From the Pastor (Rev. Matthew Guidi):
Dear Parishioners & Faith Formation Families,
We are living in very dark and troubling times with the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19). People need to turn back to God now more than ever and ask Him to forgive their sins and also protect them from harm’s way. At the request of our bishop, the Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski, D.D., all Masses and parish activities have been suspended until further notice. The only exceptions are funerals, baptisms, and weddings for immediate family and very close friends and groups of 25 people or less. If there is an urgent need for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (penance, confession) or Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish office at 413-569-0161. I will continue to say private Masses for all those affected with the coronavirus. It is our hope that our office hours will remain the same but they could be subject to change based upon the amount of work that our parish staff has to do. Also, our parish collections are going to be severely affected by all of this. We will still gladly accept donations to the parish via mail and direct deposit. We are looking into setting up online giving. Please check out our parish website (ollsouthwick.org) for updates as well as our parish Facebook page. I am looking into other ways to reach out to the parish via email and/or social media so that people know that our parish cares and is praying for all of you during these difficult times. I have asked our parish catechetical leader, Mrs. Lynda M. Daniele, O.P., as well as the rest of our parish staff to assist me in doing so.
Lastly, I ask each of you to not lose hope, to be not afraid, to not despair. During times of disaster, crisis, plague, or famine, the natural tendency is to panic, fear, or despair. However, that only makes matters worse. Now more than ever is a time to turn to the Lord with contrite hearts and ask him to protect our families, communities, nation, and world. We also pray for all medical professionals and government officials including our president to help guide us through these troubled times and God willing, come up with a vaccine. I leave you with the following verse from Sacred Scripture to help us get through the difficult days ahead: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Please know that you and your families are all in my thoughts and prayers!
In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Guidi