Further Notes for Church Reopening: In-church Mass and Sacraments
As we work to restore Masses with a congregation, we will do so with the safety of all in mind.
All hymnals and other such items are removed from from the pews. Nothing is to be left in the pews after Mass. Please take home your Parish Bulletin and Song Sheet. Singing will be limited.
All are expected to wash their hands at home before coming to church and to carry their own hand sanitizer. Keep in mind that to follow social-distancing guidelines the seating in the church is considerably reduced.
The Most Reverend Bishop continues the dispensation to attend Mass until further notice. You may chose to watch Mass on TV or from any parish live-stream or prerecorded platform.
For the common good, those in vulnerable groups, sick or symptomatic must stay home. Face masks are to worn by all for the health of all.
Bishop Checchio and your parish clergy are most grateful for your understanding and cooperation.
The Pastor's Pen
The Difference Between Heaven and Hell
09-27-2020Fr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.Dear Friend,
C. S. Lewis once provided a powerful image of the difference between heaven and hell.
He described hungry people sitting at a huge banquet loaded with delicious food. Every person had a meter-long fork and knife attached to their hands (that’s about three feet long).
The scene in hell was one of anger, frustration, and fighting as people scrambled to feed themselves. They could reach the food with the long knives and forks, but they were too long to feed themselves. The conflict, screaming, and unfulfilled hunger continued for eternity--that is hell.
READ MOREEveryday Stewardship
Everything is a Gift from God
09-27-2020“Do nothing out of selfishness; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves....” (Philippians 2:3)
Pride and ego are hard things to control. We see how others act or dress and think we are superior to them. We idolize our own self-image. But, if we truly believe everything is a gift from God, we recognize all the people that God has put into our lives as gifts! We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. Pray everyday for the people in your life: your family, your friends, and those who make you angry.
READ MOREGospel Meditation
We are works in progress
09-27-2020© LPiWhat prompts you to make the decisions you make? When confronted with a decision, whether one that is more trivial and mundane or one that is more significant and profound, we rely on guidance. That guidance can be the result of impulse and passion or the fruit of the interior voice of conscience.
Decisions made on impulse and passion can be misguided and erroneous. Decisions based on conscience, or the moral voice within, will reflect the depth and maturity of our soul work. A more contemplative soul will make more contemplative decisions. A less developed conscience will make decisions based on the individual’s level of development.
READ MORESunday Mass & Holy Day Obligation
It is both a precept of the Church and Church law that Catholics must worship God on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation by participating in the Holy Mass. This follows from the fact that in the Mass it is Christ Himself who worships the Father, joining our worship to His. In no other way is it possible to adequately give thanks (eucharistia) to God for the blessings of creation, redemption and our sanctification than by uniting our offerings to that of Jesus Christ Himself.
