We, the community of St. Joseph the Worker Parish reaffirm our continuing belief in the everlasting and eternal love of Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ. God’s love for us is manifested in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, wherein the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ is truly present, giving us life and healing! We continually rely on the power of His Holy Spirit to instill in us the courage and strength to live our daily lives in faith, hope and charity. We are confident that by the grace of God and our willingness to live the gospel message, the light of Christ shining in each of the small portions of the world on which we walk, in which we work, in which we live and move. Therefous will empower us to transform thre, we dedicate ourselves to all who form our parish community, whether active or inactive, that together we may continue to grow in the discipleship of Christ Jesus.    

COLLABORATIVE MERGER DISCUSSION
MONDAY JUNE 1^st at 6:00PM
 
On Monday evening, June 1^st at 6:00pm, our Collaborative parishes of Our Lady of the Lake and Saint Joseph the Worker will be having a Webinar to discuss the possibility of a merger.  This is NOT a discussion of closing either parish.  In light of the many challenges that both parishes have faced prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially regarding finances, and anticipating a much dire reality for the upcoming 18 months, it is CRITICAL that both parishes consider a merger.  In proper preparation for the Webinar, I must insist that any attendee do the following:
 
    1. Prior to the webinar on June 1^st, it is important to view the Archdiocesan recorded webinar from April 27^th.  This webinar addressed the Archdiocese response to the COVID-19 and the impact the pandemic has had on all our parishes now and in the future.        (https://rcabrisk.org/april-27-webinar/ )  To view the Webinar go to:                           https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/1655090861774459917  If you have any problems accessing the recording of the webinar, please contact Patrick Krisel at
     Patrick_Krisak@rcab.org
 
     2. Before, during and after that Archdiocesan Webinar on Mergers, there were some 90 questions that arose.  All questions and answers from that webinar can be viewed in the Frequently Asked Questions document by going to this link:  https://rcabrisk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/April27WebinarFAQ-April-30-version.pdf  Read especially questions 1-47.
 
     3. REGISTER FOR THE COLLABORATIVE WEBINAR.  The link to register for the webinar is https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1469907815197922573 and the Webinar ID is 447-131-163.  For those unable to participate via computer, they can call 1-877-309-2071 and enter the code 248-384-991 to participate by phone.
 
     4.  Having already viewed the Archdiocese Webinar listed in #1 above, and having reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions listed in #2 above, please send any questions or comments that are not already addressed to the following email address:  ololsjtwmerger@gmail.com
 
     5. With all of the above preparations completed as listed above, I ask that all parishioners from both parishes enter into daily prayer with your families for the success of our upcoming webinar.
 
With Pentecost being celebrated on Sunday May 31^st, the day before this important Collaborative Webinar, may we pray fervently for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all of us, that we be guided by the Holy Spirit toward the direction God desires us to move toward. 
 
God Bless!  -- Fr. Mike Hobson
 

Effective Monday, March 23rd, funeral Masses and other forms of funeral services at our churches are suspended in the Archdiocese of Boston. We recommend that the bereaved be offered the opportunity for a graveside committal service during this time and a Memorial Mass when we are able to again offer the celebration of Mass and religious services at our parishes and churches.

https://rcabrisk.org/2020/03/19/new-directive-regarding-funeral-masses-3-19-20/