Pastoral Care Corner

Dear St. Joseph Family,

I know you join me in thanking our merciful Creator for our continued survival during the pandemic. Our voices rise as one in praise for God’s mercy and, at the same time, in an urgent plea for the grace to bear wiithout despair whatever may be our future.

Some have been harshly treated by the current health crisis. Our community has endured illness, loss, heartbreak, loneliness and a world we had come to see as normal turned upside down. Some of our parish families have had to bury members in a time when the rituals surrounding end of life have had to be curtailed, altered or forgone because of the danger of infection from large gatherings. Others have lost employment, income, homes, health. We scarcely recognize the world in which we find ourselves. Please know that we, your brothers and sisters, grieve with you.

Although we are currently unable to gather in the church building, celebration of the Mass continues on Saturday afternoons outside in the east parking lot at 4pm, subject to weather restrictions. Mass is also live streamed at 11am Sunday mornings and is followed at 12 noon by distribution of Holy Communion in the gathering area. Times will be adjusted for Christmas and New Year’s. Please see the online bulletin for details.

HOWEVER, Bishop Barber continues to strongly suggest that those of us designated “seniors”, and all with health issues, be it compromised immune systems, mobility impairment, etc., or simply age, should not join in the communal celebrations at this time. That’s very difficult for us, especially as we approach the great feast of Christmas. Our live streamed 11am liturgy may seem somewhat foreign to those of us unaccustomed to video meetings, but is truly the Mass as celebrated throughout the world, just presented through a different medium. I encourage you to join us via your computer, uniting in prayer and song with the community.

As we wait together for an effective vaccine to be made available, please stay safe and follow health department directives. We will all rejoice once we are able to worship together in our church building. Until then, please remember that the building is a place – WE ARE THE CHURCH.

If you need me or want to talk, my cell number is 510-386-6019. May our Creator God continue to keep you close.

Blessings, health and peace,

Helen

hbcampbell1@gmail.com
510-386-6019