The Catholic Communities of Our Lady of the Snows and Saint Junipero Serra Churches

Staying connected…

Dear Parish Family,

I can only imagine your heartaches and worries as our country joins the world in facing this CORONAVIRUS-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. And how much more frustrated and disappointing you might be when masses as suspended during weekdays and on weekends.

And I told myself, “you don’t become a priest to cancel the Mass and other sacraments. These are sources of making alive my priesthood. It is very difficult for me to take, but I have to adhere to State’s order and to the diocesan directives for the good, protection of the health and ensuring the safety and welfare of the Holy People of God we serve!”

Our top priority right now is to ensure the health and welfare of those entrusted to the pastoral care and temporal care of our Church.

Now that we are geographically and physically separated from each other, and “social distancing” and “stay-at-home” prudently advise us to do so for our protection from contamination to COVID-19, I pray for all of your intentions in my weekdays and Sunday Masses at my rectory chapel. I believe that through the use of social media, we will re-awaken ourselves a habit of drawing near to God and to others through prayers and mutual help. Remember, God is always by our side. God never abandons us, he said: “Do not be afraid… when two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst… I will be with you until the end of time!”

Therefore, in the midst of this pandemic, we must be strong in the practice of our faith through:

• Individual time of prayer,
• Increased family prayer times,
• Spiritual reading and reflection on God’s word,
• Praying the Rosary together,
• And other meaningful devotions and spiritual

Now, our sources of revenue (Sunday collections and stole fees) are significantly and critically affected at this time. Please know that we depend on YOU for financial support for our ministerial operations, salaries and programs.

I know very well that some of you are affected financially by this pandemic, yet, as your pastor, I would like to appeal to the generosity of your hearts to please continue your on-line giving, continue mailing your Sunday offering envelope, etc.

My beloved parishioners, please do listen to your heart, and remember, how blessed you are to have the means and opportunity to give: “it is so much better to give than to receive, because it is in giving that we receive a hundredfold”.

 Again, we are all in the midst of this terrible crisis. It has affected all aspects of society and family life. It paralyzes many of us, physically and especially financially. But God calls us: “Do not be afraid!” Our faith keeps us going; our faith keeps us centered; our faith reminds us that “out of darkness, the light will shine”.

Please know that I am keeping you, your families and loved ones always in my prayers. May God bless you and your families.

Yours in Christ, 

Rev. Joachim Lechukwu

[email protected]

(760) 868-4342, ext.112   

Websites: stserraphelan.org; olswrightwood.org

Facebook: Saint Junipero Serra Catholic Church facebook.com

Act of Spiritual Communion prayer written by St. Alphonsus de Liguori:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated to You. Amen.

Confessions are scheduled as follows:

Our Lady of the Snows - 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month - 9:00 a.m.

St. Junipero Serra - 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month - 3:30 p.m.

Fr. Joachim will also schedule confessions at the parish office as needed.  Call for an appointment.

Prayer against Coronavirus
Almighty and Merciful God, we, your children who are in deep fear of what tomorrow might bring upon us are on bended knees, asking for your forgiveness and help at this time that our world is infested with coronavirus. Heavenly Father, please save us from this dreaded illness.
Mary, our beloved Mother, We fly to your patronage today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our world and our nation, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared from the worst of this illness coronavirus.
For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears, and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us to love one another and to be patient and kind with one another.
Help us to be more close to Jesus, your Son, and our savior.
We come to you with confidence, our compassionate mother, knowing that you will always intercede for us your children. You are the health of the sick and the cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection; keep us in the embrace of your arms.
Holy Mary Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us sinners that we may overcome this coronavirus,

 Amen