Dear Brothers and Sisters of St. Andrew the Apostle,
At the start of the COVID-19 restrictions in March of 2020, we isolated with our family, and in some cases, even had to isolate from them. On a personal note, my father had a stroke a week after Easter in 2020, and when my mother took him to the emergency room, she was told she could not wait with him; for more than a week, she could not support her husband in person in one of his greatest struggles. For her and for many others, the isolation was hard and sometimes unbearable.
Masses were open again to the public in May of 2020 with some restrictions, and more restrictions were lifted as we learned more about the virus and how it spreads and as the vaccine became available. We are still careful, seeking to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and the virus still has a hold in our state, our nation, and the world. However, we are coming together more and more - at Mass, as families, as friends, as a parish.
On Sunday, September 26, we will have two events that provide an opportunity to celebrate together. First, at the 12:30 PM Mass, the traditional choir will sing and after the Mass, we will have a ceremony to name our Peragallo organ and to thank the organ committee for their work in bringing this magnificent instrument to St. Andrew's. I encourage all to attend the Mass and celebrate with us. The three main pieces of the organ will be named after the three Archangels - St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael - whose feast day is September 29. As they give praise to God through their angelic works, the organ, too, lifts up our voices and our hearts to God in praise.
Following the Mass and presentation on September 26, we will hold a parish BBQ outside by the picnic tables, hosted by our Knights of Columbus Council #10947. All are invited and encouraged to bring a side dish to share. It's still a week away, but I hope that families will come together for this special day. I understand that some may not yet feel comfortable in a large group outside, so there is no pressure. This is the first of hopefully many parish get-togethers in the months and years ahead!
Those who attended the 10:30 AM Mass last week were blessed with the return of the traditional choir from their summer hiatus. Bill Miller, our Music Director, is recruiting members for the choir at the 10:30 AM Mass, as well as for the important ministry of cantoring at the 5:30 PM Vigil Mass and the 12:30 PM Sunday Mass. If you feel called to lead us in praise with the gift of your voice, I strongly encourage you to contact Bill at bill2400@aol.com. Those interested in joining the contemporary choir at the 9:00 AM Mass as a singer or a musician should contact Patty Laing at plaing@st-andrew.org. I'm praying for the continued growth of this vital ministry at the parish, which truly enhances our worship at Sunday Mass!
This Sunday we will begin our series on the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Please join Fr. Smith as he leads a discussion on Life and the Dignity of the Human Person. The talk begins at 2:00 PM in Hannan Hall. I thank Patty Laing for organizing these events to help us continue to grow in our understanding of the noble truths of our Catholic faith.
Thanks to all who participated in and organized the 10K/5K Fun Run this morning, and the spaghetti dinner that preceded it on Friday night. The proceeds from the event support our PTO and their great work supporting St. Andrew's School and its students. I was happy to start the athletic events of this morning with a prayer. My participation after that was limited to being a spectator, which suited me just fine!
Be assured of my prayers for all of you. Please pray for Fr. Smith and me as well! Pray also for those who will be beginning Religious Education and RCIA classes this week. We will be offering a blessing to our catechists at each of this weekend's Masses. May the Lord make their gracious work bear great fruit!
In Christ,
Fr. Wagner
