Dear Neighbor Magazine

“Even the carpenter from Nazareth knew uncertainty and disappointment, concern about the future, but he also knew how to walk in the dark of certain moments letting himself be guided, without reservation, by God’s will.”

As we celebrate the Year of St. Joseph, we are reminded, in the words of Pope Francis, that God is also with us – even as the pandemic overwhelms and overtakes our lives. We know that God is with us because we continue to feel the palpable love and generous support of so many of our friends and donors who are recognized in this issue.

As we adapt our ministries during COVID-19, we are deeply grateful that you have continued to reach out to us with an abundance of prayers, phone calls, cards, meals, messages, and contributions to support our mission and ministries. These acts of kindness mean so much to our Sisters, those sheltering in the Motherhouse and those serving safely from local convents. 

We are also aware of the many unexpected blessings that have radiated hope during the pandemic. In this issue, read how:

• A core group of Associates is praying, sharing, and chatting virtually on a weekly basis, drawing spiritual and social support from each other;
• “Making masks” for the Sisters launches a one-woman fundraising campaign that helped set the stage for “making music” for our Sisters;
• A retired couple, undeterred by the pandemic, finds ways to connect creatively with our Sisters through special deliveries “sealed” with loving care; 
• Sisters and friends grow in their understanding of racism and how to work together in unity and reconciliation through an online book club at St. Joseph Spirituality Center;
• The Sisters of St. Joseph Auxiliary continues to evolve to support the changing needs of the Congregation over six decades.

In the midst of these blessings, so many of us also have grieved the  loss of loved ones – always painful, but all the more so when in-person funerals and services are limited or postponed. Turn to Page 16, and let us know if we can remember your loved one in a special outdoor memorial service when we can all come together again.

Let us all take comfort in knowing that ‘God is with us’ through our darkest days and through our brightest days, and that is what gives us hope.