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April 23, 2017

Third annual Pink Mass in Berkshire County

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

Berk Pink Mass 3

PITTSFIELD — Prayers of hope and continued good health were offered for those living with and affected by cancer at the third annual Pink Mass at St. Joseph Church in Pittsfield, Sunday, April 23.

More than 200 people attended the 11:30 a.m. liturgy, celebrated by Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, the pastor of St. Joseph Parish. Msgr. Shershanovich explained that many people in Berkshire County had attended the diocesan Pink Mass in Springfield, but it became very difficult for some to travel down there. He said parishioner Jim Armstrong requested having an additional Pink Mass at St. Joseph Church and the parish is grateful to offer the Mass for the third year in a row.

“What a beautiful way to celebrate Mercy Sunday, by remembering our many brothers and sisters who have suffered with the stigma of cancer, so many of them have gone home to God. Thanks be to God, many more are in remission or cured,” said Msgr. Shershanovich.

Jim Armstrong said he is appreciative for all the support Msgr. Shershanovich has given to the Berkshire Pink Mass. Armstrong ,who is an esophageal cancer survivor, said he credits the prayers from his church with his remission. He has been cancer free for four years.

“Just to share my story with others and give hope because I think the hardest thing with cancer is, you really get down and suffer through the treatment, but knowing you have people around who will boost your spirit, really gets you through,” said Armstrong.

berk Pink Mass 2(6)The Prayers of the Faithful during the Mass focused on remembering those who are deceased, those who are in remission, and those who are undergoing treatment. Prayers were also offered for caregivers.

Armstrong said having gone through cancer treatments himself, and then being involved with others who have cancer, it is a whole different ballgame when you realize what needs to be done as a caregiver. He said caregivers need the strength of God’s help and protection during that time.

Armstrong said it is important to remember that together everyone is stronger. He added Catholics have the gift of prayer and Mass to help strengthen their faith.

“’Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst,’ God says. Well when you get a hundred or a thousand people, God will help all of us,” said Armstrong.

At the end of Mass, Msgr. Shershanovich asked those attending to face each other and reach out for a blessing of healing.

Following the liturgy, people gathered for a reception in the parish hall. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski will celebrate the diocesan Pink Mass on Sept. 16, 2017 at 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

For a video version of this story, tune into an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” the Diocese of Springfield’s weekly television news magazine that airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22 NEWS

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