To the faith communities of St. Anne and St. Joseph,

Blessings to you and your family on the Lord's Day -- a beautiful sunny day!!
 
The information below is about a comprehensive, Catholic multi-media approach to religious education and adult faith formation: it is called FORMED. In this time of crisis -- of isolation and anxiety for many -- the St. Augustine Institute is offering a 40-Day free sign up. Normally it is a fairly expensive online approach to good Catholic content. I simply offer this opportunity to you: maybe you would like to look into the programs they have developed. 

Beginning tomorrow, we, your parish priests, will be sending out by email a short daily reflection on the scripture readings of the day, as well as our videotaped reflections on Facebook.

I know we all miss being together on the Lord's Day to celebrate the Eucharist, to receive Him in Holy Communion and to strengthen our belonging to the Body of Christ, the Church. We will do whatever we can to keep us united as a faith community in these difficult times. 

The ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in delivering food hampers has been forced to close but there are many people in our community in great need. They are not accepting food donations at the moment.: however, a monetary donation would be much appreciated. It could be dropped off at the rectory, using the mailbox slots in the parish office door. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is looking at new and creative ways to offer help to the most vulnerable. 

We have ordered extra copies of the Living with Christ  Sunday Missal 2019-2020. We will find ways to get them to you if you want one.

Finally, if there are people in the community who are sick and suffering, and would appreciate a few prayers for healing. Please let us know their names. Not only will we pray for them during our private daily Mass but we will let others know, namely those who are part of our Prayer Network.

If you have any suggestions about how we can continue to share and put into practice our faith along this journey, our way of the Cross this Lent, we would love to hear from you. We are extremely edified (and humbled) because w hear of many good things that parishioners are doing to help their neighbours. 

Stay safe and healthy. Be hope-filled. 
Blessings.
Fr. Brian
 

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This is a difficult and unprecedented time for all of us.

As Catholics, we are suddenly faced with our parish doors being locked and limited access to the sacraments. This can be very disheartening. Now more than ever, we must hold fast to the great virtue of Hope.

In the words of Pope St. John Paul II “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” We must open the doors of our hearts to Christ and trust in the Lord who will give us everything we need.

In an effort to assist Catholics everywhere, we are opening our doors to make the FORMED platform free to everyone for the next 40 days. Sign up today and get immediate access to the best Catholic movies, faith formation videos, audio talks, and great children’s videos. 

If you are a parent with children home from school, make sure to utilize our faith formation curriculum. If you are already a FORMED subscriber, please consider sharing this opportunity with your friends and loved ones.

Click here to access FORMED and connect with your faith via iOS, Android, desktop, connected TV (TVOS and ROKU) or XBOX. 

As we are gathered together in our homes, this can be a tremendous opportunity to watch something as a family that will inspire hope and remind us all that the Lord will provide for us even through these difficult times.

Pray for us. We are praying for you.

— The FORMED Team

(View a web version of this message from formed here)