Memo from Msgr. Raun - Thursday, May 21st, 2020
My dear family,
Greetings in the Risen Lord!
TREASURES FROM THE QUARANTINE:
The Treasure of Quietness
In the beginning of the shutdown, many people panicked. Not knowing what to do, they turned to default activities like binge-watching television or playing video games.But after a while, boredom set in.
In a new desire to live in the moment and deal with inner turmoil, many decided to buy Bibles or read them for the first time. Some began serious Bible study—looking for hope. Others turned to the Internet, searching biblical websites for ways to address their fears and concerns or to learn more about Jesus.
Many began to meditate on and memorize Scriptures. God’s people become stronger in times of quietness coupled with faith—complete dependence on Him. He designed us to need time with Him in His Word and prayer.
God gave us creative minds for planning and dreaming, and during COVID-19, many set aside busyness and found more time for quiet contemplation and creative thinking. The Lord wants us to cease striving and relax in His presence. When everything churns around us, we can choose to quiet our hearts before Him. We can find rest and peace as we review His character and love for us.
Slow down and practice God’s presence in regular quiet times. Instead of focusing on bad news in the media, reflect on the good news of who God is, remembering He is in complete control!
Push away from distractions, read the Word, and meditate on what you read. Memorize key scriptures that you wish you had known during the current pandemic. Pray for a new adventure with the Lord that will help you grow, encourage and bless others, and bring honor to His name.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Dawn Wilson Crosswalk.com
BELOVED SENIOR PARISHIONERS, LET NOT YOU HEARTS BE TROUBLED! My, my, some of you get stirred up quite easily!
The parish has said (and this is quoting the Archdiocese) We encourage high risk parishioners to stay at home. (High risk of course means that you are older and/or have a serious health condition.) We did NOT say "High-risk parishioners are forbidden to go to Mass", or "High-risk parishioners are banned from going to Mass".
But some of you read it that way. Friends, we don't want to be "touchy" on the subject of our age! And I say this as a 64 year-old insulin-dependent diabetic who has been "strongly encouraged" by his Archbishop not to personally give Communion to the faithful.
As long as you don't have the coronavirus and wear a mask, no one is going to stop you from going to Mass. But dear people, think. I have just come 30 minutes ago from blessing the body of one of our parishioners who died of Covid 19. Both of our parishioners who have died of the coronavirus were in their eighties. Nationally, 85% of the people who have died in the epidemic have been 65 years old or older. Do you really expect me to say "We encourage high-risk parishioners to come to Mass"? (My, would that make the headlines.)
As I listen to those I consider to be reasonable and well-informed people, our way out of this crises without many more deaths will involve a gradual lifting of restrictions, all the while protecting the most vulnerable among us. Ultimately, you are the only one to be able to judge how vulnerable you are and how safe you feel going out. All I know is, I really don't want to have to bless any more bodies of my beloved parishioners who have died of the coronavirus.
NEW CONFESSION TIMES:
Monday through Friday - 5 pm
Saturday - 2:30 pm
You need to be in the church at those times if you wish to confess. When the last penitent in line has confessed, the priest will not wait around: he will go home!
LET US PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER from one of our wonderful Care Callers, Sharon Purtell...
Could you ask for prayers for Mrs. P. S. Please? She is a parishioner who I would take Communion to. Her daughter called to tell me she fell and is in the ER. Thank you.
HOLINESS TIP for Making Prayers of Petition More Effective
Thanksgiving & Honor
Prioritize giving God thanks, honor, glory and praise. No friend wants to be objectified and neither does the Lord!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matt. 6:33)
WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF MAY - PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE:
- People are mad about not being able to go places. Please! I was grounded about 90% of the time between 7th and 12th grade. I trained for this.
-So you're staying inside, practicing social distancing, and cleaning yourself? Congratulations! You've become a house cat.
OUR PRAYER FOR THE DAY: being the month of May, a consecration to our Lady...
My Queen, My Mother, I offer
myself entirely to thee.
And to show my devotion to thee,
I offer thee this day, my eyes,
my ears, my mouth, my heart,
my whole being without reserve.Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own,
keep me, guard me as thy property and possession.
Amen.
I send you my fatherly blessing, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen !
Msgr. Doug Raun
Greetings in the Risen Lord!
TREASURES FROM THE QUARANTINE:
The Treasure of Quietness
In the beginning of the shutdown, many people panicked. Not knowing what to do, they turned to default activities like binge-watching television or playing video games.But after a while, boredom set in.
In a new desire to live in the moment and deal with inner turmoil, many decided to buy Bibles or read them for the first time. Some began serious Bible study—looking for hope. Others turned to the Internet, searching biblical websites for ways to address their fears and concerns or to learn more about Jesus.
Many began to meditate on and memorize Scriptures. God’s people become stronger in times of quietness coupled with faith—complete dependence on Him. He designed us to need time with Him in His Word and prayer.
God gave us creative minds for planning and dreaming, and during COVID-19, many set aside busyness and found more time for quiet contemplation and creative thinking. The Lord wants us to cease striving and relax in His presence. When everything churns around us, we can choose to quiet our hearts before Him. We can find rest and peace as we review His character and love for us.
Slow down and practice God’s presence in regular quiet times. Instead of focusing on bad news in the media, reflect on the good news of who God is, remembering He is in complete control!
Push away from distractions, read the Word, and meditate on what you read. Memorize key scriptures that you wish you had known during the current pandemic. Pray for a new adventure with the Lord that will help you grow, encourage and bless others, and bring honor to His name.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Dawn Wilson Crosswalk.com
BELOVED SENIOR PARISHIONERS, LET NOT YOU HEARTS BE TROUBLED! My, my, some of you get stirred up quite easily!
The parish has said (and this is quoting the Archdiocese) We encourage high risk parishioners to stay at home. (High risk of course means that you are older and/or have a serious health condition.) We did NOT say "High-risk parishioners are forbidden to go to Mass", or "High-risk parishioners are banned from going to Mass".
But some of you read it that way. Friends, we don't want to be "touchy" on the subject of our age! And I say this as a 64 year-old insulin-dependent diabetic who has been "strongly encouraged" by his Archbishop not to personally give Communion to the faithful.
As long as you don't have the coronavirus and wear a mask, no one is going to stop you from going to Mass. But dear people, think. I have just come 30 minutes ago from blessing the body of one of our parishioners who died of Covid 19. Both of our parishioners who have died of the coronavirus were in their eighties. Nationally, 85% of the people who have died in the epidemic have been 65 years old or older. Do you really expect me to say "We encourage high-risk parishioners to come to Mass"? (My, would that make the headlines.)
As I listen to those I consider to be reasonable and well-informed people, our way out of this crises without many more deaths will involve a gradual lifting of restrictions, all the while protecting the most vulnerable among us. Ultimately, you are the only one to be able to judge how vulnerable you are and how safe you feel going out. All I know is, I really don't want to have to bless any more bodies of my beloved parishioners who have died of the coronavirus.
NEW CONFESSION TIMES:
Monday through Friday - 5 pm
Saturday - 2:30 pm
You need to be in the church at those times if you wish to confess. When the last penitent in line has confessed, the priest will not wait around: he will go home!
LET US PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER from one of our wonderful Care Callers, Sharon Purtell...
Could you ask for prayers for Mrs. P. S. Please? She is a parishioner who I would take Communion to. Her daughter called to tell me she fell and is in the ER. Thank you.
HOLINESS TIP for Making Prayers of Petition More Effective
Thanksgiving & Honor
Prioritize giving God thanks, honor, glory and praise. No friend wants to be objectified and neither does the Lord!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matt. 6:33)
WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF MAY - PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE:
- People are mad about not being able to go places. Please! I was grounded about 90% of the time between 7th and 12th grade. I trained for this.
-So you're staying inside, practicing social distancing, and cleaning yourself? Congratulations! You've become a house cat.
OUR PRAYER FOR THE DAY: being the month of May, a consecration to our Lady...
My Queen, My Mother, I offer
myself entirely to thee.
And to show my devotion to thee,
I offer thee this day, my eyes,
my ears, my mouth, my heart,
my whole being without reserve.Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own,
keep me, guard me as thy property and possession.
Amen.
I send you my fatherly blessing, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen !
Msgr. Doug Raun
Posted in Daily Memo from Msgr. Raun
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