HAPPY EASTER from the staff: Fr. Alex, Dcn. Bob, Cheryl & Denise

SECURING OUR FUTURE–St. Joseph Capital Campaign

As of 3/23/2016, we have received 124 pledges for a

total pledge amount of $227,635.48. Of that amount

pledged, we have received $131,662.48 in cash. >>>>Please use the envelopes provided in your 2016 box of

envelopes to make payments to your pledge amount <<<<<

Reflections on the readings In today’s first reading from the Acts

of the Apostles, Peter boldly offers his testimony to the risen

Christ. He shared with the crowds what he himself witnessed: Jesus’ friendship, healing

and forgiveness. Peter proclaims a resurrected life that brings hope. The Christian life

is, indeed, a resurrected life. It is new life, one of truth, inner joy and genuine fulfillment.

God has transformed our lives for all eternity, and that transformation is what it means

to be a Christian. Do you know the resurrected life? Have you genuinely experienced it?

Good stewards have, and in their joy, they are committed, like Peter, to offering their

own witness. It is time to rejoice. Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!

We extend a warm welcome to

all who attend our church!

Parish Information P.O. Box 606, 400 S. Lane, Palmyra, MO 63461 stjoepalmyra.org

Rev. Alexius Ekka, Canonical Administrator/Pastor pastor@stjoepalmyra.org Rev. Alex Ekka 573-769-3247

Robert Leake, Deacon deacon@stjoepalmyra.org Deacon Bob Leake 573-248-7640

Denise Whelan, Youth Director youth@stjoepalmyra.org Denise 660-998-0358

Cheryl Hirner, Secretary office@stjoepalmyra.org Cheryl 217-779-2593

Office Hours Monday – Thursday, 8 am - Noon and 1:00 - 4:00pm Office 769-3270 Kitchen 769-4702 Fax 769-3270 (during office hours only) Rectory 769-3247

For Marriage preparation please contact Father at least

six months in advance

Randy Dodd, Parish Council President doddthomas@ymail.com

Elizabeth Bradley, Altar Society President (573) 769-2972

Rick Jones, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Rejones601@gmail.com

Ministry Schedule For Next Week 5:30PM

Ushers – David & Elizabeth Bradley

Greeters – Dale & Cindy Gervais

Servers – Volunteers

Euch Min.– Joe & Terry Barnes

Tim Barnes

Lector – Judy Trower

Gifts – Clint & Linda Reeves

7:30AM 10:30AM

Ushers – Rich & Susie Wolfmeyer Ushers – Randy & JT Dodd

Greeters – S Lawrence & J O’Heren Greeters – Adam Jones family

Servers – Volunteers Servers – Adam & Gabe Goodwin

Euch Min– Jeff & Amy Massman Euch Min– Marie Dames, Chuck Wigle

Steve Lawrence Steve, Brenda & Philip Bland

Lector – Mary Lou Hawthorne Lector – Kevin DeHaan Gifts – Ferd & Faye Dames Gifts – Grant & Joyce Hess

Please find a replacement if you are unable to perform your assigned duty. Meet in the Sacristy 15 minutes before Mass

Mass Intentions For the week

Fri 8:00am Nancy C. Thomason + Confessions are heard Saturdays at 5 pm, Sundays

at 7 and 10am or anytime by appointment

Sat 5:30pm The Parishioners

Sun 7:30am Beulah O’Heren +

Sun 10:30am Justin DeHaan +

There will be no weekday Masses on Tue, Wed & Thur this week, Fr. Alex will be out of town. The Office will be closed Monday in celebration of Easter

Parish Support Envelopes $4182, Loose $174, Overseas $60

The Celebration Committee meets on Tues, April the 12th, at 6pm in the Rothweiller room

Welcome to our parish Please welcome Kenneth Shannon, Kaitlynn McElvain, Lacey &

Nathan Miller who joined the church this Easter. Kenneth and Nathan were baptized and all

four were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and fed with the body and Blood of Christ.

May God continue to bless them with His graces!

Easter Infirm Priest Collection The parish receives an assessment from the diocese each

year for the support of infirmed priests. This year the assessment is $3,405.00. Please be

generous!

GREAT BOOKS CHANGE LIVES

Be sure to pick up the new book by Matthew Kelly being

given away this Easter

Questions of the Week In the fifty-day “Paschal Springtime” about to

unfold, how will I set aside time both to adore Jesus really present in the

Eucharist and to serve Jesus really present in those in need? As Good

Friday prompts sorrow for Jesus’ death, the liturgical celebration

emphasizes Jesus’ victory. Though I may think, “This is what my sins have

done” as I adore the cross, can I instead think, “This is how much I am

loved!” in light of Jesus’ victory and encouraged by the Jubilee Year of

Mercy? With that love and mercy in mind, how will I show Jesus’ mercy to

someone who has offended me? By opening our Easter celebration with

an empty tomb, disciples who believe, others who disbelieve, and one who

is simply “amazed,” Luke suggests I ask: Which disciple am I? When I

leave tonight’s empty tomb, to whom will I go? What will I “announce?”

When did I last glimpse the face of God’s mercy in my life? Whose life will I

try to brighten this Easter by permitting God’s mercy shine on them

through my compassion?

Office Hours Due to the Easter Holiday, the office will be closed on Monday. We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday.

1st Communion next Sunday Next Sunday during the 10:30 Mass we will have First Communion.

CCD There is CCD March April 3rd and April 17th at 9:15-10:15am. There will not be CCD

March 27th or April 10th. First Communion will be on April 3rd at the 10:30am Mass.

Confirmation There is Confirmation April 3rd and 17th at 9:15-10:15am. There will not be

Confirmation March 27th or April 10th

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Youth Group meets April 3rd and 17th at 4:30-5:30pm HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Youth Group meets April 3rd and 10th at 6:30-8pm. There will not be Youth Group March 27th due to Easter.

Pray for one another † Rosemary & Vincent Westfallen, Jean Harrison, Denise Whelan,

Linda Hirner, Dwayne & Ellen Goodwin, Brad Niemeyer, Alma Schwartz, Mary Rohn, Pat Murphy, Joyce Wellman, Rita & Bill Thompson, Mary Losson, Oliff Tallman, Clarice Fourari, Lennis Raney, Deb Francis, John Hess, Terry Herren, Don & Liz Gander, David Miles, Elizabeth Roth, Jim Beadle, and Mary Beth Lenzini.

The Holy Father’s Prayer intentions for March † Universal: That families in need may receive the necessary support and that children may grow up in healthy and peaceful

environments. † Evangelization: That those Christians who, on account of their faith, are discriminated against or are being persecuted, may remain

strong and faithful to the Gospel, thanks to the incessant prayer of the Church. The Holy Father’s Prayer intentions for April † Universal: That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor. † Evangelization: That Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious conflicts.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES If your birthday or anniversary has not appeared in the bulletin and you would like it to, please call the office and leave the information with Cheryl. If it is after hours, please leave a message on the answering machine.

Deadline to have announcements in the bulletin is Wednesday by 3 pm

Please pray for those with birthdays this week: Linda Corey . .. .. .. . March 28 Joe McElvain . .. .. .. . March 29 Richard Jones .. .. .. . March 29

Janet Barnes . .. . .. .. March 30 Jeff Massman .. . .. .. March 31 Robert Hirner .. . .. .. April 1

Grant Russell Meyers . .. April 1 Phyllis Kroeger . .. .. . ..April 2 Case O’Brien . .. .. .. . ...April 2

ALTAR SOCIETY

41st Annual

Smorgasbord Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost is $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12,

and free for children 5 and under.

Please spread the word and invite your family, neighbors, and friends. This is Altar Society’s largest

fundraiser, and your support is truly appreciated.