Dear Saint Joseph Parishioners and Friends,
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Corinthians 1:3).  I pray and hope that you and your family are in good health and doing well as we travel through these uncharted waters.  Never in a millions years, would I believe that there would be a time in my priesthood where the Church would instruct me not to say Mass publicly because of a virus outbreak.  Please know that during this time of “Social Distancing” you are all in my prayers.  The following are a few things that I would like to communicate with you during this time that I hope will help you and your family to grow closer to God and to learn to trust Him during these difficult times.
 
1.            Spiritual Communion
While we are unable to receive the Blessed Sacrament during this time of Social Distancing, we can take the opportunity to participate in Mass online, reflect on the Scripture, and engage in further spiritual reading.  One of excellent way to receive the blessing bestowed upon us is through Spiritual Communion. 
 
Prayer of Spiritual CommunionVideo
My Jesus, I believe you are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.  I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.  Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.  I embrace You as if You have already come and unite myself wholly to You.  Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. 
 
2.            Prayer Resources
A few of the monthly prayer periodicals have made their online versions free for everyone during this time.
                Prayer Journals
                +Magnificat                        - www.magnifcat.com/free (English)
                                                          - www.magnifcat.com/gratis (Spanish)
                +Give us this Day              - giveusthisday.org/free
 
                Daily Readings
                +United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Usccb.org (Look for the small calendar on the right)
                
              Fr. Pastorius's Personal Website:
               + www.mayjesuschristbepraised.com 

3.            YouTube
I would like to recommend videos from the following Catholic YouTube Stars.
                +Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire)
                +Father Mike Schmitz (Ascension Press Presents)
+ Saint Joseph Parish - Manchester, Missouri (Type the previous words into the search engine) We are adding content.
 
4.            Giving
Please remember that during this difficult time that our parish and Saint Vincent DePaul society depend on your financial donation in order to keep operating.  Please consider signing up for online giving, mailing in your donation, and/or dropping your envelop off at the parish office.  For online giving please go to https://www.stjoemanchester.org/online-giving.
 
 Please know that you are in my prayers and that the staff and I are looking for ways to better serve you during this difficult time.

Thank you and God bless
Fr. Tom Pastorius
Video

Until we are able to once again gather for the celebration of Mass, please join us Sunday Mass from St. J oseph and daily Masses with Bishop Barron

As an additional resource, the following prayer service is perfect for sharing prayer and the Mass readings with your family.

Begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Pray

I confess to Almighty God
and to you my brothers and sisters
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Read the readings of the day, which can be found at http:/usccb.org/bible/readings/, or in books like Our Daily Bread, Magnificat.

Pray the Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Petition

Spend a moment offering prayers of petition for the Church and the Holy Father, the world and your family, for those you love and for those you know are in need.

Pray the Our Father

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Pray

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us. (two times) Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Pray

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Make a Spiritual Communion

Close your eyes, picture Jesus standing next to you and pray: My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come now spiritually into my soul. As I await the next opportunity to attend Holy Mass and receive You sacramentally in Holy Communion, I wish for your indwelling in my soul. Amen.

Close by praying the Hail Mary and Saint Michael the Archangel prayers.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do you, o Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.