One of the hard and harsh realities of the effects of the Coronavirus and the restrictions that have been imposed to slow the spread of the virus until it abates, is that when people are dying these days, the family is not in position to plan a normal funeral for their loved one, but instead have their loved one buried or interred and a formal service (or for Catholics a memorial Mass) be scheduled when the situation is such that people can gather for such a service. At this time we have had the deaths of parishioners, Ralph Zelhofer, Marshall Garrison, Ed Cudworth, Rosemary DiMayo, Tom Geraci and most recently on Easter Sunday, Jeff Giedt. The inability of much of the families of these parishioners to come here now as well as the parish family not being able to come to church for a funeral Mass to offer comfort to the family is both challenging and difficult for them. They (the deceased and their family members) certainly need our prayers and support at this time. I encourage you, even if you did not know these departed parishioners to consider sending a card or note of condolence to one of the immediate family members. The following are mostly local and their addresses are in the pictorial directory or on our parish website www.hsvsacredheart.com: Mary Zelhofer (wife), Evelyn Garrison (wife), Judy Geraci (wife), Arlene Giedt (mother), Mark Dimayo (son) at 43 Alicante Way, HSV and Chris (daughter of Ed Cudworth) at 1480 W. Barrows Road, Hastings, NE 68901. As most all of us have more time on our hands to do some things that are not normally on our schedule, this corporal work of mercy is one way we can help someone who is hurting to know that they and their deceased loved on are in our thoughts and prayers.
For those with computers, consider sending a note to a resident at Good Samaritan's Nursing Home. Go to www.good-sam.com/hsv, look for the "Send a Note" in the box with the header "Good Samaritan - Hot Springs Village," click on SEND A NOTE and enter your kind and encouraging words and make sure you select "I am not a robot" before hitting the SEND button. We have parishioners Frank Kulas, Bob Lasher, Don Pilz, Jean Palazzotto and Rusty Winters living there now. You may also send your note with the heading "Resident" or "Friend" and your note will be read to someone there who needs cheering up.
We have a chance to "Be Christ" to people who are in need in various ways and I encourage you to reach out during this Easter Season to these and other people who need to know that they are loved and remembered in this difficult time.
For those with computers, consider sending a note to a resident at Good Samaritan's Nursing Home. Go to www.good-sam.com/hsv, look for the "Send a Note" in the box with the header "Good Samaritan - Hot Springs Village," click on SEND A NOTE and enter your kind and encouraging words and make sure you select "I am not a robot" before hitting the SEND button. We have parishioners Frank Kulas, Bob Lasher, Don Pilz, Jean Palazzotto and Rusty Winters living there now. You may also send your note with the heading "Resident" or "Friend" and your note will be read to someone there who needs cheering up.
We have a chance to "Be Christ" to people who are in need in various ways and I encourage you to reach out during this Easter Season to these and other people who need to know that they are loved and remembered in this difficult time.