Updated April 3, 2020 2:20 pm

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

We continue to deal with the impact of an unprecedented health issue at the moment; locally, nationally, and globally. With the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus facing us, each of us is called to do our part as responsible members of society.  At the same time, we are all facing the challenges of isolation, many are experiencing the strain of economic hardship, and some are suffering the effects of the virus itself.  We need to know the love of God now more than ever.

While our buildings remain closed and the parish campus is eerily quiet, our parish community is strong.  We are looking out for each other, finding ways to connect and to support those most in need, and we are united in our prayer from the comfort—and the isolation—of our homes.  I encourage you to join us online for Sunday Mass and other opportunities for prayer.  This Holy Week, the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum (the “Three Days”)—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday evenings—will be livestreamed.  Even though we will not be together, join us for Mass live on Easter Sunday morning at 10:30 am (and at 12:30 pm en español). 

Follow the links to other resources for use at home, virtual gatherings, and opportunities to serve or to ask for assistance.  Our staff continues to work hard to provide resources for families to continue to grow in faith during this season. I encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or to join our mailing list to keep up with the latest news from St. Joseph.  The Parish Office is closed, but our staff is still hard at work so that together we can find strength in the promise of God to provide for us in our need. 
 
Let us continue to pray for one another and for those leading us through these difficult times, and let us pray also for the sick and for health care workers caring for them and doing research to prevent further outbreak:

Almighty and eternal God,
our refuge in every danger,
to whom we turn in our distress,
in faith we pray:
look with compassion on the afflicted,
grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners,
healing to the sick, peace to the dying,
strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders
and the courage to reach out to all in love,
so that together we may give glory to your holy name.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.  Amen.
(from the Mass in Time of Pandemic, promulgated by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship on March 30, 2020)

God’s peace,

Msgr. Rick Hilgartner
Pastor