Dear Parishioners,
We continue to respect the lives of all around us regarding the coronavirus. And January is a month when we have special regard for the pre-born.
New Coronavirus Directives
Our bishop has issued new "Liturgical and pastoral directives in a time of pandemic". He reminds us of general norms and applies them to upcoming liturgical celebrations up to Easter.
One area impacts us directly right now. We can hand out printed materials at the end of Mass as the faithful exit our church. We have already begun handing out parish calendars. We will hand out bulletins this coming weekend. Ushers will sanitize their hands first. I ask them to wear gloves for a couple weeks until we get used to the new routine. If you are able to read the bulletin on-line, I encourage you to continue that practice rather then receive a printed bulletin.
Note that printed materials will not be available before or during Mass. You won't be able to pick-up a copy yourself. Ushers who have sanitized their hands will give you materials so as to reduce the possibility of the transmission of germs from you or them to anyone else.
Unity and Our Nation's Deepest Wound
In a November 20th editorial, the National Catholic Register opined that "Healing our country begins with recognizing her deepest wound, abortion." If we really want unity in our country, we need to pray and act for an end to abortion and truly love the child, mother, father, and extended family.
Prayer Campaign to End Abortion
Our "Bishop calls for monthlong prayer campaign to end abortion, including statewide day of prayer and fasting". He invites us to pray a rosary for life every day this month, join him in a novena from January 14-22, pray & fast on January 22nd, and pray & act locally on January 29th in lieu of going to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH TO END ABORTION
(January 14-22, 2021)
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church
and Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and the Child Jesus,
the Son of God whom she carried in her Immaculate womb:
intercede for us, we pray,
that all recourse to abortion
might cease in our nation and our world.
As you cared for Mother and Child,
care for all women who bear the gift of life in their womb.
May no harm ever endanger them
and may no choice ever threaten
the blessing of human life that God has created within.
Guard them with your loving protection,
at every moment, until His will has been fulfilled.
St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of the Lord,
help us build a culture of life
that yields a civilization of love among us.
Say the “Our Father,” the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory be”
after the novena prayer.
(January 14-22, 2021)
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church
and Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and the Child Jesus,
the Son of God whom she carried in her Immaculate womb:
intercede for us, we pray,
that all recourse to abortion
might cease in our nation and our world.
As you cared for Mother and Child,
care for all women who bear the gift of life in their womb.
May no harm ever endanger them
and may no choice ever threaten
the blessing of human life that God has created within.
Guard them with your loving protection,
at every moment, until His will has been fulfilled.
St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of the Lord,
help us build a culture of life
that yields a civilization of love among us.
Say the “Our Father,” the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory be”
after the novena prayer.
God love you,
Fr. Jim