Pastor’s Weekly Letter, April 1 2020

Pastor’s Weekly Letter, April 1 2020

2 Apr 2020 | Posted by: chadmin

April 1, 2020

Dear friend,

I pray you are well. Yesterday, Governor Pritzker continued the shelter in place through April 30, 2020. While much of the response to the coronavirus will only be understood after the situation is subsided, there seems to be evidence that social distancing is reducing the viral spread. As Catholic Christians taught to live for the good of others, this time is certainly an opportunity to focus our thoughts and prayers on others. This is an unprecedented time for all of us. Some days it is so hard to believe we are in this situation. One only has to watch the current situation in New York to be reminded on how real this virus is for all of our brothers and sisters. If we keep the good of others in mind, it will help us remain obedient to the social distancing mandated by political, scientific and religious authorities.

With this fast change to daily life, all of us are grieving loss. No matter our age, each of our lives has changed. What we do each day, who we see and talk to, and what life events we can celebrate, are all different from just a few weeks ago. This is a true shock to our individual and collective psyche. I think most about our school kids who don’t see their friends or teachers, aren’t able to enter our school or pray together in our church. So many future details about this school year are not known, but we will all feel this loss for a long time. After 16 years of priesthood, most of the grief I encounter involves the loss of life. Pray God that none of us will enter this kind of grieving because of the virus, but this grief is just as real and significant.  I encourage everyone to acknowledge the daily losses. Everyone’s life is different and we all experience life situations differently. There is no hierarchal level of any loss being more significant or important than another. No matter the situational loss, acknowledging the loss allows us to grieve. The process of grief calls us to lean closer to Jesus. He understands everything our hearts are processing. By naming the truth of grief, we allow ourselves to discuss this with God in prayer, which in turn allows God to comfort our hearts with His Peace.

Across our country and world, we are seeing an increase in charitable acts. Restaurant owners make food for healthcare workers and people are shopping for those fearful of leaving the house or unable to do so. In the midst of this tragedy, we are seeing the best in people. Our primary role is social distancing. The more we limit our physical contact with others, the more we limit transmission. But we also have a role in limiting our own fear and praying for those overwhelmed by fear. Fear is the most debilitating spiritual and emotional response to life. Our belief in Jesus Christ and our commitment to one another can help free us from present and future fears. May the Lord deepen our confidence in His protection.

The Parish Office mailed a postcard to each family home. Our goal is to ensure that all know that we are celebrating the Holy Week liturgies through the use of Facebook Live and YouTube. As we grieve not gathering for these liturgies, we have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Triduum with renewed fervor. My hope is that our efforts will help you feel connected to your church and our faith in God. Although our office is closed, please know that our staff is at your service. If you have any needs, don’t hesitate to call (309-682-8642) or email (parish@stphils.com) the Parish Office.

God bless you,

Father David