Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Possible Change in Mass Schedule for July
As June is coming to an end it is time to reevaluate our “Return from Covid.”  The past month we have returned to our regular daily mass schedule, which continues to work well for most people.  The 10am Mass on Sunday has been sufficient for the numbers of people desiring to attend a weekend Mass. Especially with the PAC for overflow and live-streaming it we have had plenty of room at the one Mass.  In fact it only last week that we really needed to use the PAC at all.  However, a few have asked if we could start having a 4:30 Vigil Mass again.  I am really uncertain if it is necessary for the amount of people who are coming to Mass right now.  The question is will offered it two Masses increase the number of people coming or just slit the current number between the two?  Do people want the 4:30 truly because that is the only time for them to get to Mass, or is it a matter of convenience. 
So at the time of this writing I am in contact with our parish pastoral council and our “Return Committee,” which includes staff and other key volunteers.  I am getting their input on the feasibility of adding a 4:30 Vigil Mass.  So far it looks like we will try it for July.  I will make the official announcement this weekend after we have decided and made the proper arrangements.  Especially during this time it is not a simple matter to add Masses.  Ministers are needed, volunteers, servers, ushers, as well as the logistical issues of cleaning the church according to the diocesan guidelines.  So stay tuned and as always feel free to contact me or the staff with your ideas or concerns.  I try to communicate how we are moving forward, but it is difficult when people do not talk to us.  We are left guessing what people are thinking. 
 
Race, Riots, Revolution ... Repentance.
I am still trying to process the events of the past few weeks when it comes to racism, rioting, and the incendiary seeds of revolution at work. I do not yet have an adequate response other that what I preached on Corpus Christi - our church and world needs a “come to Jesus” talk.  This is the case for us as individuals as well.  We must come to Jesus, Who is the Way, not give in to violence in word or action.  Unjust violence whether done by proper authority or by protesting rioters is of the evil one.  We must come to Jesus, Who is the Truth, not the propaganda many news outlets spew.  Socialism and Marxism  (both of which are officially condemned by the Church) are the root of certain ideologies that are becoming popular. They are diabolical in that they claim peace and unity while fomenting division. We must come to Jesus, Who is the Life, not the culture of death agenda. This culture includes abortion, euthanasia, destroying the family, homosexuality, and rejection of natural law given to us by God.  How can we respect our fellow man if we cannot protect babies in the womb?  How can we ask God for blessings when we abuse the gifts of life and freedom He gives us? How can we attempt to redefine the meanings of male, female, sexuality, marriage, life, and personhood and not suffer the consequences? In Jesus Christ is our identity and our joy.  We must return to Him.  That return must include repentance and reparation.  I invite all of us to come to Jesus, stay close to Him, and offer penance for our sins and the sins of the whole world.  As many saints have shown us, only through penance and living holiness will true healing come to the world.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr