April 2, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope that this letter finds you well.  You and your loved ones are in my prayers in this difficult time. I am writing to you about prayer in this time of pandemic.

Bishop McManus has asked that each parish in our diocese take one day - one 24 hour period - during which, from home, one or more of our parishioners would pray for an end to the Coronavirus pandemic, the healing of the sick, the salvation of the dead and the protection of healthcare workers and those who keep the necessities of life flowing in our nation and throughout the world.

Our Parish has picked April 9^th, Holy Thursday, as our day to pray in this particular way. We will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at St. Anne Church. We are inviting those who are able, to join us and spend some time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament but please be aware of the 10-person limit. Moreover, I am asking you to consider taking one hour on that day to pray from home. It could be by yourself or with your family. Some prayer suggestions follow. If you are able to take an hour on that day, please reply to me by email or Flocknotes with the hour you choose.

This time of pandemic must also be a time of prayer.  As Catholics, our part is not just isolating ourselves through social distancing, adapting and carrying on with the duties of our state in life.  As Catholics, our part is also to unite ourselves in prayer for the sick, our nation and the world.

Circumstances prevent us from physically uniting around the altar to celebrate the sacraments but they don’t prevent us from prayer.  May our fervent prayer unite us as one flock under one Shepherd --- the crucified and Risen Lord who is the hope of us all.

In Christ,
Fr. Alex, AA
Pastor