Fr. Pfeiffer's Weekly Message--Culture of Encounter
September18,2020
Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
New Sunday Schedule Begins! 8:15 OF, 9:30 EF(High), 11:15 OF
We are basically returning to our pre-covid schedule with the exception of the 11:15 rather than the 11am. Also we added a Mass in the Extraordinary Form. We are discerning this for a trial period of ten weeks. We will keep track of the numbers at all Masses every weekend so we have information to help us discern. If you are person who likes to get to church very early (which is great by the way), please be mindful of the people coming out from the previous Mass. Especially during Covid we need to clean the pews and maintain social distancing. My advice is do not plan to arrive more than 15 minutes prior to Mass. This should help things go smoothly in the church and in the parking lots.
If you are unfamiliar with the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, do not worry. Feel free to come and pray. Our plan is have some resources in the narthex for those want to learn more about this form of the Mass.
During this trial period, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts. There are the suggestion boxes in the narthex as well. But please be sure to leave your name and number so we can follow up. With changes there are often unforeseen circumstances that arise, so thank you for your patience. I find myself often remembering, “blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape!”
Regarding the Evil of Racism
The sin of racism is absolutely abhorrent to God’s Kingdom and has no place in the lives of Christians. It is a wound to the Church as well as the whole human family. The effects of those wounds have seemed to open again in recent months. While many seek peace and justice, the evil one takes advantage of these times to sow discord, division, and even violence. I recently read an insightful article about these troubled times written by three African American Catholics.
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2020/08/19/three-black-catholics-reflect-on-faith- race-and-the-prevailing-narrative/
The link is also on our website. There is much for us to reflect upon. Let’s make sure we are educated, prayerful, and offering penance for our country.
2021 Mass Book Open!
Check out the announcement in the bulletin about the procedure for scheduling a Mass to be offered for a specific intention. There are openings still available for this year as well. Offering Masses intentions is a great way to help foster the communion we have with not only the Church Militant on earth, but with the Church Suffering in Purgatory. God’s graces flowing through the Mass are ever enriching. This is a great way to draw more from the infinite well of God’s mercy.
Continued Gratitude for Your Generosity
In these difficult times, even as many are still unable to participate at Mass in person, you still show your support through sending in your offertory envelopes. You faithfulness to the parish is admirable and appreciated. We are to continue paying our bills and furthermore we are moving on a project I mentioned a while back: to finish the LED lighting replacement in the church! We took care of the narthex and side nave lights, but we have to finish the main nave and the sanctuary. Especially as the days will start getting noticeably shorter, we will need the new lighting. Thanks to Denis Randall who has helped immensely to make this happen (and to happen in a very cost effective way). The new lighting should be installed by mid-October.
Welcome Bishop Malesic
I was fortunate to attend the Installation Mass for our new Bishop, The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic. The Mass was wonderful although different of course, due to covid. Check out the dioceseofcleveland.org to view the Bishop’s homily which was inspiring. There will also be a link on our parish website.