Dear Fellow Parishioners, This is a very puzzling year for us all as we try to put the pieces together for Faith Formation and build community while social distancing. As I try to get my mind around this, the word “Sabbath” comes to mind. The word comes from the Hebrew Scriptures pertaining to God resting on the seventh day. Under the circumstances we find ourselves with social distancing, Covid-19, and remote learning for school and faith formation, I am asking us all to take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the opportunities for us to deepen our faith as “domestic church.” We need to remember that faith is “caught” not taught. So here are my recommendations:
We live stream Mass every Sunday: I am recommending that families watch Mass together and then complete their faith formation lesson. This is an opportunity to discuss faith related matters. For families without children, I would encourage you to watch Mass and then use the questions we post in the bulletin and on the website each week to talk about your faith. Discussion on faith is what we call “theology”; faith seeking understanding. Theo-logos means “God-Talk.” Following Mass all are invited to come to church to receive communion.
Once per month, I will focus on a teaching related to our faith and Faith Formation. It will be for the whole parish to deepen their faith. The month of November will be focused on “Gratitude.” I am encouraging all of us to share of our abundance with grateful hearts, by participating in our annual “Fill-a-Ford” project bringing in breakfast foods and canned goods for those students and families in the school system that need assistance. All this will be tied together when Deacon Tom and I break open the word of God at Sunday Masses.
Maybe this year, we can enjoy the Sabbath by slowing down, stepping back and looking at the many blessings we are to each other. How important it is that we keep healthy, safe and most important sane, and rest in the presence of the Lord. Be patient, loving, kind and to put it in today’s lingo “chill out!” Fr. Bill