Dear Friends,
What a joy it was for us to reopen the doors of the church on May 11th and allow parishioners to return to a
shared, sacred space in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament ... indescribable joy! The peace that pervades our sanctuary fills the soul to overflowing, as evidenced by the tears of so many who came just to sit and pray: “O God, you have honored your people with the dignity of being called your Church. Grant that this assembly of your faithful may revere and love you, and with you as their leader reach the promised rewards of heaven.” As we return to some sense of “normalcy” in the days, weeks, and months to come, may we be reminded of the ultimate goal of worship – to love, honor, and praise our God, joining with the Psalmist (100) as we “Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song.”
On Monday, May 18th, we will begin celebrating our Daily Masses. Because we have been separated for so long – remaining mindful of the need for adherence to social-distancing guidelines – we will offer two Masses for the month of May, Monday through Friday, (8 a.m. and 6 p.m.) and one on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Our weekend Masses will resume on 30/31 May with the Solemnity of Pentecost, indeed a wonderful day to begin anew on the birthday of the Church. Once again, I am requesting you to be cautious. If you have preexisting conditions, are not feeling well, are taking care of someone who is ill, or simply do not feel safe gathering just yet, know that dispensation from attending the Sunday Masses is granted until further notice. We want you to remain safe and healthy.
On the 6th Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to celebrate the beginnings of the early Church by understanding how the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection and subsequent power of the Holy Spirit animated the movement of the apostles. As we continue to hear from the Gospel of John, we are treated to the most intimate conversation between Jesus and his disciples, “the Last Supper Discourse.” We hear how he tries to prepare them for the mysteries of his Crucifixion and Resurrection and, most importantly, for the day when he will be returning to the Father. As they struggle to understand, Jesus reassures them: “I will not leave you orphans;” and “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.” He reminds them to remain steadfast in their love for him through their witness of the commandments as a manifestation of that love: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” (John 14: 21). Might we, likewise, take his words to heart, trust in his love, and remain in his peace.
We continue to pray for you and for your loved ones. Please continue to stay safe and healthy. With the doors of the church now open, be assured that we are taking all necessary precautions to keep our facilities safe and sanitized. Thank you, again, for your continued and generous support of our parish. You are amazing!
Have a Blessed Week!
With Love,
Fr. John Britto Antony C.S.C.