St. Patrick Church

Dear friends,
 
And so it goes, another week of stay at home. Be assured that you are remembered in my daily Mass and prayers. I, like you, have been praying for a speedy resolution to this health crisis, and I add a prayer each day that we all keep our sanity during these trying times!  I hope you are staying well and using this time wisely. I can't help but think that part of the reason the Lord has given us this Lent (truly unlike any other I have experienced) is to perhaps challenge us to reevaluate our lives and to refocus on what is truly important: God, family and neighbor. This pandemic in which we find ourselves, proves once again, that while we are so good and expert at so many things, there is still much beyond our control that remains firmly in the hands of God. 
 
I truly do miss each of you. Saying Mass in an empty church is certainly not ideal, and I know you would be here with me if you could. But for now, it is what it is and the Mass, whether being prayed by only one is still efficacious and the greatest prayer that can be offered. 
I am sure as I remember you each day at holy Mass that our Lord is hearing all of our prayers and is attentive to our need. 

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday.  At this time, it seems that Masses will still not be open to the public as we begin Holy Week.  However, a couple of parishioners are working to give us the ability to live stream or tape the Mass in St. Patrick Church so you can tune in and pray with me, via your computer.  It is a way to help us stay united in prayer.
 
Speaking of keeping in touch, I would ask those of you who use the computer to go to our parish website www.stpatricksparish.com and click on the little sheep at the top of the page to register with FLOCKNOTE. FLOCKNOTE is a wonderful program used by many churches allowing them to easily stay in touch with parishioners. By simply adding your email address and cell phone number you will be able to receive text messages and emails directly from me for up to the minute notifications. I hope to be using this as my primary way of keeping in touch with everyone even beyond this pandemic. 
 
During these challenging times, I know how hard it is for you not to be able to attend holy Mass and receive the Most Holy Eucharist. If you are viewing the Mass on line, which I highly encourage you to do, please keep the Act of Spiritual Communion handy to pray at Communion time during the Mass.  While not being able to receive the actual and true Body and Blood of Jesus, a spiritual Communion is a powerful way to express your faith in Him and to unite yourselves more closely to our Lord at this time.    
 
Have a blessed, safe, and healthy week ahead.

Monsignor Michael Padazinski 

“Use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” 
1 Peter 4:10
 
To donate online click here


 

In light of measures being taken to contain the outbreak and avoid further illness, and in an effort to continue the practice of our faith in these trying times:

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Word on Fire will be offering daily Mass for the foreseeable future.

It is at this exact moment that our faith is most needed.

As of March 17, local governments in the Bay Area have issued new public-health orders, effective through April 7: Residents are to shelter-in-place at home, and only institutions and activities defined as "essential" may operate or take place.

In response, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone has issued two important new messages to the people of the Archdiocese.

Click here for a PDF file of A Message to the People of God about the Coronavirus Epidemic.

Click here for a PDF file of Keeping the Lord's Day Holy at Home: Advice from Archbishop Cordileone.

Free resources to support prayer and engagement during these difficult days. Go to usccb.org/coronavirus

St. Patrick’s Thrift Shop
 
The Thrift Shop will be closed
for the next few weeks.
 
We look forward to seeing you again soon!

"You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catholic Mass Time provides easy access to Mass schedules for traveling Catholics. To find Catholic churches near you, go to catholicmasstime.org.