HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST Dearly beloved parishioners, may grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be yours in abundance as we go through this troubling and unprecedented time. This Sunday the Church celebrates the day the Lord Jesus triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem, a day in the life of our a Savior foretold by the prophet Zechariah: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” How wonderfully Scripture is fulfilled! This is exactly what happens . . . for the Word of God must always – in its proper time - be fulfilled. As He entered the city, very large crowds spread their cloaks before Him while others cut branches from trees, doing the same. All the while, they kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” Matthew records the general reaction of the city to all of this: And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” My friends, during this time it might be very helpful for us to ask the very same question as the citizens of Jerusalem did long ago – “Who is this?” – and to remind ourselves of just who this “King” and “Son of David” is, who comes “in the name of the Lord.” (click title to continue)

There will be no Palm Sunday Mass or palms distributed as directed by the diocese. There are a number of Livestream Masses and Masses on YouTube for families to view. Our parish is currently working to provide this option as well.

Though we are unable to gather as a parish community during Holy Week, we are able to gather at home - what the Church has long taught is properly understood as “the domestic church.” How will your family celebrate these most holy days? Please share with us your family prayer spaces, holy week traditions; crafts, food and Easter photos. All photos should be sent to stjgar@outlook.com and will be posted on the parish website.

For parishioners who are struggling financially during this pandemic, we are praying for your needs. For those who are able to continue to support the parish during these times, we ask that you mail in your envelopes to the rectory or consider secure online giving through the parish website. Your donations are needed and greatly appreciated.

Due to the stay-at-home order by the governor, all church devotional activities: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations of the Cross, and the Divine Mercy Militia are suspended as of today, March 27. Father John encourages all parishioners to continue their prayers and devotions at home.

The Parish Office is currently closed. You may continue to contact Father John by leaving a message at 435-6242 or email Ellen Barbasso, the parish secretary, at ololstjoseph@metrocast.net.

All Parish Center group meetings and activities, with the exception of the Northwood Emergency Food Pantry, have been suspended until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and we pray that we can reopen soon.

The diocese would like to invite men who are considering a vocation to the priesthood to an evening of prayer, conversation with the Vocations Team and dinner. There will be evenings for different age groups and they will take place at the Joseph House at 279 Cartier St in Manchester. Please RSVP to Becky Vinson at rvinson@rcbm.org or 663-0153 if you would like to attend. October 5: high school - age 14-18; October 19: young men - age 19-24; November 2: older men - age 25+