On-line parish bulletin unites scattered flock

Whether they are staying with friends and family in Denver or anywhere across the state and country, the parishioners of St. Joseph Church can keep up with post-tornado news by an on-line bulletin posted by their pastor to the diocese’s website.

At www.dcdiocese.org anyone can access information about St. Joseph’s Parish. Father Gregory Le Blanc, who also serves as pastor of Sacred Heart, Pratt, is able to update the online bulletin frequently, sometimes several times a week.

Parishioners accessing the website shortly after the tornado struck Greensburg on May 4 were able to read messages from Bishop Gilmore, who offered immediate prayers and encouragement, and news from Father Le Blanc.

“It was so good to visit with a number of you Sunday (May 6) in the shelters,” he wrote. “(The Church) seems to have been one of the structures devastated by Friday night’s tornado. By most accounts it was destroyed.

“First Communion was scheduled to be May 13. We have postponed that important parish celebration until we can see our way though the present confusion.”

Father Le Blanc also put out a call for the parishioners who “are scattered to the four winds” to contact the parish at pater@cox.net with information so that a directory could be published. In this way, everyone could know where everyone is and how to get in contact with each other.

The bulletin, updated on May 10th, had news of an ecumenical prayer service in the Greensburg Park on Sunday, May 13, and news of where Mass would be celebrated on May 20.

The Mass for St. Joseph Parish was scheduled at 10:45 a.m., the regular time, but at Sacred Heart Church in Pratt. Bishop Gilmore was to preside. A reception to follow.