The staff and I were planning on seeing a play at St. Edward High School last Sunday but alas, it was postponed until the spring due to COVID. I would not have guessed earlier in the year that this pandemic would have persisted so many months. And of course it appears it will take us well into the new year. I just want to thank you again for your cooperation with the guidelines when coming to church. You’ve really been wonderful about that. I know how tiring all this can be but let’s keep praying for the vaccine which we hope will help us get through this pandemic more quickly and safely.
One blessing that has come from this has been the opportunity to get a live-streaming camera in the church so that many people could be “present” with us while yet at home as we celebrate Mass. It will continue to be useful even after the pandemic is behind us as those who are homebound or who have moved away from the area will still be able to join us “in spirit” whenever we gather. My only fear is that some may mistaken the use of a livestream video as a suitable replacement for actually attending Mass when able. While the ability to “watch” (& by that I mean “participate in”) Mass at home is certainly a better option than the alternative, there are several drawbacks to it. For one, we are not physically present to the other members of the community. It’s great being able to communicate with my dad over the phone, but I miss being able to be physically present to him & visa versa (though we will be together for a doctor’s appointment soon). Of course the other big disadvantage to live-streaming is the inability to receive Holy Communion. Catholics have believed from the beginning of the Church the Lord’s words that “this (the bread) is My Body” & not just a symbol of the Lord’s presence with us. So not being able to feed on the Lord’s “Real Presence” is again, a big disadvantage. Though we can make a “spiritual communion” with the Lord during that time, it is hardly the same. I just ask that you keep these things in mind so that when we can come together again without fear for our health, we will really appreciate again the importance of our “real” presence with the Lord and with each other.
We just received word from the Diocese that they are in the process of reviewing the recently released guidelines regarding social gatherings due to the sharp rise of COVID cases and hospitalizations. They will let us know how that may affect our Christmas plans. I will keep you informed of course but wanted you to know that we are waiting for such guidance. Having missed the public celebration of Easter this year, it’s hard to imagine the same could happen for Christmas.
I hope you were able to have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. I will be having dinner with my sisters Judy and Janet at the latter’s home in Akron. In a year like this, we must increase our gratitude for each other and for our health. Let’s not give in to bitterness and fear and anger but always be grateful that God remains with us in all things.