Faith and Gratitude

In the parable of the Persistent Woman, a judge who lacks compassion is repeatedly approached by a widow seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of justice serves as a model for us to continually seek God in prayer, trusting that he hears and responds when the time is right. Unlike the unjust judge, God is righteous and compassionate. The parable assures us of God's just nature and is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, persistence, and trust in God's justice.

A strong, unwavering faith in God's providence is powerful and effective. We must remain steadfast in our prayers and trust in God's timing, especially when our prayers appear unanswered at the time.

Fr. Beto's 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood

Message from Fr. Beto

In the late spring of 1985 while on retreat for ordination, I took a walk by myself and took along my Bible. I was still uncertain as to whether God wanted me to be a priest. In the middle of the road, I stopped and prayed. “Lord if you really want me to be a priest, you have to show me here and now or I will go to my room, pack my bags and leave. I randomly opened my Bible and read:

“Before you were born, I knew you. In your mother’s womb I
consecrated you. A prophet to the nations I appointed you.”

There was my answer. I said “Yes” to His call.

I was ordained on June 15, 1985, by the laying on of hands by Timothy Cardinal Manning at St. Vibiana Cathedral in Los Angeles. I would have celebrated on June 15 but as many of you know, I lost my older brother Manuel, and I celebrated his funeral mass on June 12th. I was in no frame of mind or spirit to celebrate.

So now, it is with gratitude to God that I celebrate this wonderful and challenging gift of priesthood. It would be an honor to have you join me in celebrating 40 years of service to God’s people.

Mass: October 18, 2025 - 5:30 P.M.
Reception: Immediately after mass in parish hall.

Please keep me and all priests in your daily prayers as we keep you in ours.

World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday falls on the penultimate Sunday in October. It is the one Sunday in the year when the Mass is celebrated exclusively for missionary activity.

In 2025, World Mission Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday 19 October.
There will be a second collection at all Masses.

Donations collected at the worldwide Masses will go, in their entirety, to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor.

2025 Vacation Bible Camp

Vacation Bible School 2025
What a Week!

In August our church came alive with laughter, songs, crafts, and a whole lot of energy as kids gathered for Vacation Bible School! For one joyful week, they dove into Bible stories, made new friends, and filled our halls with music and creativity. The photo captures the smiles that made it so special. A big thank you to all the families, volunteers, and kids who joined us! You made this summer unforgettable! We can't wait to do it again next year.

Religious Education 2025 - 2026

GOOD NEWS!!

Registration for children and youth Catechesis in grade levels 1-7 is open!!

Please review guidelines and requirements. All forms must be completed, documents required need to be attached to the registration form and registration fees included.
Donwload the Registration Packet HERE

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Educación Religiosa 2025 - 2026

¡BUENAS NOTICIAS!

¡La Registración para Catequesis de Niños y Jovencitos en grados del 1 al 7, esta abierta!

Por favor lea cuidadosamente toda la información adjunta y vea los cambios que se aplicarán en este Nuevo Año de Catequesis 2025/2026 antes de llenar su paquete de registración.
Descargue el paquete de inscripción AQUÍ

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Together in Mission 2025

This year, as we celebrate the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, we are all invited to make a special gift to Together in Mission 2025. This year Annual Appeal is “Gifts of the Heart,” you can donate using the link on the right column.

In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, one in every five parishes and one in every four Catholic schools rely on financial assistance to continue their vital ministries. Our generosity directly impacts these communities, providing the resources they need to thrive.
Let us come together to make a difference and bring the love of Christ to those in need.

Pre-Baptism Schedule 2025-2026

The Baptim Preparation classes are at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton room.
Following is the schedule of pre-baptism classes and bapitsm dates for 2025 and 2026. See the Baptism page for more details.

Confirmation Process 2025-2025

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7pm, Hall – Candidate & Parent Orientation (if needed) .

Safeguard the Children Training
(attend 1 session each calendar year)

Tuesday Session, 7pm, Hall: Jan 13, 2026
Sunday Session, 9am, Hall: Jan 18, 2026

Youth Ministry Projects/Events

American Red Cross Blood Drive
St Joseph the Worker and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!

Drive Details:
Site: St Joseph the Worker
Address: 19855 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA, 91306 Room Name: Hall
Date: Sun Dec 7, 2025
Time: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Blood Program Leader Name: Jon Fernandez
Blood Program Leader Phone Number:
Click here to make an appointment

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.

Prayer and Worship

Sessions (Welcoming, Catechetical, Sacramental Stages)

Confirmand will choose 1 different topic discussion for each session block. Confirmand will be able to attend the Immediate Preparation for Confirmation (IPC) when they believe that they are ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:15pm
OR
Sundays from 9am to 10:15am
1 absence is allowed per each session block
   Sept 16, 2025 to Nov 23, 2025 (Fall Sessions)
   Jan 27, 2026 to March 29, 2026 (Spring Sessions)
   June 23, 2026 to Aug 16, 2026 (Summer Sessions)
   Sept 15, 2026 to Nov 22, 2026 (Fall Sessions)

The Session blocks are:

Immediate Preparation for Confirmation (IPC) – Sacramental Stage

Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:15pm
OR
Sundays from 9am to 10:15am
   April 14, 2026 to April 26, 2026

Youth Ministry Global Events

2027 (pending actual dates): World Youth Day (ages 13-35). Seoul, South Korea

For more information regarding youth ministry and the Confirmation Teen process, email JP Fernandez

Adult Confirmation Schedule

No meetings scheduled.

For any questions regarding the Adult Confirmation Process, email: Bill Spaks or JP Fernandez

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OCIA INQUIRY CLASSES

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process that helps people prepare to enter the Catholic Church. It's a journey of conversion that includes study, prayer, and rites at Mass.

At St. Joseph the Worker we offer classes in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese to those who wish to learn more about Catholicism and are interested in becoming a Catholic.

The schedule of Inquiry Classes is the following:

• Adults (English)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton meeting room
Sundays 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

• Adults and Youth or Teens (Spanish)
Our Lady of Guadalupe meeting room
Fridays 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Adults (Vietnamese)
St. Therese of Lisieux/St. Martin de Porres meeting rooms
Mondays 7:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m.

• Youth or Teen 12-18 years (English)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton meeing room
Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Children 7-12 years (English)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton meeing room
Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Children 7-12 years (Spanish)
St. Therese of Lisieux/St. Martin de Porres meeting rooms
Fridays 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

For a detailed description of the OCIA process see Becoming Catholic.

For more information: email Bill Sparks, Faith Formation Director or call him at 818.341.6634, ext. 1012.

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USCCB and War in the Holy Land

October 8, 2023
WASHINGTON – In response to the continued tensions and violence that erupted into warfare between Gaza and Israel on October 7, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, calls for prayers for peace in the Holy Land:

“On October 7, the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, the world watched the operation launched from Gaza and the rapid call to arms from Israel that ensued. Almost 50 years to the day of the launch of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, once again war is spilling out in the Holy Land. With it brings the mounting casualties and hostilities unfolding on all sides, and increased threats to the Status Quo of the Holy Places among Jews, Muslims, and Christians further dimming any hope for peace.

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Join us for Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction Every Friday

St. Joseph the Worker Church has Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction every Friday of the month. 

We invite you to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the church.

Los invitamos a estar en la presencia del Santísimo Sacramento todos los viernes de 5:00 p.m. a 7:00 p.m. en la iglesia, seguido del Santo Rosario a las 7:00 p.m. y la misa en español los Primeros Viernes a las 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome. Todos son bienvenidos.

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Exciting School News!

Tuition Assistance for New Families

Through a generous donation to the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), tuition assistance is available to NEW families to our Catholic school system. The amount can be nearly 50% off the tuition amount. Please share this great news with families you know who hesitate to apply to St. Joseph the Worker School because of the cost of tuition.

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COVID-19 Update

We are happy that we have continued to celebrate mass in our church building.

We ask that you continue to sanitize your hands upon entering the church for the sake of safety for everyone.

We will continue to follow the State, County and Archdiocesan public health guidelines These are the Guidelines:

Masks are still RECOMMENDED but not required in:

• Airplanes
• Indoor public setting and businesses such as retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, cardrooms, meetings, state and local government offices that serve the public.
• Indoors at K-12 schools and daycare
• Churches and Houses of Worship

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Supporting Your Parish

Now is the time to give online!

Electronic Giving (e-giving) is an easy, convenient way to support your parish. Click on "e-giving" at the top right corner of this page and follow the instructions. You have the option to set up your contributions on an ongoing basis or as a one-time donation.

The chart below compares the most recent week’s collection with the same week last year.

Mail: If you prefer, you may mail your offering envelope with check to the parish: St. Joseph the Worker Church, 19808 Cantlay Street, Winnetka, CA 91306.