Pastor’s Letter & October 3 Bulletin

Pastor’s Letter & October 3 Bulletin

1 Oct 2021 | Posted by: chadmin

The October 3 bulletin is now available online. 

Dear friend,

What a beautiful September we enjoyed. I always enjoy the weather change into the fall, and not just because Bears football begins again. We’ve been really blessed with a nice transition of weather this year. I hear the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a lot of snow this year. We will see how that pans out. I’ve had several questions after Sunday Masses about school. In general, the school year is off to a great start. The teachers have settled back into their routines and the kids are used to the same Covid protocols from last year. From what the kids tell me, they don’t struggle or think much about the wearing of facemasks or the distancing that we sometimes implement. We have had a few Covid cases present in school, but nothing excessive and no spread in school, as far as we know. We continue to disinfect the school daily, which will hopefully limit the spread of not only Covid, but also the Flu. We will continue to do our best to keep the kids happy, healthy and well educated. As always, thanks to all of our teachers and administrators who work so hard to keep a well running school.

As we enter the fall, we often see an increase of sickness. With Covid-19 it has been a challenge, especially in school, to process through other illnesses and seasonal allergies. One of the best parts of the last year and a half has been the group effort to get back to normal while protecting each other. In school, we have strict rules from the Health Department about identifying illness prior to returning to school. This same procedure is obviously not present for Mass attendance. The Bishop has not yet reinstated the Obligation to attend Sunday Mass, but I am encouraged that more and more people are returning to weekly Mass. We have worked together to keep each other safe. As we enter the fall and winter, please continue to keep each other in mind. If you feel sick or a bit off, please don’t attend Mass for the protection of your neighbor. I will continue to livestream Mass and still distribute Communion outside after the 4:30pm Saturday, as well as the 9am and 11am Masses on Sunday, for those who line up their cars by the school basketball hoops. We want everyone to have access to the Eucharist while at the same time keeping everyone healthy.

The readings this weekend focus on the beauty of God’s intention in marriage. The two becoming one, with the profession of marital vows, is proclaimed by the Church as one of the great mysteries of faith. Two people still exist as two separate people after the marital vows between and man and a woman, but there is a spiritual bond that takes place to unite. This divine unification is experienced solely by the couple but requires on-going grace. Every relationship can be a challenge to the individual and requires relying on divine assistance for patience, kindness, generosity and fidelity. This weekend is a great time to pray for those preparing for marriage as well as praying for all marriages in our community. Just like we take time to be in God’s presence at Mass every week to thank Him, it is important that all couples intentionally have weekly couple talk time to clarify the importance of the relationship and on-going understanding for growth and mutual change.

God bless,

Father David