March 19, 2020 - Feast of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

March 19, 2020
Feast of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

    Who would have thought that among the things we might give up for Lent this year, that Sunday Mass would be among them?  Yet this is what we've been asked to do.  Bishop Coyne has mandated that all Masses, Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration, as well as all Council meetings be suspended until April 15.  At that time he will decide whether to continue the suspension.  It is more than likely that this will continue, and perhaps for a few more months until we can overcome the spread of the Coronavirus.

    I will be celebrating private Masses for the Intentions you have requested, in the small chapel in the Rectory. Since you cannot attend, if you would like to reschedule your Mass Intention, you can call the Parish Office. Confessions and Anointing of the Sick will continue, upon request.

    The Church will remain open every day for your personal prayer.  As an alternative, the outdoor Shrine to the Blessed Mother can be visited for prayer and devotions.  Inside you will find the latest Parish Bulletin and the most recent edition of Vermont Catholic Magazine.  Copies of Stations of the Cross will be placed there for your personal use.  On Palm Sunday, blessed palms will be available for you there, as well.

    First Communion and Confirmation will be rescheduled, probably in the Fall.  Updates for all this information can be found on this website or at the Diocesan website at vermontcatholic.org . 

    As you can imagine, the elimination of Masses for up to four months will have a huge negative impact on parish finances.  We could potentially lose $30 - $50,000, which is half of our annual income.  It is imperative that you continue to support the parish even when you cannot attend Mass.  You can mail your weekly envelope, or send it in monthly, or, if you prefer you can make a single donation.

    It's also important to keep the Lord's Day holy.  You could watch the Sunday Mass on television (in Vermont, on WCAX at 6:00 a.m.).  You could pray the Rosary at a given time each Sunday. Or you could look at the Sunday and weekday Readings in the "Magnificat" prayer book, available free on-line for three months at www.magnificat.com  .

    Bishop Athanasius Schneider wrote of his growing up in Communist Kazakstan where Holy Mass was not celebrated for 70 years. When Mass returned, it was found that most people had kept the faith. We can certainly do the same for the few months that lie ahead.  Pray for those affected by the disease, and for those who serve them.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Thomas Mosher