On Sunday, March 15,
you’re invited to our special Lenten workshop (Virtues for Lent) at 11:30 a.m.
for some fresh ideas on how to make this year’s Lenten journey a memorable one.
We’d love to see you! And Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., followed by
breakfast ~ you’re welcome to join us!
Yes, we
will be open this Sunday and Mass begins at 10am and it will include the
Sacrament of Reconciliation followed by our Lenten Retreat.
First, my
goal is to practice safety and good health so as a reminder if you have any
type of symptoms of coughing, sneezing, fever, nausea, achiness, or any
flu-like symptom, stay home. I love you, and I look forward to seeing you after
you are in good health.
Second, I
will (at least temporarily) modify routines that may threaten to spread
disease. For example, during the greeting at the beginning of Mass and at the
Greeting of Peace, I encourage people to simply say hello instead of shaking
hands or hugging. Last Sunday, I taught sign language and the gesture for
“PEACE.” It was a creative way to bring our community together and it brought many
smiles not fear into the faces of our people.
Third, I
will encourage Communion in the hand and not on the tongue to avoid contact
with salvia. We will refrain from dipping the host in the chalice and
distributing on the tongue.
Fourth, the
holy water and baptismal fonts are empty. And thanks to Steve and Corey and
volunteers our church pews and bathroom are disinfected and safe to use. Join
us on Holy Saturday and take-home Easter water.
The Surgeon
General emphasized that we will know a lot more "in a week or two” on how
this will play out, and in some places “large public gatherings” such as church
services may have to be restricted.
So, for
now, let’s do all we can to run from fear and into good health practices that we
should all be practicing.
Fifth, next
Sunday, March 22, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick.
The theme will be: "Jesus Wants Us to Expect Miracles!" Come
join us to pray for our gifted scientists and researchers that the Spirit will
bring them wisdom to find a vaccine and end this disease and the suffering of the
world. Your prayers for healing will make the difference!
