Many events unfolded in Haiti as we visited Father Tilus and the faithful of St. Gerard’s Parish and also here in Hopedale while we were away. There is so much to share with you, I don’t know where to begin.

I will share more on our journey to Haiti in the future. For me, to see conditions in Haiti much worse than when I left in March of 2001 was extremely sad. I always want to see things improve in people’s lives, and to see that things have gotten worse is so disheartening. The good news is even with the loss of homes, roofs on the churches and chapels, loss of lives, people were resilient and picking up the pieces of their lives and moving forward. Haitians have such incredible faith and trust in God even in the most difficult of times.

Here at home, we had a visit from the Hopedale Police who advised us to increase security on the property. Acting on their advice our Pastoral Planning Team decided the following:

THE CHURCH

• The Church will be unlocked for morning Mass Monday-Friday at 9AM.
• Following Mass all doors will be locked with the exception of the two front middle doors.
• You are welcome to come to pray in Church throughout the week, Monday-Thursday until 4:30 P.M. by entering the church through the two middle-doors at the front of the church. This way while we are working in the Parish House we can be aware of when people enter and exit the church.
• On Saturday the church will be open at 2:00PM and locked as usual afterwards.
• Sunday access will remain as it has been in the past. Open from 7:30 A.M. till the morning schedule is completed.
• I encourage everyone to make time, especially during Lent to come to daily Mass and to come pray the Stations of the Cross, and Eucharist Adoration throughout the week.

THE PARISH CENTER

• The parish center will remain locked at all times during the week.
• Entry to the parish center will be allowed only when groups are scheduled to use the center.
• Any groups needing access to the facilities MUST schedule their events through the office so that they can obtain access.
• The connector door will remain unlocked so that items for the Thrift Shop and Food Pantry may be dropped off.

I wish to thank Msgr. Doran for sharing the faith journey with you all in my absence.

Have a wonderful Lent!
Fr. Bill