Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 1 of 79)

“CALLED TO HOLY LIVING”

Are you a woman seeking more holiness in your life?  The 2026       Cornerstone Retreat may be what you are looking for. Cornerstone is an overnight women’s retreat which calls women to experience personal change and a deeper relationship with Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith. We come together from Friday evening, May15 through Sunday morning, May17 at The Silver Fox Inn, Waterville Valley.

For more information, please contact Genie Smith at (505) 250-9630 or 1gensmith@gmail.com. Registration deadline is March 31st.

“Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal, Pursue a Lasting Love!” 

During the observance of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (February 8), let us pray for a culture of life and love, that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. During the observance of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (February 8), let us pray for a culture of life and love, that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026
Holy Mass, with distribution of ashes, will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM

LENTEN FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Mandatory Fasting Days

Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3) are mandatory fasting days for Catholics aged 18 to 59, consisting of one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal another full meal.  Liquids (including water, coffee, and tea) are permitted, but eating between meals is not allowed. Medications are also permitted.

Mandatory Abstinence Days

All Fridays during Lent, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, require abstinence from meat for Catholics aged 14 and older.

Exemptions

Children, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, the sick, and those whose health or work would be seriously affected are exempt from fasting and abstinence. The Church encourages common sense and pastoral discretion—no one should endanger their health to fulfill these obligations. 

For the week of February 2 – 6, 2026, we welcome the “Skiing Priests” to St. Joseph Parish.  Daily Holy Masses will be celebrated that week as follows:

                Monday, February 2 4:00 P.M.

                Tuesday, February 3 4:00 P.M.

                Wednesday, February 4 4:00 P.M.  -No Adoration-

Thursday, February 5 4:00 P.M.

Friday, February 6 4:00 P.M.