I hope and pray this note finds you well and safe from the Coronavirus. It has been difficult not to have any Masses here at St. Augustine. However, I do remember you all at daily Mass at our Holy Cross Chapel at Fatima House where I live.
I am writing on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the day Jesus became one of us when Mary said YES to God. It is comforting to know he and his mother are still with us even in this trying isolated time. Each of us receives many invitations from God throughout our lives to say YES to God and do good. Be good to someone in your life today.
Our Soup Kitchen has thus far remained open, thanks to many generous volunteers. We are now packaging everything and handing the food through the Soup Kitchen door for the people to take home with them. It doesn't seem very hospitable not inviting them into the hall, but it does comply with the social distancing we have been ordered to observe, especially since nearly all our volunteers are over 65. We can always use extra help, since our numbers have fallen off. Saint Vincent De Paul has been dropping off food at clients' houses as well. I want to thank all those helping to feed the poor in this manner. We have about 85 families come by every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Some churches are streaming a Mass on facebook or some other platform. We do not have the ability to do that. There is a TV Mass sponsored by the diocese every Sunday on Channel 16 at 10:30 AM. Notre Dame also streams Mass as well. As the Ash Wednesday Gospel told us, we should pray more during Lent. This can be private prayer or family prayer. With lots of spare time due to the crisis, try it and you might like it, reading Bible passages is a good way to get started.
I have been in the office each morning, checking the mail and calls. I have also been paying the bills. They are still coming in but without Mass, we have no collections. I ask you to remember St. Augustine's financially in this collection-less time. Please pray for me. I will pray for you.