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Rev. Marc A. Vicari, Pastor of St. Cassian Church
The Most Holy Trinity June 7, 2020
Dear Parishioners:
I received a text message from a friend yesterday that simply said, “These are crazy times, Padre!” At the same time, one of the Facebook comments from Sunday Mass was a simple, “Love Your Neighbor.” No doubt we would all agree with these statements. Between the lingering effects of covid-19 as well as the social unrest, it is making for the “perfect storm” of difficult times.
Like all of you, undoubtedly, I condemn the senseless and cruel killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. How can we all not be aghast at, not only the video of the killing, but the disregard for a human life? Like many of you, I wholeheartedly stand behind the peaceful protesters seeking justice and peace and needed change. I would ask you all to read the statement, in this bulletin, of our Archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, regarding George Floyd’s death.
The national turmoil that has resulted is also unfortunate and is unquestionably delaying our physical and economic recovery from the virus. I prayed on Pentecost Sunday and I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would bring renewal to the face of the earth and that there would be unity in our country and in our lives so that together we can fight these crises. The crisis of the virus and the crisis of injustice when innocent life is taken.
This upcoming Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a feast that recognizes and celebrates the unity of God as perfect love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Theologically, it’s the day that we recognize that from the Father and the Son a love comes forth which is the Holy Spirit. These days we can pray that the hatred in our world and in our lives will be replaced with love, similar to the love of the Holy Trinity that results in complete unity. Authentic love brings unity and it is what we need now more than ever. I ask that we as a Christian people, we pray more than ever for this unity.
I want to use this message also to communicate an update about the reopening of our churches. Since the Governor announced the other day that we are entering Phase Two soon, I would expect that we will be given the go ahead to begin celebrating daily and small Masses publicly soon. As of right now, I’m not sure what the Archdiocesan guidelines will be. For example, how many people will be allowed in the church at once and what other protocols might be necessary? As I find out, I will be making them known to you all.
At the same time, realize that masks will certainly still be required and I would encourage you to again read the bulletin article that tells us “What to Expect When Churches Reopen.” We will probably require some kind of reservation system to be in so that we can accommodate you all and we are working on this now in the Parish Office.
At the same time, realize that masks will certainly still be required and I would encourage you to again read the bulletin article that tells us “What to Expect When Churches Reopen.” We will probably require some kind of reservation system to be in so that we can accommodate you all and we are working on this now in the Parish Office.
Of course, Phase Three will mean that we are open for Sunday Masses. Obviously, we don’t know when that will begin and we all hope sooner rather than later. In the meantime, please note that we are going to go our regular, annual summer schedule for Sunday Masses. When the time comes that we can have public Sunday Masses, we will celebrate the regular 5:30 Saturday evening Mass, followed by the Sunday 7:30, 9 30 and 11:30 Masses. We will continue to live stream to accommodate those who are either compromised or believe it is best not to come to church for health reasons. The Cardinal continues to grant a dispensation for those people who cannot attend for those reasons. Again, this is all a while down the road, but I want you all to be updated as much as possible.
These are crazy times. These are difficult times for a number of reasons. We need to continue to pray for the peace and unity that only our Triune God can bring.
Prayers and blessings,
Fr. Marc A. Vicari,
Pastor