The Covid-19 pandemic is considered a natural disaster. There has been research on disaster recovery and response that is important to keep in mind.   Impacts on behavioral health often peak around six to nine months after the initial outbreak – a time frame we are now entering. For most, it is the experience of isolation and quarantine rather than exposure and illness that can cause health problems such as depression, anxiety, distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, fear, low self-esteem, and lack of self-control. When individuals feel loss of control along with associated stress, worry, and fear, it is very common for those feelings to be expressed outwardly in the form of frustration and anger. These feelings are frequently managed with substance use: alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, other drugs, pornography, etc. Violence against women increases after every type of disaster or emergency. Rates of intimate partner violence and child abuse have increased significantly in Washington State.

So, how are you doing?  Do you need to address an increase in unhealthy substance use or destructive behavior?  The temptation to turn toward self-medicating if not self-destructive behaviors may be at an all-time high. Do you need to find a better way of managing stress? Let’s all make a plan for healthy stress reduction.  I continue to make sure I am getting exercise, even when I don’t feel like it. I’m getting my prayer time in, and enjoying sitting on the patio these sunny days and just relaxing at times.  I also made a point of not having that glass of wine with dinner. I have also scheduled phone conversations with classmates, friends and family. I urge you to develop your own plan to take good care of yourself. And when needed, to seek out help.

The healthy response to disaster is resilience, rather than disorder. Resilience can be increased by:

o  Focusing on developing social connections, big or small

o  Reorienting and developing a sense of purpose

o  Becoming adaptive and flexible

o  Focusing on hope

As disciples of the Lord and members of the Body of Christ, we are called at all times, and especially at times like these, to foster our sense of community. Each of us has our own vocation and calling upon which this pandemic has placed new demands. Trusting in God’s grace can allow us to be flexible and creative. Let us be attentive to how God is with us, guiding us through these dark times and even making us stronger disciples.

We have been receiving a lot of requests for more than one family member to receive our parish emails, specifically the Newsletter. Our parish database is only capable of sending the primary email address to Constant Contact, our email provider. We now have a link where you can sign up for our emails. Please visit our website at www.stvincentparish.org or click the button below to add another email address to our contact list. For questions please contact Diana Carasa at dcarasa@stvincentparish.org.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our parish staff and parishioners, I am self-isolating until September 2^nd.   Three days after going out on a sick call to anoint a parishioner dying of cancer, a member of her household became ill and tested positive for Covid. While I and all in the house wore masks during my visit, I do not believe I was always six feet distant from this family member.  According to archdiocesan protocol, I am to quarantine myself for fourteen days from the time of the visit. 

Luckily (or providentially), Fr Tom is available to officiate at this weekend’s wedding and to preside at the Sunday Masses.   

I am feeling fine and have no symptoms of the virus. My pantry and fridge are well stocked (except for ice cream –but see above article on developing healthy habits).  I will be working from home and you can reach me by e-mail. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  

Facemasks AND social distancing, together with frequent hand washing are essential for us curb the rate of infection.  This is not the time to let our guard down. If you need to be with people outside of your household, even if they are close family or friends, wear a facemask and keep six feet distance.

-Fr. Bill

It has been a crazy summer with pandemic protocols changing weekly. The Pastor and Parish Staff have been discussing how these protocols will effect our regular programs. Now that the staff are all back from their summer break or vacations we are planning this years programs and what they will "Look" like. You will be receiving an email next week updating you on all of our Parish Programs. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is now scheduled for Friday and Saturday afternoons.   A reservation process will help limit the amount of time one needs to wait and therefor provide a safer environment.  You can make a reservation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4DADAC29A46-reconciliation.  To offer anonymity, you do not need to use your real name in making the reservation.

Reconciliation will be celebrated in the Holy Family Chapel at the west end of the South Narthex. Wait outside the South Narthex. Face Covering is mandatory.  Confession will take place at a screen. There are no face to face confessions at this time.

Anyone with any symptoms of Covid-19 must stay home. Call the parish office to arrange for the sacraments if you are sick.

For resources to prepare for this sacraments go to our parish web page https://www.stvincentparish.org/147.

We would like to wrap up our 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal Campaign but we can't until we reach our goal, we are still $37,000 away. Any shortfall the parish has will come out of the Parish's general budget. Please help us make our goal. If you have not yet made your 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal donation please click the link below.

Ways to give:

For more information, or for assistance, please contact Diana at dcarasa@stvincentparish.org

NOW ACCEPTING

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS

253.839.3532

Parishioners can purchase scrip gift cards on Wednesdays. Call the office on Wednesday morning to place the order. When you arrive at school, call the school office and they will take the order out to your car.