We are a community of Catholics and in our own imperfection are attempting to follow the way of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are seeking a perfect church with the perfect congregation you will not find it here. If you are seeking to become perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect then you are welcome to join us. Ours is a road of repentance, we follow in discipleship and by Grace live in Joy, Hope and Love.

Thoughts on our final preparations for public Mass.

Please read this important message from Father Dennis regarding the plans for the resumption of Mass.

Dear Parishioners,

I pray  you and your family are in good health and hopeful spirit, despite the trying conditions placed on us by the Coronavirus pandemic.

With the announcement from Governor Justice of a phased reopening that allows for a return to public worship, the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, has released directives we must follow as we begin celebrating public Masses in our churches.  His directives outline “prudent restrictions” while respecting the “Holy Eucharist and the powerful liturgical and sacramental symbolism of the rites we celebrate.”  Our Bishop stressed that “failure to comply with these directives can result in the closure of a church.”

At Saint Joseph the Worker Church, public worship will resume this weekend, according to the normal schedule, with Mass on Saturday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, at 7:30 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  The 11:00 am Mass will be livestreamed to the Grade School Facebook page.

Please review the following “rules” as you prepare to attend Mass.  They may create inconveniences, but they may also present opportunities for us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” and to “bear patiently with one another” as we ensure a safe environment for worship.

1. The faithful of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.
   1. If you are in the vulnerable category (over 65, underlying health conditions), you are encouraged to remain at home.
   2. If you are fearful about attending Mass because of the spread of the Coronavirus, you should remain at home.
   3. If you feel sick in any way or have a cough, please remain at home.
   4. We will continue to live-stream the Weekend Masses on the Saint Joseph the Worker Grade School Facebook page. Contact the Office for more information.

2. All who attend Mass must comply:
   1. Do NOT congregate on the church property (indoors or outdoors).
   2. Practice social distancing (SIX feet of separation) at ALL times.
      1. Tape indicates proper spacing on floors and pews.
   3. Always wear a cloth face mask in the building, except at moment of Holy Communion.
      1. Does not apply to children under age 2 or those with breathing problems.

1. Deposit your Offertory Envelope in the Basket as you enter the church space.
   1. The Offertory Collection and Presentation of Gifts is omitted.
2. Holy Water, Hymnals, and paper response aides were removed.
3. The holding of hands during the “Lord’s Prayer” is strictly forbidden.
4. The exchange of peace is omitted.
5. Holy Communion will be distributed only under the form of Bread – the Sacred Body.
6. WAIT in pews for Holy Communion until an Usher directs your Section / Pew.
   1. Keep your Mask ON; Walk to the Center Aisle, single file; WAIT on the tape.
   2. STOP at the tape near the Priest.

• After the Priest says “The Body of Christ”, reply “Amen” and prepare to receive.

1. In the hand:
   1. Extend arms, open hand fully, accept the host.
   2. Step to the side, lower your mask, consume the host, replace your mask.
2. On the tongue:
   1. Lower your mask, extend your tongue, move to the side, replace your mask.
3. WAIT in pews after Closing Hymn. An Usher will direct you to leave from back pews to front pews to facilitate social distancing.  Kindly adapt to this practice.
4. You may pick up a Bulletin as you exit the building. Ushers will NOT pass these out.

3. Overflow Seating for Mass will be available in the Grade School Gym.
   1. If there is an overflow of people at any Mass, we will livestream that Mass.
   2. ALL “rules” listed at #2 above apply to the Overflow Seating area.
   3. When it’s time for Communion, please enter the church and get in line to receive Holy Communion.

4. When our seating capacity is reached, Ushers will inform you that you need to move to the overflow area which is the grade school gym.

5. Arriving early may help ease the process of entering the building as described above. The church doors will be unlocked one hour before Mass time.  Please be patient with the process.

I realize these restrictions might elevate stress levels in an already highly tense environment.  The Bishop would not ask us to do this unless he was convinced that it was absolutely necessary for our well-being.  Please maintain your faith in God and practice patience and understanding with each other as we move forward together.

Yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Fr. Dennis R. Schuelkens, Jr., Pastor

Sunday and daily Masses have resumed with a regular schedule under safety protocols.

 Eucharistic Adoration is available in the main church at St Joseph the Worker from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday under safety protocols.

 The Parish office is open normal hours.

 St. Joseph the Worker Day School is open for business.

 St. Joseph the Worker grade school and Madonna high school buildings remain closed to all activities.

 As always, Father Dennis is available for Sacramental emergencies.  For a Sacramental emergency, dial 304-723-2054, and press one for immediate assistance. 

Phone:  304.723.2054 (8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday)

Email: stjosephtheworker229@yahoo.com.

Fr. Dennis Homilies