As we look with hope to the new calendar year and at some point a return to normal (whatever that means) due to the widespread use of the vaccine to combat and sooner than later defeat the coronavirus, it is always appropriate to look back to "soon to end" year 2020 were many, especially with the realities of the coronavirus which include missed Masses and for even more missed receptions of Holy Communion. Early on almost everyone, except for priests, were deprived of the Eucharist because public Masses were not happening due to the concerns of the coronavirus. The laity for a short while ( and for some all these many months) were encouraged to make a "Spiritual Communion" at the time the priest (and now others) receive Holy Communioin. I hope and pray that they will at some point come back to the reception of Holy Communion at Mass and recognize that it is one of the great blessings of our Catholic life that enable us to grow in our relationship with God and one another.
It's also due to the coronavirus and concerns about "getting it" that many people have been away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for longer than they ever have before. As I compose this column, I am hoping and praying that there will be a good turnout of people today (December 17) to receive the sacrament that graces us with God's forgiveness, that of the community of faith, and help to assist us in growing in virtue and our witness to Christ, especially his love and mercy. If you were not one of those who humbled yourself by receiving the Sacrement of Reconciliation during Advent to "prepare the way of the Lord" to come more deeply and strongly into your life, I pray you will not wait until the Lenten season to do so. I have temporarily moved the "Reconciliation Room" to the Library (which is next to our chapel) for safety and health reasons due to the coronavirus. I encourage you to come and experience the healing, comforting, peaceful touch of the Lord either at the normal times we offer the Sacrament as the front of the bulletin indicates. Doing so as we start a new calendar year, may inspire a more frequent reception of this Sacrament during the coming year, which hopefully will lead to more reasons to give thanks to God by the end of 2021. Drawing near to the Lord has many more rewards than we can ever imagine!
It's also due to the coronavirus and concerns about "getting it" that many people have been away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for longer than they ever have before. As I compose this column, I am hoping and praying that there will be a good turnout of people today (December 17) to receive the sacrament that graces us with God's forgiveness, that of the community of faith, and help to assist us in growing in virtue and our witness to Christ, especially his love and mercy. If you were not one of those who humbled yourself by receiving the Sacrement of Reconciliation during Advent to "prepare the way of the Lord" to come more deeply and strongly into your life, I pray you will not wait until the Lenten season to do so. I have temporarily moved the "Reconciliation Room" to the Library (which is next to our chapel) for safety and health reasons due to the coronavirus. I encourage you to come and experience the healing, comforting, peaceful touch of the Lord either at the normal times we offer the Sacrament as the front of the bulletin indicates. Doing so as we start a new calendar year, may inspire a more frequent reception of this Sacrament during the coming year, which hopefully will lead to more reasons to give thanks to God by the end of 2021. Drawing near to the Lord has many more rewards than we can ever imagine!