A few weeks before the Longest Night Prayer Service held on Monday, December 21, 2020, an idea came out of the most recent Parish Council Meeting. Council members discussed the emotions and feelings everyone in our parish had experienced this past year due to the Covid19 Pandemic.  It was decided to ask the Prayer Shawl Ministry if they could perhaps create a blanket that would represent what we have experienced as the SJPV Family, and it would then be used to swaddle the Baby Jesus in the creche for Christmas.

The talented and faithful women of the Prayer Shawl Ministry responded with a beautiful blanket created with love as each member of the ministry crocheted one color and then passed it along to the next member.  What resulted was a blanket capturing the ups and downs and the myriad of, often dizzying, emotions we have all experienced together this year.

Father Hoffa explained how the blanket came about at the prayer service and what each color represented, finally directing our attention to the white border, representing our help in all things – our faith in God. Reminding us of the faith we can firmly hold on to, lean in to, and the constant light that remains in us and for us despite everything.  Despite anything.  The light of our souls placed in us by God can never be extinguished, no matter how much darkness may try to consume us.

We are blessed here at St. Joe’s to have such a talented and dedicated Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Let us keep them in their prayers as we begin the new year filled with faith.

The Colors of 2020

Black – Fear, Death, Grief
Gray – Indecisiveness
Silver – Emotions
Magenta – Faith
Purple – Frustration
Indigo – Sad Feelings
Blue – Trust in God and our Health Professionals
Turquoise – Health of Self and Spirit
Green – Feeling Trapped
Gold – Value of Self and Family
Yellow – Optimistic
Orange – Joy of Family
Brown – Courage
Dark Red – Anger
Red – Determination
Pink – Unconditional Love of Family and Friends
White – Light and Goodness
White Border – Faith in God to help us through all of our feelings

For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Joseph’s Parish of the Panther Valley, please click here.

And the weather!  Blue skies and sunshine! It was a perfect day for the St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley’s May Procession.

As with everything these days, creativity was key in bringing Mary and Jesus to all of the SJPV family.  Father Hoffa and Deacon Joe had the best seats in the house on a beautifully decorated “float” along with our Eucharistic Lord and our Blessed Mother, Mary.  Adorned with roses, lattice, and flowers, the procession visited the four towns that comprise St. Joe’s: Summit Hill, Lansford, Coaldale, and Nesquehoning.

Starting in White Bear at noon, the procession lasted until almost 5:00.  There were also two very special stops along the way at St. Luke’s Miners Hospital and Maple Shade Nursing Home so Father could offer a special blessing for all the healthcare and other front-line workers and the patients entrusted to their care.

Along the route, there were many sightings of Mary statues in windows and on porches and the ringing of the bells as the procession passed by added even more to the beauty of the day. Thank you to everyone who followed along on social media and patiently waited along the route to see Mary and her Son.  Father and Deacon Joe led the rosary multiple times and Marian hymns were played over the speakers.

We are extremely grateful for the multiple police and fire departments for escorting the procession the entire day.  And we can’t forget to thank Rich, who was driving the truck!

Thank you also to those who shared pictures and videos on Facebook and email, they were awesome to see.  We pray that the blessings of the May Procession stay with you and your loved ones for many days to come.

Have you ordered your Mother’s Day flowers yet?  The deadline for orders is Thursday, May 7th at 11:30 am.  Click here for more information.  Thank you to all of you who have already placed orders!  Thank you for your ongoing support!