During his Angelus on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis reflected on the life of Saint Peter, contrasting his deliverance from prison by an angel in Monday’s First Reading (Acts 12: 1 – 11), with his later imprisonment in Rome and martyrdom. Pope Francis asked: “How come he (Saint Peter) was first spared the trial, and then not?” Making our lives a gift Pope Francis explained that the Lord granted Saint Peter “many graces and freed him from evil” in the same way that He does to us. Even though we often go to God “only in moments of need”, he pointed out, “God sees beyond and invites us to go further, to seek not only His gifts, but Him; to entrust to Him not only problems, but life. In this way, God “can finally give us the greatest grace, that of giving life”, because the “most important thing in life is to make life a gift. God desires making us grow in giving as only in this way can we become great.” Recalling the example of Saint Peter, Pope Francis said that “he did not become a hero because he was freed from prison, but because he gave his life there. Saint Peter transformed a place of execution into the beautiful place of hope in which we find ourselves. A blessed and happy life. Here is what to ask of God: not only the grace of the moment, but the grace of life. Citing the Gospel reading from Mt 16: 13 – 19, the Holy Father said that Jesus’s question to his apostles about his identity and Peter’s response changed the life of Saint Peter. Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say I am?”. And Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”. And Jesus continued, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah” (Mt 16: 16-17). Pope Francis explained that Jesus’s word “blessed” means “happy”. Jesus said “you are blessed” in response to Peter who proclaimed Jesus as “the living God”. The secret of a blessed and happy life therefore, is “recognizing Jesus, but Jesus as the living God,” he said. The place of Jesus in our lives Pope Francis explained that Simon’s name was changed to “rock” when Jesus said: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Mt. 16: 18). This was not because Peter was a “solid and trustworthy man” rather, because “Jesus is the rock on which Simon became stone.” He added that “it is not important to know that Jesus was great in history” nor is it important “to appreciate what He said or did.” Rather, what matters is “the place I give Him in my life.” In this regard, the Pope invited us to ask ourselves: “How do I arrange my life? Do I think only of the needs of the moment or do I believe that my real need is Jesus, who makes me a gift? And how do I build life, on my capacities or on the living God?” In conclusion, Pope Francis prayed that Our Lady, who entrusted everything to God, might help us to put Him at the center of our daily lives.

St. Anne Triduum will be held on July, 26, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, It has been a difficult week for all of us here in the Diocese of Springfield as we learned from the Judge Velis Report about serious allegations of sexual abuse made against the late Bishop Christopher J. Weldon, allegations which Judge Velis found to be credible, a finding that I have accepted. As I read the report my heart went out to this individual who suffered so much at such an early age. He came forward with much courage to share his traumatic story of abuse. I have personally sat and listened to his heart wrenching recounting of the abuse. But what is most frustrating for me, and for all of you I am sure, is the Judge’s finding that this person’s case was mishandled from the onset, compounding this victim’s pain caused by his tragic abuse, with the pain of not being heard and treated with the compassion he was owed. I want to again apologize to this individual for all the pain he has suffered. But as I said Wednesday, apologies are not enough if not follows through with the substantial changes in our system of receiving and investigation any and all claims of abuse. To that end, in studying Judge Velis’ report we have learned much how we as a diocese can improve our efforts, offering us an important roadmap for achieving read and substantial change. We all have to be resolved that this cannot happen in the future. Some of this has already been undertaken including a more thorough intake and investigation procedure. In addition, we now have enter3ed into a Memorandum of Understanding with the district attorney’s offices in our region, an agreement that provides a clear and consistent procedure for reporting all claims of abuse that we become aware of in any manner. Furthermore, it is critical that all mandated reports within the diocese—clery, educators, staff and volunteers—up-hold our responsibility and duty to report allegations of abuse and neglect to civil authorities. We can expect more recommendations when our newly created task force, under the leadership of Judge Daniel Ford and Ms. Irene Collins, begins its work in earnest. As we move forward, I ask for your prayers, your understanding and for your insights in any way that we as a diocese can reach out to victims and help them in the healing process. In closing, I understand that such revelations can understandably cause us to question our faith and especially those entrusted with leadership roles in our church. May Jesus the great healer come to give us inspiration and helps, especially in times of great darkness and pain. We rely on our Lord Jesus, his Blessed Mother and the saints to help us in the days ahead as we seek to be a church of healing and of hope. Thank you and God bless you, Most. Reviewed. Mitchell T. Rozanski, Apostolic Administrator

The Mass Intention book is available for Masses for the rest of the year (2020). Most Masses are still open for the rest of the month and into July.

Just a reminder that MASKS are required for Mass. Weather permitting we will continue to celebrate weekend Masses outdoors.

Thank you Nancy Nolan for your 30 years of dedicated service to St Joseph's Cemetery. God bless you in your retirement. We are grateful for you for all you have done for us.

Sunday 9 a.m. Mass is being streamed on the parish web page. Thank you Mike Wheeler.

Please consider signing up to give your donations to our parish online. It is very easy to do. You can donate either with a credit card or a check and choose how much you would like to give and how often: weekly, monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. You can go directly to the website at https://stjoepittsfield.weshareonline.org to sign up. We thank you for your generosity during these difficult times.

Funerals are permitted in the church. Your funeral director will inform you of the conditions that need to be observed.

Sunday Mass can be viewed on the parish web page.

Here’s a shout out to all those who have gone out of their way to show extra kindness to the parish, to Bp. McDonnell, Fr. Geoff and Fr. Mike. All is appreciated.

Just a reminder that MASKS are required for Mass. Weather permitting we will continue to celebrate weekend Masses outdoors.

PRAYER IN TIME OF PANDEMIC Lord Jesus, You came to bring salvation to our world. You humbled yourself to accept death on a cross. Be with us as we confront the spread of the coronavirus with courage and hope. Be present to the sick and to those who accompany them in their suffering. Strengthen our medical professionals and caregivers; comfort families who are separated from one another. Protect those who are at risk of the virus in their work. Grant wisdom to our civic officials and perseverance to scientists. Spare us from the ravages of this illness and console us in our uncertainty and fear. Unite us in hope, enlighten us in faith, and give us the grace as a Church to love one another as You have loved us. Through the intercession of our Heavenly Mother, we make this prayer as we place our trust in You. Amen.

The Mass Intention book is available for Masses for the rest of the year (2020). Most Masses are still open for the rest of the month and into July.

The Most Blessed Sacrament is still observed in the church and the candle still burns as a reminder of the real presence of the Lord. Again, you can request a candle to burn for your intention. Call the rectory with your request.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for all the hard work they have done for our Parish.

Monsignor Mike and St. Joseph Parish wish God’s finest blessings and congratulations to all who are in the 2020 graduating classes from college or high school this year. So many are recalled from their years in our religious education program and so, John A., the director, and the teachers extend their heartfelt wishes to the graduates as well. Good luck, God be with you, and success in all the new adventures that will soon unfold for you.

Dear Friends, On this beautiful feast of Pentecost, we resume the public celebration of Mass. Bishop Rozanski has permitted us to do so after receiving assurance from us that we adhere to all State and Diocesan requirements. The safety of our ministers and all of you is our primary concern. Please if you are at risk, I encourage you as your pastor to pray from home. Remember the Bishop has dispensed us from the Sunday obligation for the time being. Weather permitting, we will gather on the lawn behind the Parish Center for Weekend Masses. You are encouraged to bring a chair. A mask is required by the Governor. We have a limited supply of masks for those who forgot to bring one. Hand sanitizer is also recommended. Please follow the directions of the ushers to be seated. Families can be seated together. Hymn books, bulletins etc. will not be available. At the outdoor Mass the ushers will take us the offertory in the usual matter. When Mass is celebrated in the Church there will be a collection box as you enter. These have been difficult and trying times for all of us. Please be as generous as your means allow. Daily Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Center at 12:10. I will be available before Mass for confession at 11:30. Holy Communion will be offered at the end of Mass. Approach the minister, cup your hand, the minister will drop the Eucharist into your hand. Please step aside, remove your mask consume the Eucharist and leave. Do not return to your seat. Our ministers have been advised to take all precautions both for their own safety as well as your own. You may reserve a Mass intention by calling the Rectory. The office is not open full time. Please call and leave a message Please remember these recommendations are meant for all who worship with us. Thank you for your cooperation. If you would like to volunteer to help sanitize our sacred space after a Mass, please let us know. We ask the protection and intercession of St Joseph and our Blessed Mother as we move forward. Please do not become lax. This virus is still active and dangerous. Thank you for your fidelity and generosity to the Parish. Let us continue to pray for each other. Weekend Liturgy: Sat. Vigil at 4pm; Sunday at 9 and 11am. Weekday at 12:10. Sat. confession at 3pm. For the time being daily before Mass at 11:30. No Holy Hour or Rosary. Rest Rooms for emergency only.

We will resume our regular schedule at St Joseph’s the weekend of May 30-31st. Weather permitting the weekend Masses will be celebrated outdoors on the lawn. Along with your MASK we encourage you to BRING A LAWN CHAIR. In case of rain we will use the main church. You will be greeted by ushers who will help seat you. Please follow their instructions. Please do not touch anything. The church will be disinfected after each service. The use of restrooms is discouraged. For Holy Communion, please put your hands together like a cup and the minister will drop the Eucharist into your hand. If mass is inside the church please move towards the side doors, remove your mask and consume the Eucharist. Please LEAVE the church, DO NOT go back to your place. Daily Mass will be offered at the Parish Center at 12:10. Confession will be heard at 11:30. Holy Hour and daily Rosary has been dispensed for the time being. St Joseph’s is in full compliance with State and Diocesan regulations. We are most grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their continued help and assistance. We strongly encourage anyone who may be at risk to remain at home and pray with us in spirit. Use the “My Parish” app for the Mass prayers and readings. To download this app go to https://myparishapp.com/download/. You will see the download for Apple or Google Play. When you open the app it will prompt you to search for your parish. God bless you all and welcome back to St Joseph’s! Fr. Mike

Memorial Day Mass at the Mausoleum at Saint Joseph Cemetery available