

Ascension Dosso_Dossi_022

This Thursday, May 18, 2023, is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Mass schedule at Saint Joseph Church will be as follows:
Wednesday (Vigil) – 7:30pm
Thursday – 10am.

The Mass schedule at our twin parish, Presentation BVM Church, will be as follows:
Thursday – 6:30am and 7:30pm.

…When they had gathered together they asked Him,
“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons
that the Father has established by His own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
When He had said this, as they were looking on,
He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as He was going,
suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee,
why are you standing there looking at the sky?
This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven
will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven.”
Acts of the Apostles 1:6-11

Holy Week and Easter 2023 Schedule

April 2 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
9:15am Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph Church
10am Mass* and Blessing of Palms at St. Joseph Church

April 3 – Monday of Holy Week
10am Mass at St. Joseph Church

April 5– Wednesday of Holy Week
10am Mass at St. Joseph Church
10:30am Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph Church

April 6 – Holy Thursday
5pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Joseph Church
St. Joseph Church will remain open until 9pm
(7:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Presentation BVM Church)

April 7 – Good Friday
St. Joseph Church will be open 12 noon until 4pm for private prayer.
7:30pm Solemn Service of the Lord’s Passion at St. Joseph Church
(3pm Solemn Service of the Lord’s Passion at Presentation BVM)

April 8 – Holy Saturday
4pm-5pm Sacrament of Reconciliation at Presentation BVM
5pm Blessing of Easter Foods at Presentation BVM
8pm Solemn Easter Vigil at Presentation BVM

April 9 – Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
10am Mass* at St. Joseph Church
(8:30am & 11:30am Mass at Presentation BVM)

*Please note: the Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses from St. Joseph will be livestreamed on the parish’s website and Facebook page. 

There is a sign-up sheet available on a table in the Church Hall for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday evening and Good Friday afternoon.  Please consider signing up for a time slot (or two) so that the Blessed Sacrament will not be left alone during this solemn time. The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed in the s side room near the organ.

The bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons over 14 years of age are gravely obliged to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent .  All persons over 18 years of age and up to the beginning of their 60th year are gravely obliged to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals are to be light.