In the interest of keeping our social distance and still providing opportunity for people to drop off paperwork or donation envelopes to the Parish Center, we have installed a Secure Mailbox at the Office Door. This box will be checked regularly.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PATIENCE DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

2 April 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that the challenges of this lengthy time of quarantine have not diminished the fervor of your spirit. We are close to Holy Week, when our soul should yearn the most for the Lord, so that we may be filled with the joy and the glory of the Resurrection as we enter the Easter season. I want to share a few important announcements with you at this time. Please take the time to read this entire letter as there is some very important information enclosed.

First of all, we are committed to continue to post different materials and to live stream different events so long as this quarantine persists. I am very encouraged by how many people are making use of these resources, some on a daily basis! Do share it with your family, friends, and neighbors, knowing that by sharing the Good News we are helping lift the spirits of so many who are discouraged and listless at this time. I know that many of you are joining us through transmissions that go through Facebook. That's great, but please know that I do not have the ability to review any of the comments or questions that get posted there as I do not have a Facebook account. Also, I have not been able to post the Holy Week schedule, yet, as certain things are in flux. The Vatican and the Diocese have announced certain changes to the rituals given our special circumstances and we priests will need some time to internalize these changes. That preparation time may lead to fewer streamed events next week. However, there will be a live stream of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday at 8 PM and a live stream of a Good Friday liturgy at 3 PM on Good Friday. The Easter Vigil will be shown through a live stream on Holy Saturday at 8 PM.

That being said, the hours in which the church is open will begin to vary as there will be a need for us to prepare the church for each of these special liturgies. In general, on weekdays and Saturday (with the exception of Holy Saturday) the church will be open from around 10 AM until around 3 PM. Unfortunately, security concerns have forced us to have to close the church earlier than we had been doing. Thank you for your understanding. On Sundays, as the priests are still celebrating Mass and need more time to complete our more lengthy Sunday Mass schedule, the church will not open until around 1 PM. Should there be any change to this schedule (particularly during Holy Week) it will be posted on the main page of our parish website: stjosephsbabylon.org

Finally, I would like to give a big thanks to those parishioners who have already reached out in acts of exceptional generosity. Many others have asked about how they can continue to support the parish at this time. Support comes in two major forms. First, the food pantry continues to be in need of both food and supplies. You may want to touch base with our director of outreach, Sigrid, before making a donation. She can be reached here at out main line, extension 202. Please note that outreach only operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and that we have reduced hours at this time.

Secondly, we would like to encourage parishioners to consider organizing their financial support of the parish through Faith Direct, a company that helps manage online giving. I, personally, give this way and can attest that it is an easy method of both giving and receiving documentation about your giving history. In addition, I have never received any extraneous e-mails from them, nor have they solicited me for any donations (all communications, other than financial reports, are created and authorized by the parish). If you find yourself inclined to donate in this way, you may register through this link: https://membership.faithdirect.net/NY84 . Note that our parish's "Church Code" is NY84. Finally, through the hard work of our staff here, we have enabled a text-to-give option through Faith Direct. This, too, I have personally tested and can assure you that it is very simple. It does require registration through faith direct so that your donation can be properly accounted for and so that you can receive a tax statement. Donating is as simple as texting the dollar amount of your donation to a telephone number that has been specifically assigned to our parish. That number is 631-206-5429. So, for example, if you text the number "20" to that phone number, you will receive a response instructing you how to register so that you can donate $20 to the parish. If you already are signed up with Faith Direct, you can easily set your account to be linked to your phone number. First, log into your account at faithdirect.net, then scroll down to the "My Account" section of the page and click "Manage Payment Info." Finally, you will see a section that says "Enable Text-to-Give..." and you simply need to set that to "Yes" and confirm your phone number. I believe that those who are subscribed to the Long Island Catholic magazine may have recently been told about a text-to-give option that is being administrated through the diocese. You may certainly give through that, but this method simplifies the process as the donations will go straight to the parish. I thank you for your prayerful consideration of how you will continue to support parish operations at this time.

Finally, let us continue to pray for all of those affected by the virus, and the safety of their families, friends, and those who are caring for them. Let us pray also for an end to this pandemic. And let us pray for one another, and all of our brothers and sisters in the faith, that we may both persevere in and grow in faith, hope, and love during these holiest days of the year. May God bless and protect you all!

In Christ,
fr. Jason


Se encuentra una traducción de la carta en español debajo de la carta en inglés.

29 March 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A pleasant and blessed Sunday to you all! If you have not had a chance already, do consider watching one of the two Masses that were live-streamed this morning. A video of the stream is available above. Also, do consider joining us virtually tonight, at 8pm, by coming to this same website to join in a prayerful reading of some Scripture.

I would also like to call attention to a reflection by Fr. Francis that I have posted today. It looks at today's Gospel passage in order to draw comfort from Christ's closeness with us in this, and any, time of challenge. You can find it here:  https://stjosephsbabylon.org/lent-1

Continue to look at our schedule of programs that will be offered through this website. You can find those here: /programming-schedule . Remember to check the schedule before any particular event as small changes may need to be made as different issues and opportunities arise each day.

I want to offer a note, too, about the Sacrament of Penance on Monday of Holy Week. Given our current circumstances, it simply cannot take place. However, once things have returned to normal, we will be looking to schedule a particular Monday to be "reconciliation Monday." I know that for so many throughout our diocese, the extended hours of confession that day provide the perfect opportunity to come and receive God's mercy. I do not want anyone to go without that opportunity this year, and so do look forward to it being offered some time in the future.

Finally, continue to be a source of encouragement to one another. Part of the apostolic work of the Church is to announce the Gospel, the Good News. No one said that you must go to far off lands in order to make this proclamation. So, let us share the Good News with those with whom we are in contact, and in that way allow the power of the Gospel to conquer the darkness of illness, fear, and death.

In Christ,
fr. Jason

---

27 March 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am very happy to announce that we can publish a schedule of programming through Easter. At the time of this posting, I have only put up half of the dates, but the rest will follow shortly. All events are intended to live stream at the given times, with a recording being posted afterward.

You can find a calendar of these programs here: /programming-schedule

I will give some more information, as well as the texts for different devotions, as we get closer to particular events.

I am also encouraged by reports of many ways that parishioners have continued to strengthen their fraternal bonds even while physically separated. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
fr. Jason
---
26 March 2020

A short note regarding Masses and Intentions:

I am very encouraged by the number of people who are making use of the Mass videos on this site and others. We are very close to being able to live-stream the Masses. As it stands, it looks like 9 am will be the consistent start time for the daily Mass stream. I also would like to use this small note to calm any concerns regarding Mass intentions. If you donated for a Mass intention, that intention will be said on the same day as you originally intended. It will also be said by the same priest who is assigned to that particular Mass. What may change is the time, as the change to more private Masses permits us to offer the intention at any time of the day. Therefore, it follows that just because I am streaming a Mass at a certain time does not mean that it is the Mass that carries the intention originally scheduled for that time, or even one of the Masses that has an intention. It may simply be an extra Mass that is offered for the sake of providing you with the opportunity to join virtually and in spirit. I hope this helps provides extra clarity for this rather unusual circumstance of having all Masses without anyone in the church.

--

24 March 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would like to start this update with some news about what's been happening in the office. If you haven't gotten a chance to read the update from March 22nd, please take the chance to do so by following this link: stjosephsbabylon.org/coronavirus

Due to the new executive order, we are mandated to have no employees working at the parish, save for particular exceptions. One of those exceptions, as noted before, is that we can continue to run our food pantry. The second is that I am allowed to have someone help maintain the spaces used during this time.

Since there will be no one on duty at the receptionist desk, we have installed a new mailbox at the entrance to the parish center. You are encouraged to use the regular postage service, which is in operation during this mandate, to send any necessary forms, payments, donations, etc. However, should there be a need, please know that the mailbox is there and can be used.

Do remember that the church continues to be opened each day, from approximately 11am until 6pm, for private prayer. I hope to post today a schedule of "events" for the next two weeks (in truth, it is something of a programming schedule for this website). Through a fortunate discovery, we should soon have the ability to conduct live streams from the church, so do look forward to Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and other prayers led from the church in real time.

Until then, please continue to make use of the many resources available through our website, the diocesan website - drvc.org, and other Catholic resources.

Remember that we celebrate a special feast tomorrow, the Annunciation to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus. With this announcement, God's plan of salvation was first made known in the world. Let us prepare our hearts to be joyful receivers of God's saving word, as Mary was.

Sincerely,
fr. Jason

---

22 March 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A blessed Sunday to you all! I hope that you are finding ways to stay inspired throughout these days. Our Lenten journey hasn't stopped, even as many other activities in our lives take a pause. Please continue to make use of this website, and many others, to help you focus on Christ, who not only bore the Cross, but journeyed in our flesh and blood.

I would like to announce some further updates regarding parish operations and services. These updates come in conjunction with the Governor's executive order that forbids employees commuting to work, except for absolutely necessary functions.

Starting tonight, the parish offices will be closed until the executive order changes. Some staff have been set up to work from home, and so they should be able to receive phone and e-mail messages, but do realize that they will not be working from their normal space, and so their ability to give a full response may be diminished. Do not attempt to come to the parish offices!

The church will continue to remain open for certain hours during the day. I try to open up the handicapped entrance, and the front, center entrance around 11am, and close it around 6pm. Since I have figured out a decent setup for filming Mass in the church, if it is locked during those times it may mean that I am filming inside, but I am trying my best to finish up before we reach 11am.

As has been previously announced, there are still no public Masses permitted, nor are we allowed to schedule times for confession. Confessions should be kept to when they are urgently needed, and even then will be handled case by case by the priests. No weddings, funerals, wakes, or baptisms are being permitted at this time. Should there be a death in your family, please work through the funeral home, which will contact us priests, and we will arrange what we can. Everyone who is unable to have a funeral at this time will be promised a memorial Mass in the future. Emergency sacraments can be permitted (the Anointing of the Sick and a Baptism in the case of someone who is in danger of dying), however it is important to realize that priests are not being allowed into hospitals or nursing homes unless they are the chaplains working at those institutions. We are also not permitted to distribute Holy Communion outside of Mass at this time.

Please do continue to be safe. Everyone is encouraged to stay home. There are many resources available online, including things like a live stream of adoration through different Catholic websites, as well as things that we are posting like daily Mass, devotions, and reflections.

Do continue to be a source of strength for one another. Build up one another in faith and charity. Encourage one another in hope. Demonstrate patience and heroic virtue in this time of challenge. Be assured of our prayers for you, as your priests, and know that we are continuing to celebrate all Mass intentions. Through the intercession of Mary and St. Joseph, may our homes be blessed to know Christ in our midst.

Sincerely,
fr. Jason

---

16 March 2020

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish,

I believe this to truly be an unprecidented moment in the history of this country. Nevertheless, we recognize these challenges strip nothing from us of the extraordinary call that we have in Christ. We are still in the season of Lent; prayer, fasting, and almsgiving still guide us to deeper faith and greater holiness. Above all, now is a time to let the virtue of charity grow and illumine the darkness that illness and disease can bring. Let us remain united in prayer, and ask the Lord to bring healing to those who are sick, and an end to the virus that threatens us. Let us be mindful of the courage of the saints, who stood steadfast in the face of the dangers of their own day in order to proclaim the truth of the Gospel: Christ has saved us!

Sincerely,

fr. Jason U. Grisafi

---
16 de marzo, 2020
 
Queridos miembros de la Parroquia San José,
 
Esta carta reemplaza los anuncios que hice previamente y es una explicación de las políticas implementadas por la diócesis.  El anuncio de la diócesis se encuentra en el enlace en la parte superior de esta página.
 
A partir de este día a las 3:00 pm. la parroquia limitara significativamente sus actividades hasta el 14 de abril, después de la Pascua.
 
Más importante, todas las misas serán celebradas por los sacerdotes, sin la congregación presente.  Incluyendo todos los servicios de la Semana Santa. Es imposible mantener las puertas abiertas para las misas y al mismo tiempo asegurar que no vamos a sobrepasar el limite de reuniones de 50 personas, que ahora esta en efecto. Siéntanse seguros que las intenciones solicitadas para las misas, serán ofrecidas  por un sacerdote, por la persona indicada, en ese día.  Además, estamos trabajando en la instalación de un equipo que nos permita transmitir en vivo las misas, para que ustedes las puedan ver en línea. Cuando estemos listos, vamos a hacerles saber el horario para que se sintonicen.  También recuerden que hay numerosos canales católicos, como Catholic Faith Network y EWTN.
 
Con excepción de los grupos Anónimos, no esta permitido a ningún otro grupo reunirse en la parroquia durante este tiempo.  Las oficinas estarán abiertas para hacer el trabajo necesario, pero le pedimos al público no visitarlas, pueden contactarse por teléfono o por email.  Las horas de oficina serán ajustadas durante estas semanas.
 
La Iglesia se abrirá para  la oración privada, sin embargo las horas serán diferentes que lo usual.  En general las puertas de la iglesia estarán abiertas de 11 am. a 6 pm.
 
La Guardería y la Escuela de Formación de Fe estarán cerradas estas semanas.
 
Los funerales y las bodas se celebraran con la limitación de asistencia de 50 personas.  En caso de celebrar algún funeral durante estas semanas, pedimos a los familiares trabajar en conjunto con la parroquia y la funeraria para cumplir con estas normas al organizar dichos funerales.
 
Los Padres Ethel, Francis, Dave y yo estamos comprometidos a continuar nuestro servicio pastoral durante este tiempo, aun con las limitaciones existentes. Por lo tanto, les pido ver el website diariamente por nuevos videos, podcasts y reflexiones escritas que serán agregadas.  Los podrán encontrar en la sección “ VIDEO/LIVE STREAM” en el menú principal en la parte superior de la página.
 
Evaluaremos si podemos abrir la Despensa de Alimentos,  estas semanas de una manera segura. Sin embargo la Tienda de Segunda Mano permanecerá cerrada.
 
Creo que realmente este es un momento sin precedente en la historia de nuestro país. Sin embargo, reconocemos que estos desafíos no nos  despoja  del  llamado que tenemos en Cristo. Todavía estamos en la Cuaresma: la oración, el ayuno y la limosna aun nos conducen a una fe más profunda y a una mayor santidad.   Sobre todo, ahora es el tiempo de dejar que la virtud de la caridad crezca e ilumine la obscuridad que la enfermedad pueda traer.   Permanezcamos unidos en oración, y pidamos al Seῆor que nos conceda sanación para los enfermos y el término de la amenaza del virus que nos acecha. Pensemos en los santos, que se mantuvieron firmes frente a los peligros de sus tiempos para proclamar la verdad del Evangelio: ¡Cristo nos ha salvado!
 
Sinceramente,
 
p. Jason U. Grisafi

The Church remains open for limited hours. Please respect the proper social distancing requirements.  If the Church is locked during the day it is because Mass is being filmed and no one is permitted to enter, kindly return in about one hour.

Please do NOT leave clothing or other household donations.  We can NOT accept those items at this time.    Grocery donations may be brought to the Outreach center during operating hours only. Monday - Wednesday - Thursday 10am - Noon.

Parish Staff will check Mail, Phone Messages, and E-mail.  Please feel free to leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sacraments are being re-scheduled at this time. Thank you for your patience.

Facility Requests for the 2020-2021 year are on hold. Thank you for your patience.
 

Thank you for considering this option of giving to our Parish.

How does Faith Direct work?

This secure program works directly with your bank, credit, or debit card in the same way as other electronic funds transfer payments you may already conduct (such as utility bills or your mortgage payment). All transactions are processed electronically, debiting your bank account or charging your credit\debit card automatically for the amounts you designate.

Peace of Mind

because you'll be able to support your church every week. Whether you're out of town, unable to attend church due to weather, illness or a family emergency, your gifts will always be received.

Customer Service

that is available to respond to your needs by email, phone and online chat. Our dedicated customer service team is here to make your eGiving experience as simple as possible.

Security

of knowing that your information is protected, every transaction is secure and that your donations are automatically transferred to your church. Learn More

Offertory Cards

to be used during the collection in lieu of envelopes or checks. Personalized cards are mailed to your home.

emailed each month with a summary of your upcoming donations. Faith Direct will also contact you by email and mail if there's a problem processing your donation.

of having an annual statement that details your generosity, and simplifies your taxes.

are abundant with Faith Direct's multi-platform donation system. You can use Faith Direct for anything from offertory to church event registration on your home computer, tablet or mobile phone!

Knowledge

that you are helping your church be more efficient, and have a steady, predictable cash flow to support the works that are important to you, throughout the year.