March 19, 2020 (Feast of St. Joseph Patron of Canada)
All Members of Holy Rosary Parish:
Today is the Feast of St. Joseph. He is the patron saint of Canada. Let
us seek his intercession for the protection of our parish, our families, our
nation. Offer an intentional prayer for the people of the Diocese of
Bergamo Italy. It is suffering high loss of life including six priests
who have succumbed to the virus having remained at their post to attend to
the sick. Please ask St. Joseph to help scientists and medical
researchers find a cure.
A little reminder. By Order of the Bishop the church area and adoration
chapel is closed. Let me make a clarification to my previous message
regarding the parish office yesterday. The office is open and food baskets
assigned for food pantry will be located between the glass doors. The
doors are open. Thanks you for any help. I will be saying a private
daily Mass in the church for our families, our children and loved ones. A
haunting silence has fallen throughout the church yet I feel the presence of
the angels and saints all gathered at the altar praying for us. We are not
alone. St. Joseph is very close to you today on this his Feast day.
Yesterday, the Mass was offered for Alfredo Zilio, Theresa Swiderski,
Souls in Purgatory, and a Special Intention.
I ask your help on particular matter. I would like us to reach out to a
neighbour who might be disabled, elderly, a single mum, who is perhaps
feeling alone or frightened and could appreciate a call. For this reason,
I want to establish a CARE FOR NEIGHBOURS TEAM. This will involve letting
me know if you are willing to allow me put your name on a list in order to
call perhaps a neighbor or member of the parish who might be feeling alone.
Your job is to call them or check in ONLY by phone to say hello. Or if
you might be willing to get a food item for someone unable to get to a
grocery store or a pharmacy suffering long lines and drop the item off at
their door or mailbox. Send me your name and I will compile a list of
willing volunteers. If someone in the parish calls for help, or if you
know someone, who needs help, let me know and I will connect you to that
person. I will compile the list of volunteers, and I will compile a list
of those in need. Let us help one another if we can, by our prayer,
or a simple phone call. To just check in and perhaps drop a grocery item
at their door.
Today, we hear in the Gospel, Joseph visits Mary at time in her life when
no one believes in her. She is facing a crisis. Joseph believes in her
and he reaches out to her love. Let us also reach out to one another, our
neighbours, our families. Let us reach out in kindness in such a trying
time in our lives. Be kind and patient towards one another. Hold one’s
tongue in times of frustration and uncertainty. Offer a prayer for
healing and trust in the love and mercy of God. Today my daily Mass will
be offered for you. The formal intention today is offered for the repose of
the souls of Mary Brennan, Linda Weeks, Tom Young, and Fred Beitz. St.
Joseph Patron of Canada. Pray for us. PS I don’t have all the parish
members’ email. Please forward to any members this message in order for us
to remain connected to one another and keep informed.
Fr. Boyd SJ
Pastor
Holy Rosary Parish, 175 Emma Street, Guelph, ON, N1E 1V6
519-822-4701 x22
