Due to the spread of the Coronavirus, the Archdiocese of Washington, consistent with the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia governments, has issued directives canceling ALL public Mass at parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington, starting this Saturday, March 14^th, until further notice.  Weddings and funerals, with attendance limited to immediate family members, will proceed as scheduled. 

 
As a result of this, the following prudent precautions are being followed:
 

     St. Joseph Catholic Church in Largo, MD will SUSPEND ALL WEEKEND MASSES AND ALL DAILY MASSES, beginning March 14, 2020, until further notice.  Stations of the Cross for Friday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m., and the Lenten reflection, are also suspended.  Archbishop Gregory has granted everyone a dispensation from the obligation of attending weekend Mass during this period. 

 

     As the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith and life, the suspension of Mass is a great sacrifice that we are asked to bear at this time, and a particular one during this season of Lent.  Let us all remain united in prayer, and let us pray for healing, especially for our brothers and sisters who are suffering and those who have been affected directly by this virus and the medical professionals who assist them.  We encourage you during this time also to reflect on the Mass readings, especially on Sundays, and to make a daily Spiritual Communion. 

 

     For Sunday Mass, we encourage you to view the Archdiocesan TV Mass for Shut-ins or Mass on the EWTN cable channel.  Sunday Mass will also be broadcast from the Basilica of the National Shrine, beginning Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 12noon.

 

     Additionally, ALL parish activities at St. Joseph, including religious education, choir, retreats, parish sponsored trips, and all meetings are also suspended until further notice.

 
We encourage members of the Saint Joseph Parish Community to do the following: