Wednesday, March 25, 2020
The Annunciation of the Lord
Greetings Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
First, I want to acknowledge the fact that I am very proud to be part of this awesome parish. In the last few weeks, we have displayed strength and hope in the face of a very serious crisis impacting everyone across the globe. Yes, there are feelings of fear, doubt, worry and some anger. But, I have witnessed many examples of generosity and a longing to pull beyond this real set of feelings toward a more centered and faith-filled stance….awesome soul searching.
As St. Paul says so profoundly in Romans: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that comes to us through Christ Jesus. Not the sword, famine, death, etc.” St. Paul says this from the point of view of a man greatly persecuted and in harm’s way. He displays such confidence in the face of adversity and anxiety.
This past Sunday we successfully attempted a livestream video on Facebook of the 9:00 a.m. Mass. During Mass approximately 350 people joined in while about 3500+ folks viewed the video throughout the day. While celebrating in an empty church building, it struck me that we are now sorrowfully required to “social distance” ourselves during this growing crisis. If we are to squash the virus we must cooperate in that social distancing. It makes perfect sense to me! However, it means learning to relate to one another without being together. As
David Brooks wrote recently in the NYT, “The great paradox, of course, is that we had to be set apart in order to feel together.”
It struck me that this social distancing is antithetical to the heart of the Eucharistic celebration. A gathering of believers is called to encounter the Living Christ in vibrant and “in-person” and sacramental ways. I guess, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” But we will be hungering for more than the livestreaming of Mass each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. That being said, we plan to continue livestreaming the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass for all of you using Facebook Live. The recording will also be available afterward on the Parish Facebook page at the link below this paragraph. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. You can click 'not now' when invited to login to Facebook. Click on "Videos" on the left hand side of the Facebook page. On the "Videos" Page, click on the red "live" button to watch the livestream starting at 9:00 AM Sunday. If you visit the "Videos" Page after the mass is over, you can click on the image of the mass to watch the recording.
This week we learned of the very sad news of the passing of Carol deBear a beloved parishioner who was very active in the parish, especially as a Eucharistic Minister. We offer prayers and support to her beloved husband Larrye and the family. Like them, our hearts are broken. She lived a very full life and fought a valiant fight against COVID-19 this past week.
Over a week ago, we assembled and distributed widely a message about the situation because Carol was a Eucharistic Minister. The statement had great input, advice, direction and support from the Town of Rocky Hill, the Central Connecticut Health District and the Archdiocese of Hartford. To read the entire statement I refer you to the front page of our website:
Due to the growing concern about the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Connecticut; the Archdiocese of Hartford, in sincere cooperation with the State of Connecticut directives, announced Tuesday March 24 that the suspension of all public Masses and liturgies will be extended to April 30. This, sad to say, will include Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. Of course we are all heart b
roken and these events will linger in our memories. In due time, we will celebrate the truth and freedom that comes with Easter once again!
Stay connected during the days ahead:
- Read the emails we will send out under this new address to keep you informed.
We are still very busy in the parish (maybe more than ever) with reaching out to the grieving, providing graveside services, rearranging postponed weddings, offering comfort to all by phone, emails and social media. We are still actively planning for our vibrant future as a parish. I kindly ask for your help in remembering us in prayers and your ongoing financial support. Many have already started to mail in offerings. Also, this may be an opportune time to consider online giving…to learn more and register,
Click Here
.
Be assured of my prayers and the prayers of the Staff, Pastoral Council, Finance Council and Trustees! Be Strong, Loving and Wise!!!!!
Fr. George Couturier
