While we were able to meet safely last Sunday, it is prudent and necessary that we move all of our Holy Qurbanas to live streaming. For last several days we live-streamed the weekday Holy Qurbana: As a reminder – no one is allowed to come to Holy Qurbana, however if you want to receive Holy Communion, you may come the time listed below for both Saturday and Sunday.
The schedule for Saturday and Sunday is as follows.
Saturday, March 21, 2020: Holy Qurbana 9:00 a.m (Holy Communion Distribution 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22, 2020: Holy Qurbana 10:00 a.m(Holy Communion Distribution 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
As you know, we are living in a rapidly changing situation as the CoVID-19 spreads throughout our country. Government Officials have communicated that the next two weeks are critical for the containment of the COVID-19/coronavirus and that all gatherings for the foreseeable future should be avoided. While I am sure that the advice is startling for us, Catholics, given our beliefs about Holy Qurbana and the Eucharist. As gatherings of 10 or more are banned, and we must obey such directive. I do not want any legal enforcement officials to come during the Holy Qurbana.
During Lenten season, the church asks us to pray, fast and give alms. During this difficult time, I think it’s important we reflect this from a different perspective. I think when we are hunkered down, lets think about how we can be more open to God and others, how our little sacrifices help others, and how we can share our resources with someone during this time of need.
Prayer: What is prayer? It is an Openness to God and a recognition of our relationship with Him. I invite you to be open to how God is speaking to you these days. The best way to listen to God is through the practice of silence and quiet. God is always present to us but we are not always present to Him. Would you consider spending a few moments each day in Openness to God through silence and presence? I wonder what He is waiting to reveal to you?
Fasting: Fasting involves giving something up or sacrifice. Perhaps we look upon the disruptions of our normal routine as opportunities for Sacrifice, remembering those who suffer and are in need. Our Sacrifice can be seen as truly our desire for repentance and conversion. Is there something in this temporary ‘new normal’ that you can offer as a Sacrifice.
Almsgiving: Almsgiving is the practice of sharing our resources with others. Are you aware of someone who is in need during this time? Needs may be in the form of material resources but also for human connection. A nice way of Sharing may be to pick up the phone and call someone to see how they are doing or if they need anything.
The Church is the community of God’s people whether gathered or scattered. We may be scattered in the days ahead, but we will remain a community of faith and hope. I encourage us all to keep connected with one another by phone, text, email, letters etc.
Let us commit ourselves to the care of our loving Father:
Lord, we live in fear and uncertainty as we experience the Coronavirus. Be our strength and our hope. Give healing to those affected and protection to all of us. We ask you to calm our fears and trust in You. We also ask the prayers of the Blessed Mother, St. Thomas and St. Alphonsa to strengthen us in this time of need.
