Dec 10, 2020

Greetings,

Our Holy Father, Pope Frances, recognizing the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being declared the Patron of the Universal Church, has declared a year of St. Joseph beginning on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, 8 December 2020 through 8 December 2021. You can read the full statement on the Vatican website (vatica.va) and looking up the official letter, “Patris corde” or “With a Father’s Heart.” In his letter he reflects on the life of St. Joseph and the significance of his life for our day.

During this year there is also granted special opportunities for indulgences. Those who, following the example of St. Joseph, will perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy, will also be able to obtain the gift of the plenary indulgence. Indulgences will also be granted to families and engaged couples who recite the rosary together and thus imitate the “same climate of communion, love and prayer lived in the Holy Family. ” Other acts of devotion include entrusting one’s daily activities and prayers for dignified employment to St. Joseph, reciting the litany or any “legitimately approved” prayer to St. Joseph.

During this time of pandemic, the Apostolic Penitentiary also decreed that special indulgences will be granted to the elderly, the sick and all those who “for legitimate reasons are prevented from leaving their home” by “reciting an act of piety in honor of St. Joseph and committed to fulfilling the conditions as soon as possible.”

Here is one prayer that is recommended:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Blessed Joseph, to us too,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. show yourself a father

To you God entrusted his only Son; and guide us in the path of life.

in you Mary placed her trust; Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,

with you Christ became man. And defend us from every evil. Amen.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Our school received a letter from the Summit County Public Health Department asking for our cooperation to help keep hospitals from being overwhelmed and to keep our schools and businesses open. They have requested the following things:

1. All youth, collegiate, amateur and club sports competitions should stop. This includes inter - and intra - team scrimmages and close contact drills. Skills training and conditioning with proper precautions can continue.

2. Consider dropping your learning modality by one level for older students in order to minimize risk.

3. Limit your activity to one necessary activity per day. An activity is defined as school or work. All other activities should cease.

4. Minimize all non-essential travel.

5. Shop online or utilize curb-side pickup for groceries and household items.

6. Utilize take-out or curb-side services at restaurants.

7. Decrease in-person interactions outside of the household.

8. Limit attending gatherings of any size.

9. Take care of each other. Be respectful and wear a mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick.

Thank you for all that you may be doing to help your parish through a challenging year. You are awesome.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck