Message from Fr. Bradley, Mach 27, 2020

The current circumstances and problems associated with the Corona Virus are difficult. We are still moving through the quiet time of Lent as we approach the festival of Easter. We are challenged to walk with the silent and suffering Christ, and to hope in the healing and promises that only the Lord can give us.

In the midst of all our challenges, we need to seek opportunities to deepen our relationship with Christ and with one another:     

• We can spend more time with our loved ones.                                   
• We can read and reflect on our faith and perhaps become more acquainted with the Bible, especially the Gospels.                    
• We can utilize the media to enrich our Catholic faith with the various resources that are available to us such as praying with the daily Masses with Bishop Barron, our own Sunday Cathedral Mass with Bishop Burns or the Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NY. Also, click on the link at the bottom for all kinds of spiritual enrichment at our parish subscription of Formed.
• We can reach out to our neighbors who may need help.

I am still not sure what course things will take for our observance of Holy Week. Our “sheltering in place” currently remains until April 3. Hopefully we will know more next week as we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Certainly we can pray and read the Bible and be refreshed in our hearts at the hope that Christ presents to us. 

Good news - this Sunday, March 29, we are allowed to have the church open for personal prayer from 9am to 12noon (limited people allowed in at one time). We are not at this time to have any special services such as a public Mass or public Confessions, or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until further notice. You are in fact dispensed from the usual Sunday or holy day obligation until March 30. After that we will know more about how as a community we will observe Holy Week and Easter.

Several weeks ago I shared this short reflection from Mother Teresa of Calcutta with a retreat group. I would like to share it with you as well:

The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace.

May the Good Lord bless you as we near the sacred time of Holy Week. 
In Christ, -Fr. Bruce Bradley, Pastor