Amazing Hospitality! July 8, 2020

During this past week, I have received many texts and phone calls from my family and friends.  They are all wondering how my first week in the new parish is going.  I want you to know what I told them.  “It is amazing.  I have never felt so welcomed in all of my life.” 

I want to thank you for your warm hospitality in these beginning days.  Everyone, including our staff, has been so kind and helpful.  I am truly grateful for your kindness.
     
At the same time, I want to acknowledge with you what I shared with the staff on Monday.  Amid the excitement of any change, there is always grief.  We grieve what was and who was with us. 

One of the commonalities we all share at this point is the fact that we are in transition.  Transition brings all kinds of emotions ranging from excitement to fear to grief.  The other day I was in a local store and I was trying to explain to the woman that I serve at Saint Aidan Parish but live at Saint Alphonsus and work out of the offices at Saint Alexis.  She noted that her parish recently underwent a similar transition and admitted that she finds it difficult to let go of the old identity of her storied parish. 

Change is hard.  If only there were a button we could press or a switch we could flick to enter into change.  Unfortunately, it does not work that way.  Change is a process that takes time, patience, and trust.  Above all, change demands a particular openness.  We must always strive to be open to change.

I want to thank you for your openness to this change that we are living through.  As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, I believe that we will all persevere.  Jesus and a relationship with him lived out in the community of the Church is what our faith is all about.  It is not about buildings, names, territories etc.  It is about Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.  In John’s gospel, Jesus says, “I come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.”  (John 10:10)
     
Thanks to all those who coordinated the outdoor Masses in the parking lot at Saint Alexis.  We continue to celebrate Sunday Mass outdoors for the safety of everyone.  In addition, the outdoor Masses do not have a limit on the capacity as long as everyone wears a mask and practices social distancing.  The other value in the outdoor Masses is that we do not have engage in cleaning the pews and bathrooms after every Mass.  We simply do not have the staff to continuously clean the churches. 
      
We also continue to celebrate the Live Stream Mass in Saint Alphonsus Church every Sunday at 7:00 a.m.  Please know that the reception of Holy Communion should never be separated from the Holy Mass.  It is an integral part of the Holy Mass.  As a result, we are no longer able to provide the Eucharist in the parking lot at Saint Alphonsus following Holy Mass.  The Eucharist is available at the outdoor Masses.  We certainly do not want to reduce the reception of Holy Communion, so sacred, to a drive through experience. 
      
Please know that the Saint Alphonsus Church presents challenges in this COVID-19 time for public Masses.  In no way should this be construed that the church will not be used.  Please be assured that Saint Alphonsus Church will remain open.  We just cannot use it at this time.  Once we have a new Finance and Pastoral Council in place, we can address the issue of a bathroom for this building.  I pray that this is sooner rather than later.
    
Finally, weekday Mass is available in Saint Alexis Church every day Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.  Everyone must sign in and wear a mask.  This Mass has the capability of being live streamed.  We are in need of some volunteers to assist with this effort.  If you are able to help, please contact the Parish Center or our Youth Minister, David at 724-935-4343 extension 227.  David has carried the entire responsibility of the live streaming.  Thank you, David!