Greetings from Fr. Dave

My neighbor reminded me this week we are barely a week away from the Summer Solstice. Days will FINALLY be getting shorter! Isn’t that crazy? This whole spring and end of the school year has been so different for all of us.
 
Our 8 ^th Grade Graduation took place last week and was a grand event, despite all the restrictions in place. We did an earlier recording of the graduation service, including the individual honoring of each student, the announcement of awards, tribute to parents, and valedictorian address. On Monday evening the students all came and picked up their diplomas — outside — followed by a parade of decorated cars saluting them. Tons of enthusiasm and good spirits prevailed! Later that evening the class watched the video of the recorded service. God bless each student here and elsewhere who has graduated in 2020. May each of them seek and follow God’s guidance throughout their lives!
 
We are hopeful Washington County will enter Phase 2 of the reopening sometime next week. If so, we will be able to expand our Mass attendance to 250 persons, thanks to the size of our church and the resultant ability to do social distancing with that many (our church is about 10,000 square feet). Safety protocols will remain in place with masks being worn, and with surfaces being sanitized between each Mass. And, the recorded Mass will continue, though it will now be posted by 8:00am on Sundays due to being recorded at the 5:30pm Mass instead of Saturday morning at 10:00am. Stay tuned for the latest info.
 
Archbishop Sample has a good response to the racial unrest issues playing out in recent weeks — watch his “Chapel Chat” from last Friday, June 5 ^th. He had a conference via Zoom with clergy this week updating us on the reopening process and also on our response to the racial unrest. May our country have the courage and wisdom to make the changes that are necessary and to bring peace once again.
 

Last week we had the death of Joseph Cruz. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.