The Coronavirus has disrupted the rhythm of our daily lives. Our schools have been closed, our workplaces have been disrupted and our celebration of Mass has been postponed. The effects of these events have left us in many cases, frightened and disconnected. It is easy to feel like a ship that has broken away from its anchor and is floating helplessly in the high sea. In the midst of a storm, 1 John 5:4-5 tells us, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Yes, Jesus is our hope who will keep us anchored in the midst of this storm.
Even though our celebration of Mass has been interrupted and the social gatherings of our parish have been cancelled, we have not been separated in our spiritual communion with the Lord and with one another, which makes us one body in the Lord, His mystical body, united and strong.
Our call to stewardship has never been greater. Let us give our time to those separated from their families, especially the elderly and those in assisted living with a letter of hope or a phone call. We have many of our parishioners that use their talents in the medical field as doctors, nurses and pharmacists, as well as first responders. May we continue to pray for their safety. We are also called to share our treasures. We continue to pray for our parishioners who have experienced a loss of income in their household and the difficulties they face. Please remember to support our parish with your weekly offerings if you are able and most importantly, your prayers. The expenses remain the same: gas, electric, and so many other monthly expenses. You can make your offering on-line (https://www.stpatshub.org/donate/), by mail or drop your envelope off at the front door of the parish house.
We are so blessed to have Fr. Mike as our pastor, especially in these times. Be sure to follow Fr. Mike on our St. Patrick web page (www.stpatshub.org) and our St. Patrick Facebook page for live streaming of our weekend Mass, messages from Fr. Mike and upcoming Lenten devotions.
May we never allow our fear to outweigh our faith. Jesus, I trust in you!
Love you,
Deacon John