3rd Sunday of Lent

     Last weekend I noted the guidance given by Bishop Callahan regarding some prudential considerations related to the Covid-19 virus, more popularly known as the “novel corona virus”.  Last week I commented on how these moves are prudent regardless of our attitude towards the threat that the Covid-19 virus represents since these are the same prudent moves we should be taking in the face of the virulent flu season we have experienced this year.

     What a difference a week makes.  The World Health Organization has now declared this viral outbreak to be a world pandemic; our President has suspended travel from China, most European countries, and others; A laundry list of major universities will be suspending face-to-face classes for at least a couple of weeks following spring break, some have already done so and are preparing to continue classes on-line; and the NBA has suspended its season, and many other major events cancelled.

     I have been in regular communication with our local school leadership and diocesan officials regarding our response to this crisis.  We have taken steps at Sacred Heart including sanitizing both the school and the entire worship space – especially the pews multiple times.  I will continue to dialogue with these officials, as well as consulting with my pastoral staff and councils where this seems necessary and / or prudent.

     If there are any questions regarding our response, I invite your inquiry via e-mail, phone, or personally.  We will keep you informed via our parish website, app, and our school and religious education program Facebook accounts.

     Most importantly, let us be calm, prudent, and proactive.  Washing hands, keeping them away from our faces – and each other, covering mouths when coughing, and all of the usual stuff we should be doing to limit the spread of the flu are the things we need to be doing to limit our exposure to this virus.  So, let us do so and continue living our lives, going about our daily duties, educating our children, and caring for our families until such time as further measures are deemed necessary by our public health officials.

     Most of all, let us pray; and in this month dedicated to St. Joseph, let us ask his intercession in a particular way who is the Guardian of the Redeemer and the Hammer of Satan.  I would also propose, after the example of Bishop Strickland of Tyler, Texas, that we follow the ancient example of holding Eucharistic processions “for repentance, Christ’s healing hand on the Coronavirus & that all men may be Godly, manly sons & disciples of His Son Jesus Christ.”  These processions will be held after the Masses at each of our parish churches next weekend as well as after our morning Mass this Tuesday.

     Finally, please bring to prayer the enclosed pastoral letter addressing the pastoral, liturgical, and spiritual issues connected to this pandemic.  It is the fruit of prayer and consideration over the situation and statements of the past week.