Greetings from Fr. Dave

Happy November! Oh boy, here we go towards Election Day, Thanksgiving, Advent, and then Christmas — all impacted by 2020. If ever we need to keep our focus on Jesus, this is the time. In Him and in Him alone are we secure. I have to remind myself of that daily!
 
I mentioned at Mass and in recent bulletins that I and the staff are increasingly concerned about those who are isolated, depressed, and lonely, and urge each of us to be alert for ways we can assist. Different folks react/respond to these times in very different ways. For some, the need to curtail social activities is a blessing, or at least an easy adjustment; for others it is a source of great distress.
 
Although I have encouraged you to try coming to Mass, please don’t take that in any way other than an invitation. Some folks need to be highly cautious of infection and I fully understand that.

One thing I did not mention in the safety precautions we have in place is this: when Fr. Hans and I set up the altar for Mass, the hosts that we consecrate are always kept covered with a pall and are placed in the far corner of the altar. The only host directly in front of us is the large one which we personally consume. Yours are covered until the time we distribute Communion.
 
Our November banners are up with names of those whom we buried during the past year from our parish. The Book of Remembrance is in place near the pulpit if you wish to inscribe any names for our prayers throughout the month. And for those unable to come in person, you can go to our parish website and include names in our online Book of Remembrance. We will also print out that list weekly and add it to our physical Book of Remembrance. God bless each of those who have died, and all who grieve their loss.