Hello Friends.
I thought it was time to talk to you about our plans (and possible plans) going forward in the days leading up to the holidays and winter to follow.
As you know we’re facing an increase of “positivity” of the Covid virus in our region, state and across the nation. Recent protocols are using a color code that signals the number and manner by which people can safely gather.
For Houses of Worship RED signifies 25% of building capacity OR 10 people. ORANGE allows for 33% capacity OR 25 persons. YELLOW permits 50% capacity. Holy Trinity has been operating the last 6 weeks at the yellow level and we’ve had 450 to 500 attend our 3 weekend masses.
I so hope we can continue at the YELLOW level for Christmas and beyond. However . . . the color level may change in the weeks ahead severely limiting the number of people at each mass. IF we go to RED or ORANGE the staff and liturgy committee have decided we will return to “Livestream Mass attendance” only. (You’ll remember we were locked down like that once before from March to early June).
WHAT ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS MASSES?
We’ve been working on that. The parish staff and I will publish procedures for Christmas mass attendance in a couple weeks. IF WE ARE STILL AT 50% CAPACITY (YELLOW), THERE WILL BE A SIGN-UP PRIOR TO THE HOLYDAY. (Details as to how to sign up will be published the weekend of December 6. We’ll make it simple to do!)
We’ve never had to do this before have we? But when you consider the usual Christmas mass attendance is between 2,100 to 2,500 we have to find away to limit the size of the gatherings. The Livestream will, of course, televise all the Christmas masses.
Stay tuned.
In the meantime . . . how are you? Fr. John and I are weathering things fairly well. What could a couple old men need but a pot of chili (faithfully supplied by you wonderful parishioners), some books and some beer?
I can only imagine what some of you are going through with infants, homeschooling, day care, two jobs, vulnerable parents, etc. You are heroes.
I’ve been trying to find ways in these extraordinary days to, not just “cope”, but to find in them opportunities to grow as Christians. See what you think.
- I can’t think of a better time to learn how to pray. Daily recited prayers are wonderful. Keep them up. But mental prayer and meditation can take you deeper into the mystery of God’s love for you. Suggested reading: Opening to God , Thomas H. Green SJ.
- Be determined to “go out of yourself” in reaching out to someone (not just family) to see how they are. There are people struggling out there. I bet you know one of them.
- Know your own tempo. Every day has peaks of busyness and some quieter times. Each carry a different emotional level. Sadness can happen at some point in your day (perhaps with evening fall). Accept it. Offer it up. It will pass.
- Have a little ritual to renew yourself each day. The British have “afternoon tea”. It’s a pause that calms and regenerates. Fr. John and I sit together in the kitchen each day @ noon. (I pretend that I’m listening to him!)
- Finish your day with prayers for your loved ones living and deceased.
So here we go……the holidays are coming ……. let’s be our best selves.
Fr. Tim
