Many of us will experience a Christmas unlike any we have experienced before. With the stay-at-home orders issued by the government, and the general concern regarding the spread of COVID, our ability and willingness to gather with others has been significantly diminished. Yet nothing can stop us from commemorating the birth of our Savior.

We will continue to have outdoor celebrations of the Eucharist. Confessions will be moved outdoors. The Dec. 12 celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe will include an outdoor rosary, singing, and a Mass, but no food or socializing. Similarly, the traditional Filipino celebration of Simbang Gabi will be limited to the normally scheduled Masses and a prayer said shortly before each of these. For more information on these, as well as our Christmas Eve and Day schedule, click here.

At a recent Zoom meeting with all parish pastors, Bishop McElroy voiced grave concerns about the spread of COVID. He has asked that parishioners not socialize after Mass. He has allowed us to keep our church buildings open for individual private prayer and for live-stream events, but not for anything else. That means that we will not be having exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as we have been doing. Also, if it rains, Mass will be cancelled.

Our faith formation classes continue, including small discipleship groups of teens that meet in person. Various ministries, such as Crafters, Mental Health, and Food for Families remain busy. We have taken literally tons of food to the Trinitarians of Mary (a women’s religious order) for them to distribute to the poor.

The parish office remains open and the staff is working. If you need our assistance, phone or email. We will be having a group of volunteers calling all registered parishioners to check in on them.

Know that you are in my prayers. I appreciate all of you who have given of your time, talent, and treasure, especially in this most unusual year. I pray that you not succumb to discouragement and experience the presence of the Lord who is truly with us.