Dear Fellow Parishioners, The pandemic continues as we enter the 20-21 school year with fits and starts. There are many different start-up dates, many different models, new school supplies, hand sanitizer, masks and laptops. For those who are still employed, working from home, alternating days at the office, helping kids with lessons from the home office, grandparents assisting with childcare and homeschooling and now part of the “new normal.” Then there are those among us who are furloughed, unemployed, fearing evictions, wondering if there is any relief coming during this pandemic. Throw in a presidential election and it can all be quite overwhelming.
STOP! Breath, and take the time to listen to the still small voice of God speaking to your heart and encouraging us to dream dreams and see visions of the presence of God during this pandemic. How important is our faith during these more than challenging times? Each day I take the time to ask God to open my eyes to the wonder and the presence of God and where he wants me to make an extra effort to reach out to someone else. Where does God want me to toss a life-preserver when I see that someone is sinking into the depts of depression, despair and simply overwhelmed by it all?
We need to be present for and with each other. So, I am encouraging us all to be “lifeguards!” When God places a name, a face, an individual, a family in your mind and your heart; don’t just say a prayer for them, make a connection, give them a call. “Hey, I was just thinking about you, how are you doing, is there any way I can help?” Just making that effort is building a bridge for someone to cross from chaos to sanity, from isolation to community, from overwhelmed, to we can make it together!
I am asking us all to journey together during these pandemic days to keep focused. Social distancing, and masks are not punishment but protection, it is a sign that we care for each other. We are trying to make sure that when we worship, we gather in safety. We still have plenty of space at Mass for anyone who would like to attend, so we will continue our summer Mass schedule 4:00 P.M. Saturday, and 9:30 A.M. Sunday. When the need for an additional Mass arises, I will be more than happy to add it.
In the meantime, let us take this opportunity to hear the call of to be “life preservers” and reach out to each other with the lifegiving presence of God’s peace.