Pastoral Care Corner

Dear 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
510-386-6019

Medical Information

For 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:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

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 Infection

This virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself and others:

• Always wear a face mask when outside of your home.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people.
• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Fr. Manny recommends singing Happy Birthday twice to achieve the 20 second timing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

Help with Shopping, Prescriptions, and Transportation

• To make shopping easier for those who can get out, many local stores are offering special hours for seniors and others with special needs. Note: hours may change. Check your store’s website or call ahead before making the trip.

• See Raley’s website for offers including discounted bags of groceries. If you learn of other stores offering special hours, etc., please contact me.
• Please see costco.com Updates and Coronavirus Response updated April 29, 2020 for policies including updated guest shopping policy, priority access for healthcare workers and first responders, face mask requirements, product limits, reusable shopping bags, return restrictions and more.
• If you can’t get out, many stores offer home delivery. Check store websites for more information. Also check out Instacart at https://www.instacart.com to sign up for home delivery from multiple local stores.
• Contact your pharmacy to arrange for home delivery of your prescriptions. Many pharmacies are offering free Rx delivery, including Walgreens, CVS, and Haller’s Pharmacy.
• Contact the Fremont Senior Helpline for questions about senior services, resources, and supply needs for vulnerable persons. 510-574-2041
• Shopping Angels — A grass-roots group of volunteers who will shop for you. Send an email with your need to shoppingangelsCA@gmail.com. Alternatively, fill out this simple online form and you will be contacted.
• The Fremont Senior Helpline is available for questions about senior services, resources and supply needs for vulnerable persons. 510-574-2041
• The Fremont ElderCare Services provide Meals on Wheels and transportation services. Visit their website at: https://lifeeldercare.org.
• The Fremont Ride-On Tri-City Program provides transportation services for the elderly and disabled. Please call (510) 574-2053. Staff will be available by phone to connect community members with essential transportation services (e.g., to and from dialysis clinics, medical appointments, etc.) and help address transportation concerns and questions.
• St. Vincent de Paul, FREMONT – During this difficult time, St. Vincent de Paul of St. Joseph Church in Fremont continues to provide non-perishable food and pastries to people who need help, on TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS between 1:00 PM till 2:00 PM.