The renovation of the church has been going on now for six weeks. We have been in Trinity Hall for weekend masses the past five. It has been a time for everybody to pull together to keep Holy Trinity stable as we move forward.
250 chairs needed moving. The altar, the tabernacle and pulpit all had to migrate to the new location. Ushers and greeters needed to help parishioners find the new Hall and then squeeze them into chairs. Some have had to stand during mass. The choir had to find a new place to sing. We’ve been on a pilgrimage.
It’s been a little uncomfortable, hasn’t it? Sitting so close together after we’d just gotten use to “social distancing” made many uneasy. But all in all, we did quite well I think. Many thanks to all who helped make this journey possible. And to you who have been so patient . . . thank you.
But next week we’ll be home. Home for Easter! What a fitting Sunday to re-enter our newly freshened church and sanctuary.
How symbolic of Lent these weeks have been. Classic signs of penance (prayer, fasting, almsgiving) were there each week. We learned how to pray better with Fr. McKeon. We had to do without the old and familiar ways church feels. We stepped up to send help to the people of Ukraine. (It was the second largest Penny Sun- day in ten years). We (I) fretted about the new church colors.
So how have these weeks been for you? New? A challenge? Enlightening? If so, good for you. Perhaps it’s been nothing special.
Same old, same old. Okay. Maybe you had to tend to other things. Maybe this wasn’t your Lent to grow.
Either way, what matters now is . . . now. What is God offering you to do? He’s always got something on His mind for you. Along with your daily duties, your personal ruminations and thoughts about life, may I suggest a couple things as springtime is about to begin.
- Come to the Holy Week liturgies beginning this Thursday. Each day takes us through the events by which Jesus Christ saves the world from meaninglessness.
- Do something special with friends and family on Easter Sunday, because that day tells us we can hope for Eternal Life. Start with Mass of course!
- This spring, see in the new life of nature, God’s promise to constantly renew the earth for us. Be resolved to love Mother Earth by how you treat her.
- Do something life giving. Something you haven’t done in a while. Take a trip, see something beautiful, cook a special meal for the ones you love.
- Be a friend . . . a really good friend, to someone who needs it.
- Forgive the hurt you’ve been given.
- Ask God to do something new in you.
So here we go. Holy Week. May God give you a special grace to know He is with you.
See you in Church!
Fr. Tim
