Hello All:
Trying to keep up with all this Covid-19 news is a challenge but we keep plugging along just like you.
Here’s the latest based on the Mar. 24 directives from the Archdiocese:
But first…
let’s talk about what’s still happening. Our Youth Group is going strong, over the web that is…Check out
https://corpuschristiyouthgroup.weebly.com/
to see how you can still connect to Danielle and with the other teens in our parish family.
Our Bible Study concluded and went well. (Hooray Zoom!) And folks are finding new and creative ways to stay in touch and pray together even in the midst of social distancing. Contact Trish at CorpusAFF@gmail.com to see what it’s all about.
We’ve extended time to participate in the Disciple Maker Index until Easter Monday, April 13. There’s been a good response but let’s get the best picture of where we are that we can. Thanks to everyone who has participated. And it’s obviously not too late for everyone else. Take a 20 minute break and fill out the Index. Help us come back to worship and service even stronger!
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4099558/DMI/
Tune in Friday, March 27, at 1 PM to join Pope Francis in prayer and receive a special “urbi et orbi” (to the City and the World) blessing! Normally these blessings only occur at Christmas and Easter but we can really use some prayer with each other and our Holy Father. It will be live-streamed at www.vaticannews.va . Don’t miss it.
We’re still open for the Sacrament of Penance on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the CHURCH. And we’ll still celebrate the Sacrament on Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week as we’d originally scheduled. That’s Monday 3-4 PM AND 7-8 PM and Tuesday 7-8 PM. Please follow the directions that will be posted on the inside doors of the Church.
I’ll be sending another Flocknote on Saturday with a link to a video reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Thanks to McHenry Creative Services for recording in the Church. Just a little taste of prayer from home.
As you’ve heard, the Holy Week Services will be celebrated privately this year. We’ll miss you. Normally I’m using Lent to invite and invite and invite you to these liturgies. They are the coolest way of understanding who we are as Catholic Christians.
I wish we could live-stream them from the Church for you but we don’t have that infrastructure yet. We were talking about it before all this hit but didn’t think it was an immediate need. Oops! While some other local parishes have this ability, I suggest you tune to the archdiocesan website for the Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Liturgies. They’ve been wired for this probably longer than any of us and they do know how to celebrate a good liturgy — even without a lot of folks in the building. I’ll plan a video for Easter Sunday but if you want the best impact of the liturgy, tune in to our Archbishop.
The Parish Office is still open though not with a full staff. But those working remotely are still checking email and voicemail so they’ll respond although maybe not as quickly as normal. My thanks for their dedication and your patience. The bulletin company is on hiatus due to Covid-19 so we’re posting a modified version on the website.
And the cleaning crew is in the process of that deep cleaning in the School. We’re doing what we can to be as prepared for the return of our schoolchildren and those in R.E.C. Our teachers and catechists are still offering instruction and formation and I applaud their hard work and commitment.
Folks, it’s crazy and might get crazier but we’e doing our best here and I know you are at home (and at work for those who are in life-sustaining services. Hats off and blessings to you health care workers and those keeping other services running!)
As I’ll keep saying, you’re in our prayers. And I want to close with one that Fr. Ogden, who helps us on the weekend, sent me recently. It recognizes our issues but also encourages us to remember all those around us.
A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love.
And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
Praying for you always,
