Dear Fellow Parishioners, A long Covid-19 winter lies ahead, and again I am focused on ways we can build community safely and make sure there are opportunities to prevent isolation and depression from infecting us during this pandemic. Deacon Tom mentioned many ways in his homily this weekend, I want to share a little more information. For those of you who would like to gather safely and address Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice and Restoration, please come and join us. We will meet in the parish center, socially distancing, wearing masks and addressing a very important issue of our time. We will meet Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 P.M. for 9 sessions beginning January 5th. There is space for 18 people to study together. You need to “register” with me through the parish office by December 16th. There is no registration fee, however there are three books that will cost approximately $40.00. The course is open to anyone high school through adult. Contact me for more details.
For the men in the parish, a group of approximately 25 men are “Zoom-meeting” from 7:30-8:00 A.M. on Saturdays creating fellowship and sharing their current spiritual journey. We watch a 30-minute video at our leisure during the week that leads into our discussion in breakout rooms. The feedback has been positive for those making the time. As one attended stated "It's short, concise and relevant". To get the link and register e-mail Ernie Chaplin at [email protected].
For those of you who are at high risk, please consider coming after the live stream Sunday morning Mass to receive communion. Others may want to come to one daily Mass at 9:00 A.M. Monday through Thursday.
Advent is coming, and we will offer a drive through Advent wreath blessing and an opportunity to get Advent Candles for this season. That will take place November 21st after the 4:00 P.M. Mass, and Sunday November 22nd after the 9:30 Mass. Our Annual Advent Reconciliation Service will take place outdoors around a fire pit on December 21st.
We are thinking out of the box and giving everyone opportunities to safely gather to build community and strengthen our faith during this pandemic. As always, we are open to suggestions to other ways we can safely be companions on the journey.
I wish to thank the many children who have sent me cards and letters of thanksgiving and support during their virtual learning. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Fr. Bill