Dear Friends,
Fr. Patrick Render, C.S.V. Pastor March 29, 2020 |
The themes of unityand solidarityare surfacing in many ways during this pandemic. Even in the midst of isolation and stay at home requirements, I sense a growing concern for each other and for an awareness of the global impact of this virus in every state and nation. I have had numerous calls and offers to help anyone in the parish who is in need.
The Cardinal’s suggestion to have all of us praying together at specific times during the day with the ringing of church bells (or phone alarms) is an expression of his desire to help us stay connected as the Body of Christ. People are praying the rosary together through the internet across the country. There is a beautiful prayer/poem circulating online written by an Irish Capuchin Friar entitled “Lockdown”. Here are a few of the verse: |
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting.
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way.
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality,
To how big we really are,
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters,
To love.Yes, there is fear.......but there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.....but there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.....but there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness......but there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes there is death.....but there can always be the rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
It is not unusual that crises in our lives force us to pause and step out of our usual frame of thinking and acting; just remember 9/11, or a death in the family, or a natural disaster in a nearby area. These moments touch not only our emotions but they also prompt responses that come forth from the best within us. I am not naïve enough to think that all the rancor and divisiveness that has been contaminating our landscape will cease when all of this is over but maybe it will slow down a bit. It can if it begins in each of us. Use this pandemic to view the interconnectedness of us all. From city to city, from nation to nation, we are all dealing with some profound lessons in human vulnerability, in human compassion, in the human spirit transcending fear and prejudice. No matter our race, ethnicity, political point of view, language or culture, this moment can teach us something about how God views crea-tion -and the human women and men who are part of it. Slow down, be patient, think, pray and ponder the mystery of the incarnation and redemption –the divine within the human, bonding and freeing one another. Remember the ashes with which we began this Lent.
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way.
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality,
To how big we really are,
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters,
To love.Yes, there is fear.......but there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.....but there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.....but there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness......but there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes there is death.....but there can always be the rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
It is not unusual that crises in our lives force us to pause and step out of our usual frame of thinking and acting; just remember 9/11, or a death in the family, or a natural disaster in a nearby area. These moments touch not only our emotions but they also prompt responses that come forth from the best within us. I am not naïve enough to think that all the rancor and divisiveness that has been contaminating our landscape will cease when all of this is over but maybe it will slow down a bit. It can if it begins in each of us. Use this pandemic to view the interconnectedness of us all. From city to city, from nation to nation, we are all dealing with some profound lessons in human vulnerability, in human compassion, in the human spirit transcending fear and prejudice. No matter our race, ethnicity, political point of view, language or culture, this moment can teach us something about how God views crea-tion -and the human women and men who are part of it. Slow down, be patient, think, pray and ponder the mystery of the incarnation and redemption –the divine within the human, bonding and freeing one another. Remember the ashes with which we began this Lent.
Adopt a Family Event 2018
Adopt a Family would like to extend 101 Thank You’s from our 101 Families who enjoyed an afternoon full of presents and treats! Thank You to our generous shoppers, bakers and elves who pitched in to make this a special day for local families in need of help. An extra thanks to our Youth Group, Teen Club, Girl Scouts and Parent Association! Merry Christmas!