Parish News - FROM THE DESK OF FATHER TOM

Dear Beloved,

At some point in all of our lives we are faced with difficult decisions.  In most cases they are made difficult not because of the decision itself, but of the impact it will have on the people around us.   As I stated in my last letter, my main priority as your Pastor, is your safety and well-being.  It is in that context that today I had to make a difficult call.  In order to open the doors of both Parishes, certain things need to be in place before the Archdiocese and the Board of Health will sign off on it.  I need to make sure we follow all the guidelines to the letter to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Many of the cleaning products we need to procure for disinfecting the Church and bathrooms after every Mass are back ordered.  I am aware that every Parish and many places of business are all looking to get their hands on the same equipment and supplies simultaneously causing the backorder.  Frustration prevails.  

For the reasons listed above, in conjunction with clergy, and staff, the decision was made to move the opening of the Collaborative to June 13/14 (Feast of Corpus Christi).  If everything we have ordered comes in sooner, we will look at the week prior June 6/7.  Again, I continue to ask you to watch the websites for updates.  I also want to remind everyone that the doors will not be flung open and everyone can come to Mass.  Mandated by the Archdiocese as well will be an online registration process with limited seating to meet the 6-foot social distancing guidelines.  The seating will be severely limited for some time going forward and will be first come first serve. 

Please remember, and I cannot emphasize this enough: the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston has given a dispensation from going to Mass that is still in place.  The Archdiocese has encouraged everyone in the higher risk age group, or those with high risk health issues, to continue to watch the Mass on TV.  Eventually we will all be back together again, and with any luck this nightmare will be a distant memory.  Till then, I want to remind you that you are in my prayers daily, as I ask you to remember me in yours. 

In His Love & Peace, I am

Fr. Tom

Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish and the Holbrook Food Pantry

Food Pantry Donation Information

Thank you everyone who contributed to our May 2nd food pantry drive.  Due to The Great Need, we will have another request to help our community.  Drop off is Saturday, June 6th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  Drop off will be located at the convent (directly next to Saint Joseph School).  Please No Early Drop-Off's.

Any and all NON PERISHABLE items with a focus on:

*Instant potatoes          *Canned potatoes

*Hearty canned soup   *Instant rice

*Spaghetti sauce          *Cereal

*Canned Tuna

Again, any and ALL nonperishables that are not expired and not used will be deeply appreciated.

If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please make payable to: 

Holbrook Food Pantry

This too can be dropped off on June 6th at St. Joseph or mailed to:

Saint Joseph Church

153 South Franklin Street

Holbrook, MA 02343

Attn:  Holbrook Food Pantry

  *** FOR IMMEDIATE NOTICE *** 

Covid -19: Archdiocese of Boston Guidance and Directives:

• The Cardinal has issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time .
• There will be no Baptism, Confirmations, weddings or funerals.
• Archdiocese of Boston parish schools and Archdiocesan elementary and high schools will be closed.
• We will continue to offer the Anointing of the Sick by clergy.
• Across all of these operations, comply with CDC guidelines. For questions please contact corona@rcab.org.

Parish Office:

• Please conduct business via phone (781-767-0605) or email.  The general parish email is:  sjpholbrookoffice@comcast.net or by emailing staff directly. Email addresses are on cover of this bulletin link.  
• Make an appointment to meet with a priest or staff member in person.
• Sick calls will only be made to the dying.
• Mass cards, any necessary correspondence, etc. will be mailed or left in exterior unlocked drop box at the rectory door for pick-up.
• Please mail in Mass intention offerings, regular weekly offering or use the online option of Online Giving.