Weekly Update & Sunday Homily from Fr. Joseph

I hope you are well. You have been in my daily prayers. I am doing well, too, praise God.

I’d like to call your attention to two more adoration and confession times this week.

First, I’d like to point out the rules. We’re offering four hours so we can spread out visitors. Please try not to touch too much stuff. We are also keeping a six-foot social distancing rule. Out of charity to others, please respect this. Please forgive me if I’m too strict. I’ve heard a lot about Typhoid Mary, and I don’t want to become a Corona Joe.

Adoration and Confession will be Tuesday 3/24 and Wednesday 3/25 from 5 to 7 pm.

Finally, I’d like to encourage you to open up to each other about how you’re doing. Remember, it’s okay to admit your afraid for any reason. It feels much better doing so and puts things into perspective. Otherwise, anxiety can fester. And guard your thoughts. When worst case scenarios dominate your thoughts, change the topic (see one of my favorite Bible quotes, Philippians 4:8). To the public or vulnerable, I think it’s a charitable thing to be hopeful and optimistic, but we need people we can be honest with.

I am also available if people want to meet with me. I know it can be tricky to set a time with me, but it helps if you send a couple times for your availability, such as “I’m available Monday mornings and after 5 on Thursday,” so it is more likely that I’ll be free within those parameters. Fridays are the hardest time for me to meet. But please know I am very willing to meet with anyone. Contact me at josephop@gmail.com.

God bless,

Fr. Joseph

p.s. Please see my Sunday 3/22 homily by clicking here

Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm