To accommodate the schedule of the new pastor, Padre Marco Lopez, the bilingual Mass at St. Joseph’s/San José Catholic Church in La Cholla is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Father Marco is also the sole priest for Sacred Family Catholic Church, which has Mass at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. With no time between to make the five-mile drive to La Cholla, it was best to accommodate the needs of Familia Sagrada, which is a much larger congregation.

Many who attend St. Joseph’s are pleased to have the extra half hour of sleep, and Father can take the extra time to give everyone at Familia Sagrada a special, individual blessing at the end of Mass, like he does at St. Joseph’s.

Until a month ago, St. Joseph’s was directly under the umbrella of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. However, following a visit by José Isidro Guerrero Marcías, Bishop of Mexicali, the mission church was moved to a newly created rectory at Sacred Family Church, under Padre Marco Antonio López Alcantar.

Father Marco told the Bishop, “St. Joseph’s is the only church in Peñasco where Mass is offered in ‘Spanglish.’”

All of the scripture readings are done in both Spanish and English, the music is in both languages and the sermon/homily is translated as it is delivered. Marco is studying English daily, and is doing well at reading the prayers in English but still does the consecration in Spanish.

“We have a small but loyal segment of our congregation who are local, Spanish speaking Catholics,” said sexton Bob Keller. “We want everyone to feel welcome and included, so we want the Mass to continue to be bilingual.”

To attend Mass at St. Joseph’s, take the paved road past the Sandy Beach Condos, then the sand road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind your way toward Cholla Bay, the church will be on the right. It is clearly marked. Parking on either side is accessible from the back of the lot.

For more information about St. Joseph’s/San Jose, contact sexton Bob Keller by e-mail at: bob@keller.net or by phone at 928-706-6928, or via mail at P.O. Box 297, Lukeville, AZ 85341.

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Sexton Bob Keller posts the change in time for Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in La Cholla.