Dear Fellow Parishioners, “How good it is for us to be here!” (Peter’s words to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration) Slowly but surely, we are gathering together as The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart. We are continuing to provide space for social distancing, and at the same time following through with the new CDC, state, and diocesan precautions as we move safely into the weeks and months ahead. It is great to see people returning to Mass and to be able to greet people after Mass. How good is that!
It appears travel adventures are beginning to open. I am going to do some travel in the Fall, but not sure exactly what. Still in the planning stages. There is a new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, MS. that opened in 2017. I would like to visit, but definitely not in the heat of summer. With that in mind, I can see what else there is to see in the area. In 1976 I worked with Glennmary Missioners inn Tupelo, MS and in Winfield, AL. I could visit my old stomping grounds. Normally I plan much better, but I did not know things would open so quickly.
Some areas of Europe are opening to US travelers who are vaccinated. I am looking forward to traveling to Germany with some of you in 2022 to The Passion Play of Oberammergau. 16 of us were going in 2020, but the pandemic put an end to that. Fortunately, the trip was postponed and not canceled. There is still room for those who would like to join us. The details of the trip are in the brochure in this week’s bulletin. I am happy to be traveling with a tour rather than on my own, seems much safer. During the pandemic I started planning my 3–4-month journey through Africa. I have only visited three countries on the continent (Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco) so I want to come to know better this part of the world. The major cost is airfare, so one long trip would be cost efficient. Of course, the best laid plans…I’ll see how everything unfolds. How good it is for us to be here! And with the support and safety in numbers, it’s good to look forward to going places beyond our community. Welcome back everyone! And safe travel as we venture forth!