Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Covid Safety Reminder
At the time of this writing the governor has put into place some restrictions in order to curb the number of Covid cases in the state.  This does not affect churches in any legal sense, and I have not heard of any change in diocesan policy or guidelines.  So as of right now, our approach remains the same at St. Paul’s.  But here are some reminders: if one is sick or particularly vulnerable or worried about being around others, then please remain at home.  It is not possible for us to turn the church into a nursing home or hospital with their level of sanitization.  It is impossible for the parish to enforce guidelines that are often interpreted in different ways for different people. We are doing what is reasonable. We wipe down all the pews and door handles, etc. after Masses and encourage everyone to wash their hands and don’t touch your face.  Also, masks are very strongly recommended. The reason I do not say “required” in an absolutist sense is because even the state mandates recognize there could be legitimate medical reasons a person cannot wear of mask.  We must be careful of judging someone without a mask.  At the same time, I ask those who are able to wear a mask to be mindful of others’ concerns as well.  In the church we have tape marking six feet distances. Even with masks we should try to maintain that distance, but especially those who cannot wear masks, please be extra mindful of the distances.  During Holy Communion please follow the instructions of the ushers and use common sense to maintain proper distancing.  Our procedure for Holy Communion remains the same.  According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops there is no more danger one way or the other if receiving in the hand or on the tongue.  So, it is up to the communicant to decide how to reverently receive.  If there is accidental contact between the minister’s hand and the communicant’s hand or mouth, the minister is able to purify and sanitize his fingers before distributing to the next person.  Hopefully these are helpful reminders, and keep praying for a resolution in these uncertain times.  If you have questions, feel free to contact me.  Stay Holy and Healthy!

Memento Mori in November
Candle Memorial
You may have noticed the increase of candles over by the Sacred Heart Shrine.  This year we have made the opportunity of memorial candles to help us pray for our faithful departed.  Our devotion to this spiritual work of mercy will involve lighting and blessing all the candles at 12:15 this Sunday. We will make some brief prayers for those in the memorial.  The candles will remain there for this week. Then this Friday, the 8:30am Mass will be offered specifically for those remembered in the memorial.  At that time, those who purchased the candles will be able to take them home. 

Special Indulgence Opportunity
There is normally a plenary indulgence attached to visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead during the first week of November.  This year that indulgence has been extended to include the whole month of November. So to receive the plenary indulgence: have a sincere desire to be detached from sin, visit a cemetery and pray for the dead, recite an Apostles’ Creed and an Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, go to confession and receive Holy Communion at some point this month.  For those who are unable to go out and visit the cemetery or get to Mass, you can receive the indulgence by having detachment from sin, pray Creed and Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, then pray for the dead with prayers of your choice (while praying with an image of Our Lord, the rosary, the Divine Chaplet, etc.), and you must have the desire to fulfill the other requirements (confession and Holy Communion) as soon as you are able.  Regarding the last two requirements, you can call the rectory to set up a pastoral visit from me.  I can hear your confession and bring you Holy Communion in order to help you receive the indulgence.

Remember the Good News! - Christ is King!
With everything going on regarding the election, covid concerns, shorter and darker days with winter coming, plus the regular everyday stuff we have to deal with, discouragement becomes a great temptation. In times of discouragement we then turn to things to encourage us, but they tend to be worldly pursuits or entertainments that do not ultimately satisfy.  Remember the devil always hits us when we are down. As Christians we do not subscribe to some pollyannish optimism, but are people of faith, hope, and love.  Remember the good news, which is the Gospel, the Kingdom of God has come in the person of Christ. We are called to recognize our sin and repent, but this is not a sad reality, but one that instills hope because the love and mercy of God is more powerful than the world. Christ’s resurrection triumphs! He triumphs in our hearts and should be shown in how we live, in how we deal with the craziness going on.  Remember the Good News that Christ is King!  Be encouraged by St. Paul’s words from First Thessalonians, “you became followers of us and of the Lord: receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that you were made a pattern to all that believe...”. Let us follow their pattern that in much tribulation we can still have the joy of the Holy Ghost. Let us be a pattern for others and rejoice as we end this liturgical year and prepare for the season of Advent. 

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr