I would like to take time to applaud those who are coming to Mass and cooperating with all that the bishop requires for us to be able to have public Masses again. I know I am happy with now being able to celebrate Mass with at least some of our parishioners. Let me also say that I respect those who, for various reasons, are not comfortable coming back to church for Mass yet. I am aware that some have continued to participate in the Mass that we continue to livestream on www.facebook.com/frbillelser and make available for people to participate in on Sunday by logging on to our parish website www.hsvsacredheart.com or downloading the link that we send out on Saturday evening to those who have given us their e-mail address.
I have been especially pleased with those who so want to participate in Mass live and receive Holy Communion (but do not, as yet, feel comfortable coming in to the church building) that they come to our parking lot Mass. Even when we moved that Mass to Sunday at noon this past weekend, we had more cars the second week (78) than we did at the first parking lot Mass (61). We will continue to do our best (if the weather at all allows) to offer one parking lot Mass on the weekend and work out any bugs (or challenges) we have with having Mass in this setting and making sure everyone receives Holy Communion who wants to and/or is able to receive.
Next weekend, we conclude the Easter Season with the great solemnity of Pentecost when Jesus first sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and since then to all those who are made adopted children of God in Baptism. I hope we have all witnessed "Spirit-filled" people who are risen to the challenges of this pandemic time and helped others who need help to be lifted up or even rescued from anxiety, fear and even depression. Please pray for those who work in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living places who have had to be "family" to those who have gone a long time without being able to visit in person with their biological family, friends and pastors, especially our Catholics who continue to not be able to receive Holy Communion AND those here and elsewhere who have had to wait to receive a sacrament or all the sacraments of initiation. May their spiritual longing for what Jesus and his Spirit bring be satified sooner than later!
I have been especially pleased with those who so want to participate in Mass live and receive Holy Communion (but do not, as yet, feel comfortable coming in to the church building) that they come to our parking lot Mass. Even when we moved that Mass to Sunday at noon this past weekend, we had more cars the second week (78) than we did at the first parking lot Mass (61). We will continue to do our best (if the weather at all allows) to offer one parking lot Mass on the weekend and work out any bugs (or challenges) we have with having Mass in this setting and making sure everyone receives Holy Communion who wants to and/or is able to receive.
Next weekend, we conclude the Easter Season with the great solemnity of Pentecost when Jesus first sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and since then to all those who are made adopted children of God in Baptism. I hope we have all witnessed "Spirit-filled" people who are risen to the challenges of this pandemic time and helped others who need help to be lifted up or even rescued from anxiety, fear and even depression. Please pray for those who work in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living places who have had to be "family" to those who have gone a long time without being able to visit in person with their biological family, friends and pastors, especially our Catholics who continue to not be able to receive Holy Communion AND those here and elsewhere who have had to wait to receive a sacrament or all the sacraments of initiation. May their spiritual longing for what Jesus and his Spirit bring be satified sooner than later!