SeniorsResources for Seniors & HomeboundContents Pastoral Care CornerDear St. Joseph Family, I know you join me in thanking our merciful Creator for our continued survival during the pandemic. Our voices rise as one in praise for God’s mercy and, at the same time, in an urgent plea for the grace to bear wiithout despair whatever may be our future. Some have been harshly treated by the current health crisis. Our community has endured illness, loss, heartbreak, loneliness and a world we had come to see as normal turned upside down. Some of our parish families have had to bury members in a time when the rituals surrounding end of life have had to be curtailed, altered or forgone because of the danger of infection from large gatherings. Others have lost employment, income, homes, health. We scarcely recognize the world in which we find ourselves. Please know that we, your brothers and sisters, grieve with you. Although we are currently unable to gather in the church building, celebration of the Mass continues on Saturday afternoons outside in the east parking lot at 4pm, subject to weather restrictions. Mass is also live streamed at 11am Sunday mornings and is followed at 12 noon by distribution of Holy Communion in the gathering area. Times will be adjusted for Christmas and New Year’s. Please see the online bulletin for details. HOWEVER, Bishop Barber continues to strongly suggest that those of us designated “seniors”, and all with health issues, be it compromised immune systems, mobility impairment, etc., or simply age, should not join in the communal celebrations at this time. That’s very difficult for us, especially as we approach the great feast of Christmas. Our live streamed 11am liturgy may seem somewhat foreign to those of us unaccustomed to video meetings, but is truly the Mass as celebrated throughout the world, just presented through a different medium. I encourage you to join us via your computer, uniting in prayer and song with the community. As we wait together for an effective vaccine to be made available, please stay safe and follow health department directives. We will all rejoice once we are able to worship together in our church building. Until then, please remember that the building is a place – WE ARE THE CHURCH. If you need me or want to talk, my cell number is 510-386-6019. May our Creator God continue to keep you close. Blessings, health and peace, Helen hbcampbell1@gmail.com Medical InformationFor the most up-to-date and reliable information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at CDC.gov/CORONAVIRUS. The World Health Organization also has an abundance of information, including clarification of myths that are inaccurately spreading on the internet. Information on both the CDC and WHO sites are regularly updated. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions (such as heart or lung disease or diabetes) may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. Call your doctor before visiting the office or the Emergency Room. Avoid InfectionThis virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
Take steps to protect yourself and others:
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