Dear Parishioners and Friends,
A few months ago, we heard reports of a virus that was spreading rapidly through China, half a world away. Now there is a containment zone just two counties away and we are faced with a myriad of different opinions on what to do about it.
In the business world, some employees are being told to work from home until further notice. Pete is among this number, but we must remember that many workers do not have this luxury. People who are cooks, barbers, restaurant servers, etc. simply cannot telecommute, and the absence of those who can directly impacts their living. Please pray for these workers.
In the academic world, some students are being told to leave campus. As one who put himself through college, I can attest that an “extra week of spring break” would not be a fun getaway, but a source of worry. Please pray for these students.
And in the Church, there are directives coming in from all quarters. Measures from suspending the Holy Eucharist to closing churches altogether are being implemented. As your pastor, and a concerned human being, I take all of this very seriously. In all likelihood, the virus will continue to spread. However, as a priest of God I am called to to serve him and you without fear. In union with our Bishop and at his directive, we will continue our services as scheduled until directed otherwise by ecclesiastical or civil authorities.
Just as our Lord told us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves,” we will approach our worship in ways that allow for the continuation of his holy sacrifice in the most hygienic atmosphere possible. First, please come to mass. We are much diminished without you, even in the best of times. While attending mass, please observe the following precautions: Greet one another with a smile or nod—especially during the peace. Remember, this is a
ritual
greeting. There is no need to greet every person in the church, and in fact this is frowned upon by all of the conciliar documents. Try not to handle the collection plate—ushers will bring it to you. But please feel free to put in as much as possible!
At Communion, receive the host in your hand and consume it immediately. When the chalice bearer comes to you, either drink from the chalice directly or cross your arms over your chest to indicate that you do not wish to receive the wine. A valid communion does not necessarily include wine. Under no circumstances are you to dip your bread into the chalice. This is hereby forbidden. And if you feel ill, please stay home and let me or one of the pastoral care team members know. We love you and want to support you in prayer or any other way possible. We will also attempt to stream our services via Facebook live. Just go to our page during a scheduled service to view it.
Finally, we all need prayer. From the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
O Most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal lie; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Father Rick
