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I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame

"I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lameMass of the Sick."[1] was the theme for the celebration at St. Joseph for the 23rd World Day of the Sick on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. Father Rob and Father Minh were celebrants for the Mass in Remembrance of the Sick of St. Joseph and St. Ann Parishes and the Vietnamese Community. 

World Day of the Sick was initiated by Pope Saint John Paul II on February 11, 1993 and is held annually worldwide on or near the feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Many parishioners who are sick, as well as family members, caregivers and healthcare providers took this special opportunity to pray for the healing and hope of our sick parishioners and their families, for caregivers and health care professionals in our community.

The Mass which was attended by over 50 people included a book of Prayers for the Sick; with intentions being offered at each Mass through Ash Wednesday. Father Rob pointed out in his homily the true meaning of this day - as a parish family we are particularly called to be present for those of us who are sick and hurting, both in prayer and in sacrificial service to those in need. 

A re-commissioning of approximately 20 Home Communion Ministers took place. Of particular note in this special remembrance Mass was the procession of candles offered for 36 members of the combined parish communities who are home bound and receiving communion from Home Communion Ministry.   Anointing of the Sick was also given. A reception followed in Elford Hall.

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 "The Church recognizes in you, the sick, a special presence of the suffering Christ. It is true. At the side of—and indeed within—our suffering, is the suffering of Christ; he bears its burden with us and he reveals its meaning.… We thus find ourselves before the mystery of God’s love for us, which gives us hope and courage: hope, because in the plan of God’s love even the night of pain yields to the light of Easter; and courage, which enables us to confront every hardship in his company, in union with him.”[2]


[1] Job 29:15

[2] Pope Francis, Message on the occasion of the 22nd World Day of the Sick, 2014