January 30th, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, O.P.

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Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

It seems that we’re on the downslope of the newest omicron variant and my prayer is that things will start to return to normal soon. I’m hoping that people who have been reluctant to return to Mass in person will start to pray about when the best time to return to Mass. In order to help parishioners concerned about returning to Mass feel comfortable returning, this weekend we’re introducing a special communion line where the person giving communion will more frequently sanitize his hands (the other people distributing communion also sanitize their hands before giving communion), where there will be communion in the hand only, and where every precaution will be taken to ensure maximal safety. This communion station will be by the St. Joseph statue.

This week there are several important feast days:

• This Wednesday is the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. It’s called Candlemas because historically the church candles were blessed at that Mass. We haven’t restored that tradition, but we may in future years.

• This Thursday is the feast of St. Blaise, when there is a special throat blessing. We’ll offer the throat blessings at the 12:10pm daily Mass that day.

• This Saturday is the Memorial of St. Agatha and this year on that day 7 Dominican brothers will make solemn profession, meaning that they vow to live the Dominican life until death. Please keep them in your prayers—one day they may be serving here at St. Joseph’s.

God Bless,
Fr. Boniface