As St. Joseph’s students, staff, faculty and alumni adapt to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, SJC Long Island Campus Ministry Director Cristian Murphy reminded the College community in a Saint Joseph’s Day message that “social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.”
“We’re mourning for the opportunities to be with people,” Murphy said in the video. “But that doesn’t mean we lose hope, or the simple joys of life.”
Murphy implored the College community to stay connected with their friends, family and fellow students. Use the tools of technology — Facetime, texting, cell phone calls and email — to help bridge the gap of social distancing.
“Take this time to reach out to people,” he said. “Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.
“Remember that today, on St. Joseph’s Day, we honor St. Joseph the Worker, who did great things with minimal resources,” Murphy added.
See his video below.
Murphy further advised that in keeping with its Catholic tradition, the College is looking at ways to revive live-streaming Mass, leading up to Holy Week and Easter. The College is also looking at developing various opportunities for students and College community members of other faiths to engage in spiritual activities.
Earlier today, St. Joseph’s College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., also reflected on the significance of St. Joseph’s Day.
‘Today, on March 19, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Joseph,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “By tradition, this day is marked by rituals, such as the creation of home altars.
“In this spirit, I encourage everyone to find some time in our own homes for pause and reflection,” Dr. Boomgaarden continued. “SJC is a family, and we will continue to draw strength from one another and assist each other in the days and weeks to come.”
