Dear Parishioners,

​

     These past few weeks have proven to be challenging for all of us.  As you are aware we have been asked to suspend the public celebration of Mass at the parishes until further notice.  During this time of uncertainty many of us feel helpless in the face of the health crisis that is sweeping our country and world.  As a priest – a man ordained to bring Christ to others – it is hard to be limited in taking care of the sick and meeting the sacramental needs of my people. My wish is to let you know that I love you and care about you.

​

     While we will not be able to offer public Mass I want to suggest some things you might do to stay connected with the Church, continue to be spiritually nourished, and keep up your spiritual life.  Archbishop Naumann will be live streaming Sunday Mass at www.archkck.org.  Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles, will be live streaming daily Mass at https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass.  There are also a number of opportunities to view Mass on EWTN.  If you choose to watch Mass online or on EWTN, you might also consider praying the prayer for spiritual communion during reception of the Eucharist.  It is as follows:

 

     My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

 

     We are also going to be opening the Churches for private prayer.  I encourage you to come and spend some time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  St. Joseph’s will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday.  St. Benedict’s will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 9 AM to Noon. St. Charles will be open on Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 AM and on Sunday from 9 to 11 AM.

​

     Confessions will be heard on Wednesday evenings during Lent from 6 PM to 7 PM at St. Joseph’s Church.

 

     Finally, while we are not able to offer public Masses, Stations of the Cross, Benediction, Lenten activities, etc., please remember that we are still paying bills and are in need of your continued financial support.  Please prayerfully consider to continue supporting our parishes financially as best as you can. You may drop your envelopes off at the St. Joseph rectory, mail your contribution to the Church, or setup up direct bill pay through your bank or other financial institution.  If anyone would like to visit with me over the next several weeks please know that I will make myself available to you. You may call St. Joseph’s rectory at 785-989-4818 or send me an email at FrGuastello@outlook.com.

 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Guastello