First and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the parish. May God bless you for all the blessings you bestow on your children. Let's all do something nice for our mothers today, be they living or deceased. May God bless them all.
I'm sure Deacon Mel enjoys today's first reading, since it institutes the Order of Deacon. the community of believers selected seven men. "They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them." As simple as that deacons were introduced into the church. Congratulations, Deacon Mel.
In today's Gospel, Jesus is very clear that "I am in the Father and the Father is in me." Later he says what we are to do: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater than these, because I am going to the Father."
We received word this week from the diocese that we will have public Masses again beginning on May 24, the Feast of the Ascension. There are some requirements:
1. If you are ill from the virus or think it might be the virus, please stay home and see a doctor.
2. We will keep social distancing. Some of the pews will be closed and you should stay 6 feet away from one another in the church and in the parking lot. There will be no "coffee &" after Mass. However, families who live together can be closer to each other.
3. Everyone who comes must wear a mask, which will be lowered to receive Communion. There will be no books in the pews and the church will be cleaned after Mass for the next one. Since singing can spread the virus, there will be less singing.
4. The priest, the deacon and those who serve and read will follow other protocols as well.
5. Masses will be at the usual times 8:15 and 10:30 AM.
5. The Bishop has extended the dispensation from Masses until August 15.
Thank you for your generosity in this trying time.