Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
WE ARE ESSENTIAL!!!  Even with the stay-at-home order, religious institutions are largely exempt - and rightly so! Offering worship to God, prayer, spiritual support is ESSENTIAL!  Never let anyone say religion is merely a nice bonus if we get some time.  Faith is not nice sprinkles on the top of society’s cupcake.  Faith and prayer are the very ingredients that make the cupcake to begin with. Without true religion society breaks down.  With this in mind let us make the best of our situation.  While the way we are worshipping is different right now, we still have the opportunity and obligation to be good examples to our society of what is essential.  I invite people to participate in the rest of Lent and Holy Triduum as much as possible always being prudent but emphasizing what is essential.  Here is the church schedule coming up:
 
The Church will be open for prayer and confessions on:
            Tuesday March 31, 9am-noon
            Friday April 3, 4pm-7pm
            Palm Sunday April 5, 10am-noon during this time one may take home blessed palms.
            Tuesday April 7, 9am-noon
 
During all these times, we ask that people maintain the proper “social distancing” inside and outside the church.  There will be sanitizer for one’s hands and wipes for where one sits in the pews. If you are showing any symptoms or have a fever, please do not come but make a spiritual communion from home. If one is coming for confession, we will follow the proper norms for the sacrament as well as the current “social distancing” norms.
 
We are looking into the possibility of live streaming the Easter Triduum Liturgies. More on that soon.  In the meantime, there are many ways to at least “watch” the Mass on TV or online.  Please check out our website www.stpaulakron.org for updates and suggestions on how to stay focused on the essentials of prayer and faith. I am posting audio recordings every couple days as well to hopefully keep us encouraged as we continue with a strong Lent so we may rejoice at Easter!  God-willing we will soon be back physically as well as spiritually together to worship God rightly in our parish church.
 
Also, we have launched a new mobile app for our parish. It is called, “myParish.”  Download it today and receive updates and messages from me during this time. 
 
Keep in mind the offertory collection as well.  This is a tough time for all, but if you are able please either send in or drop off your offering.  There will be baskets in the narthex during our open hours as well to receive your offering.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr