Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday (from the first word in Latin of the Entrance Antiphon; “Laetare Jerusalem”, which means “Rejoice, O Jerusalem”. It comes from Isaiah 66:10.)
It can be hard to think of rejoicing when we are in the midst of restrictions due to Covid-19 (the coronavirus). It is hard not to have public Masses, especially during Lent. When we are called to fast during Lent, we fast even from things that are good, like food. When we do that, we can appreciate the gift of food even more, perhaps something that we usually take for granted. Now that circumstances are forcing us to “fast” from the real food, the Eucharist,
the Body and Blood of our Lord – something that we would not have chosen to do – let us hope that our Lord will bring good out of this sad situation and give us a greater hunger
for the true food, the Bread of Life, and a greater attitude of gratitude when we are normally able to receive this gift so easily. I am encouraging all those who are not receiving Holy Communion Sacramentally, to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
And let us remember and pray for those who are affected by Covid-19: either those who have become sick from it or those who take care of them, but also the many more people who are suffering collateral damage, especially those who are losing their jobs due to the consequences of the social distancing policies that are being followed. As more people are being adversely affected economically, that is an opportunity for charity and mercy for others. There will certainly be many ways to give alms in the coming days.
There is a parishioner in her 60’s who has challenges with mobility who is looking to rent a room. If you are able to rent her a room, please contact the rectory.
We are looking for eight new catechists or assistants to help with our catechetical (CCD) program next year. Please contact Kelly Wilton, our Director of Religious Education (DRE) in the CCD office if you are willing to help out.
As we prepare for the next CCD year of faith formation, we will be offering a three-year Confirmation preparation program, beginning in the sixth grade.
CCD registration has begun. Forms are available in the both the CCD office and the rectory office. Please note we will have an early-bird registration until May 17. During this time the
discounted fees will be $60 for the first child, $50 for the second and $40 for the third. Any child beyond three children is free. This fee has not increased for three years.
May 18 begins our regular registration, when the fees will be $80 for the first child, $70 for the second child and $60 for the third child. Regular registration ends on June 30. As of July 1, there will be a late fee for registration. At that point the fee will total $100 for the first child, $90 for the second child and $80 for the third child. Registration for next year will end on August 16. We need to organize teachers and classrooms and order textbooks before the end of June. I strongly encourage you to register early and take advantage of the early-bird
discount. The CCD program is subsidized, and the fees do not cover all of the costs of our staff. We estimate that the cost per student will actually be $121.62 next year; the parish will cover what the fees do not.
The 2020 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) has begun. The BLA supports many different organizations and ministries in our diocese. Please consider supporting the BLA if you have not done so already.
Shalom,
Fr. Kevin