The other day I ran across a list compiled by the Texas Medical Association which listed activities that they considered least risky to most risky to do that could lead or not lead to infection from the Coronavirus. Firstly, I like the fact that it lists "activities" since it is important that nobody lets the threat of contracting the Coronavirus paralyze them to inaction (which itself has negative consequences for mind, body and/or spirit). While the riskiest activities were going to a bar or a sports stadium (obviously for an event) and church services of over 500 people gathered together, not surprisingly, the least risky activity was listed as opening ones mail, getting restaurant take-out and playing tennis (which I do a couple times a week). I have to say that I would confidently add to that list of the least risky activities, coming for personal prayer to our Eucharistic adoration chapel. I would also say that in this time of pandemic, it is one of the best and healthiest things that you, I or anyone could do. Firstly, it is one place where masks are truly optional and not needed for sure if one is alone in the chapel. We have pews roped off in such a way that even if more than one person is in there, there is an appropriate distance roped off that keeps everyone in there (which is usually 1 or 2 people) safely apart. Since SILENCE is to be observed at all times in the chapel, nobody is in danger of infection from someone emitting anything contagious from their mouths (unless they cough or sneeze out into the open) and we STRONGLY urge anyone with that issue not to come to the chapel or be very conscious of where they cough or sneeze.
Then, of course there are the TREMENDOUS benefits of coming to the chapel to pray (which can bring us comfort, peace and/or strength from the Lord) and to meditate on the words of Jesus especially those spoken more than a few times in the Gospels "Be not afraid" that can calm our fears including fears brought about because of the Coronavirus. You may actually come to the chapel anytime 24/7, seven days a week if you know the code at our coded door and where the light switch is (if it is dark). We are currently in need of some hourly "pray-ers" to cover times in our adoration chapel. Please look for those times in a bulletin announcement this week and call the phone number listed OR just drop by for a few minutes or longer and participate in this safe and most beneficial activity. I will admit that I could not do without it, and many in our parish, I believe would say the same! I hope and pray you add your name to that list SOON!
Then, of course there are the TREMENDOUS benefits of coming to the chapel to pray (which can bring us comfort, peace and/or strength from the Lord) and to meditate on the words of Jesus especially those spoken more than a few times in the Gospels "Be not afraid" that can calm our fears including fears brought about because of the Coronavirus. You may actually come to the chapel anytime 24/7, seven days a week if you know the code at our coded door and where the light switch is (if it is dark). We are currently in need of some hourly "pray-ers" to cover times in our adoration chapel. Please look for those times in a bulletin announcement this week and call the phone number listed OR just drop by for a few minutes or longer and participate in this safe and most beneficial activity. I will admit that I could not do without it, and many in our parish, I believe would say the same! I hope and pray you add your name to that list SOON!