Dear Parishioners,
Along with the rest of the world, We Illinosians have been asked to stay at home if possible and limit contact with others in an effort to help stop the spread of the COVID-19.
If you’ve been inside for days on end amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be getting a little stir-crazy — or at the very least, feeling a little bored. Or maybe, even a lot!
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We have a unique opportunity here: we can make the COVID-19 crisis into moments of positive time with family, video time with friends, alone time with just our thoughts, or nap-time. (Imitate our patron, St Joseph. When he was in doubt, he took a nap. But be careful—when you wake up, there might be solutions/activities you never even dreamed of.) Adjusting to a life of social distancing can be a challenge for many reasons. It might seem like there isn’t much to do while sitting at home but I encourage you to make the most of this time.
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Here are some activities that include webcams, online tours, exhibits, sneak peeks, family activities, games and lots more you can enjoy (at a safe distance) in the face of this pandemic.
- Take time for family recreation, meals together, and meaningful conversation. If you haven't yet registered at Formed.org, now is a good time. Sign-up. Instructions can be found on our webpage HERE.
- Do some spring cleaning. For families, that would mean having the children (mom and dad as well), go through toys and or clothes they don't use or have outgrown. (Remember last year’s Lenten activity? We’ve all had an extra year to collect again, so maybe now is a great time to once again “Lighten Up?”)
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- Go outdoors. It’s amazing what a little fresh air can do. Open up the house and air it out. Buy some seeds and plant a container garden.
- Activities around home include going for walks that will keep you a safe distance from people in and around your neighborhood; getting the yard ready for that next mow; raking leaves; picking up limbs, etc.
- Teach the children how to journal, do puzzles, write letters to family members (yes, get out a pen and paper). Have them write short stories or write a book with your family. Pick a character and each member writes a chapter about their adventures. You don’t have to use this time to write the next great American novel, but hold on to them and include it with the kids’ box o‘ stuff you hand them when they move out.
- HERE is a Covid-19 Time Capsule packet to do with the kids and place it in their memory box for the future.
- If you are feeling more of an international vibe, both the Louvre and the Vatican have uploaded virtual tours of their world-famous exhibits.
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Although I’ve mostly focused on those who have time on their hands, I realize there are plenty of people who don’t have time to be bored. There are those who are essential workers and are tasked with making sure our country is kept healthy, safe, clean, stocked with essential items and just running in general. There are those who are working from home and trying to make the best of what is surely a difficult transition. There are those families who may in addition be struggling to help their children through remote learning. Still those who find themselves with college students home and navigating new parental and young adult norms. To those families I want to say that I realize these transitions may be difficult. SJW is here and wants to support you.
Please reach out and tell us how we can help.
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We are praying for all our families and together let us pray for a rapid end to the corona virus that has impacted so many lives. Help Us Be the Church Volunteers needed for those who are healthy and available to run errands and check-in with our home bound.
My goal is to continue to be here for you through our staff, digital media, on-line Mass, our new Phone Tree Calling program (which is being very well received) and being available to help spiritually guide and support you.
Blessings,
Fr. John Nolan
Pastor
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“Human beings are not real great about endless time at home,
not really knowing what to do with yourself,” (Lauren Murray)
In other words, we’re not great at having free time.
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St. Joseph the Worker
700 E Spruce St
Chatham, IL 62629
Phone:
217-483-3772
Fax:
217-483-4581
Email:
stjos@comcast.net
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If you have moved or are no longer a member of
St. Joseph the Worker, please contact our office or reply to this email
so that we may make the necessary changes
to our database.
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