In case you have not heard the latest news, in light of the CV stuff and all the uncertainties, I have asked (and it has been approved) to stay on at Holy Trinity for another year. I just cannot “abandon ship” at a time like this, and want to pastor this community through the rest of this event and then into the rebuilding that will be necessary. When I got the ball rolling on asking for the reassignment we had no
indication that our world would be turned upside down. I apologize for the drama I have added to an already difficult time. We will get through this together!
Our Pastoral Council planned the Lent homily series way before all of the coronavirus stuff took hold but our theme has been totally appropriate: personal prayer! We are separated from our usual access to the sacraments so have to rely on other means to stay connected to God.
Our Catholic tradition has always said that the sacraments are the “ordinary” means through which we experience God, but not the exclusive ways! We believe absolutely that the Bible is the living word of God; we believe that the community of believers is the living presence of God (“Where two or three are gathered, there am I among you” [Matthew 18:20]); and we believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit we have full access to God every moment in personal prayer. None of this in any way diminishes the power and devotion we have to the sacraments, but it does make it very clear that in our current times we are not left hanging!
In light of all that, I urge each of you in the strongest way to use this time for prayer. For our couples and families, pray together as well as alone. Brett’s homily last week mentioned how so many of our society’s idols are being knocked off their pedestals right now — glamorous travel, sports entertainment, shopping, Wall Street, schools. In the void that results, may we all turn to Jesus and foster a deeper relationship with him — rather than just creating new idols to occupy our time and unfortunately our hearts! We all need to be praying for a double portion of patience, perseverance, and active compassion for those in greatest need. Come Holy Spirit and lead us!
If you know of anyone in need of assistance during this time, please contact our Food Closet or parish office. We have a lot of resources available and are eager to help. Also if you know of anyone who is unable to access our website for updates and video of Mass, let us know so we can mail them weekly bulletins.
Palm Sunday is next weekend and we will have blessed palms available for pick up in front of the school/church beginning on Tuesday the 31
st. Please respect the “no gatherings” and 6’ rule if there are others present when you swing by. Palms will be out 24/7 through April 6
th. Details will be coming on how we will be doing the Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter liturgies.
Here’s your challenge for this week:
Lenten Challenge: Reach out via phone, text, or email to three individuals you have not touched base with since the CV event and wish them well!
I am sad to inform you that Frank Walkiewicz died last Saturday. Please keep him and his wife Betty in your prayers. They are long-time parishioners here and have been a huge part of the fabric of this community!