“
Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.
”
Ephesians 5.14b
Dear brothers and sisters,
I pray that you are all doing well, especially in light of the situation that we are all facing together, as a community, as a nation, as a people. I want to update you with how the parish is responding to our current situation as it affects our normal activities.
Daily and Sunday Masses
have been suspended effective immediately, per Archbishop Hebda, as he responds to the call of trying to help stop the spread of the virus. All regularly scheduled Mass times at Presentation have been suspended, until further notice. Mass will still be celebrated privately by Fr Peter for the intentions of those who have requested for it.
Friday Stations of the Cross
have been cancelled. I encourage all who love this devotion to continue it still where you are able. Here is a video you can use:
Stations of the Cross
Adoration
of our Lord will continue for the time being. The Chapel will be cleaned daily and I ask that Adorers spread out and use the entire chapel space. Also, as many of our Adorers are elderly, we are looking at the possibility of consolidating the hours to ensure its sustainability during these days. A notification will be sent out once a decision is made.
Gatherings
: With all of the recommendations that have been given, all non-essential parish ministry and group meetings that were scheduled on campus have been cancelled until further notice. Any essential meetings at the parish will require permission from Fr Peter.
Cancelled are, but not limited to: Wednesday Bible Studies, Girl/Scouts/Cub Scout Meetings, all Parish Ministry meetings, Ham Bingo, 500 Club, Bridge Club, Friday Soup Suppers and the final Fish Fry.
PBVM School
: The school staff are working hard on educational plans for our students during all of this. K-4 teachers have assembled learning packets for each student to use throughout the days to come. Middle school teachers have also assembled a combination of print and online learning materials/access. Teachers will send their own email to parents with expectations for the use of the packets or online learning activities. Our school staff will be available remotely from 8:00am-1:00pm (Mondays through Fridays). Families can contact teachers via email during these hours if you have any questions or concerns.
Parish Center Office Hours
will continue during normal hours, however, as concerns continue to arise about the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus, we ask that parishioners not stop by the office unnecessarily. If possible, please conduct any business over the phone or by email. If it is absolutely necessary that you come to the office, please call to make an appointment with the staff member that you would like to make a visit with ahead of time. We are working to obtain a secure mailbox for the Parish Center so that parishioners can drop off their envelopes or any mail, knowing that it will be secure.
Parish office number:
651.777.8116
Parish email:
mail@PresentationOfMary.org
Pastoral Care
: the Parish still desires to perform its most important duty, and that is tending to the well-being of the faithful. Although visits may be discouraged/not allowed at this time, especially to our homebound members, please do not hesitate to contact the parish if you would like Fr Peter to call and check on loved ones and to pray with them over the phone. Please do not hesitate to contact the parish as well if you or another family is in need of anything, if even to talk about what is going on, for prayer, and though we are not able to provide financial assistance, we may be able to direct them to other resources as well.
Electronic Giving
: I prayerfully ask the faithful to consider switching over to electronic giving during these days, especially in light of the suspension of all scheduled Masses. Places of worship rely on their members to keep the daily operations moving, thus, in the midst of all these challenges, I ask that you not to forget that the parish can only continue its operations from the generosity of its members.
These are indeed challenging times, but please remember that Christ Jesus has already conquered the world for us. Now we just need to make sure that we continue to keep our eyes fixed on him so that we don’t waver in our faith, especially during times of trial.
During these times, the Christian people are called to a light to the world, to bring hope and peace to those around them. Let us not forget that duty that we have been given as we continue to live out that life we have been given as a child of God. Help us to direct our good works always back to the Source Himself, Christ Jesus, who is the wellspring of our hope.
Be assured of my continued prayers and love for each of you. I ask that you remember in your prayers the parish and school staff, and our entire parish family as well. Pray also for our local shepherd, Archbishop Hebda. Leading others during times of trial are never easy, let us continue to support him with our prayers.
We will try to keep our website, Facebook page and emails updated regularly.
God bless,
Father Peter Ly
Fr.Ly@PresentationOfMary.org
