Posted on September 6, 2020 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!
Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ!
After considering and studying the norms put out by the Archdiocese, we have decided that we will not have Catechism at this first semester. We will look for some other creative ways to continue our catechesis, and those details will be forthcoming soon. We will, however, still have classes with some regularity for our First Communion children. We will not be preparing anyone for Confirmation this upcoming year. We apologize for any inconvenience any of this may cause, but we wouldn’t be able to follow the norms put out by the Archdiocese. We will reassess the situation at the beginning of Advent to determine if we can resume normal activities after Christmas.
Secondly, this is just a reminder regarding prudence in following the guidelines that have been issued for us. The State of Ohio has mandated the use of masks while inside public buildings. Please continue to be conscious of those around you and their sensibilities. Please do not gather outside of Church following Mass on the sidewalk. Fr. Felten Hall remains closed to large gatherings but remains open for people to use the restroom and grab a cup of coffee. We have opened up the garden behind Church if people wish to gather outside. The governor has made it clear that while I am not the enforcer of his policies, I do have an obligation to inform everyone of his policies. Please also be conscious of the policies that we have put in place. Thank you for your cooperation.
Thirdly, I am asking that if you need to speak to a priest after Mass, need something blessed, or have some other issue that you go to the Communion Rail after Mass and get one of the servers’ attention and let him know. Please do not come through the sanctuary and go to the sacristy. If you know you will be going to the Communion Rail, it would be good if you call the office in advance so that the priest is aware and to ensure there is no other obligation or meeting after Mass on the part of the priest. The priest is usually making a quick thanksgiving and trying to clean up the sacristy after Mass. The sacristy is also meant to be a place of quiet and prayer, as the extension of the sanctuary. It is also generally not a good habit to walk through the sanctuary needlessly, as the place where the Holy Sacrifice is offered. Thank you for observing these requests!
Lastly, it is with sadness that I let everyone know that Jim O’Shaughnessy, our office manager, has accepted a job offer that was made to him and will be leaving us. His last day will be October 1. I thank Jim for his service to our parishes, and I wish him well in the future. I will be considering the needs of the parishes over the next week before I post his job. His job will most likely become a facilities manager position. Please keep a watch on the bulletin for further information.
This week we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please find this reflection from St. Augustine, from the Roman Breviary for the feast day. Have a blessed week!
“Eve wept, but Mary laughed. Eve’s womb was big with tears, but Mary’s womb was big with gladness. Eve gave birth to a sinner, but Mary gave birth to the sinless One. The mother of our race brought punishment into the world, but the Mother of our Lord brought salvation into the world. Eve was the foundress of sin, but Mary was the foundress of righteousness. Eve welcomed death, but Mary helped in life. Eve smote, but Mary healed. For Eve’s disobedience, Mary offered obedience and for Eve’s unbelief, Mary offered faith.” – St. Augustine, The Roman Breviary