St. Joseph

St. Joseph Catholic Church
321 N. Virginia
Muskogee, OK 74403
918-687-1351
We are located 1 block west of York Street and 1 Block North of Okmulgee Street
(Behind Walgreens)

The Church Office will close from December 24 - January 1.
we will return to normal schedule on January 2

December 9, 2019
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
7:00 p.m., Mass in English

December 12, 2019
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
4:00 a.m., Rosary
5 a.m., Mañanitas (Serenade)
7:00 p.m., Misa en español

Christmas Mass Schedule
December 24 - Vigil Masses
5 p.m., Mass
7:00 pm., Misa en español

December 25 - Christmas Day
12:00 a.m., Midnight Mass
9:30 a.m., Morning Mass

December 26, 27
8:15 a.m., Communion Service

December 31
No services

January 1 - Soleminty of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
9:30 a.m., Mass
7:00 p.m., Misa en español

Regular Mass Schedule
Saturday Mass, 5 p.m.
Sunday Mass, 9:30 a.m. (English)
Sunday Mass, 12 noon, (Spanish)
                                      
The Marian Chapel
Weekday Mass - 8:15 a.m. Tue. - Fri. (Eng)
Wed., 6:00 p.m. Hora Santa 
Wed., 7:00 p.m.., Misa (Spanish) 
Sunday Mass, 5:00 (Vietnamese) 1st &                                          3rd Sundays 

The Adoration Chapel
1st Saturdays, 9 a.m.

Confessions, Saturday 4 p.m., or by appointment 

St Francis Hospital Muskogee
1st Fridays, 12:00 p.m.

55+ Mass
2nd Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.
From September to June


Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjosephcatholicchurchmuskogee

 

    

December 8, 2019

2nd Sunday of Advent

What does it mean to be worthy? There are a few different ways to approach this question. Today’s Gospel highlights two: the way of the Pharisees and the way of John the Baptist. Our faith values good works and discipleship. Perhaps, then, we “earn” our worth by adhering to the right doctrines and following the right pious practice. The Pharisees thought they were worthy. Due to their religious pedigree and proper procedures, they were self-satisfied. John the Baptist’s words to them are strong. “Do not resume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” Of course, Jesus (and John) don’t omit the responsibility for moral behavior. John gives the Pharisees quite a strong warning in that regard. “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance … every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

It’s a question of attitude. Of disposition. It’s a matter of the heart. If anyone would be worthy in this scenario, it’s John the Baptist. Jesus himself will name him the greatest of prophets and a great man. John, however, recognizes his own lowly place in the grand scheme of things. “The one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” The Pharisees take pride in being “better” than others. John embraces humility in Christ being “better” than him. We don’t self-generate our own worthiness. We receive it as a gift from God.

In a few short weeks, we’ll celebrate the birth of Christ. Bishop Ven. Fulton Sheen wrote about the Nativity in his “Life of Christ”: “Because [Jesus] was born in a cave, all who wish to see Him must stoop. To stoop is the mark of humility. The proud refuse to stoop and, therefore, they miss divinity.” God invites us to prepare our hearts this Advent. When you consider your own life, where are you looking for your worth? This Christmas, are you prepared to stoop?