March 25, 2020
Dear Holy Redeemer Parish Family-
Happy Feast Day! I send greetings and blessings today as we celebrate the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Lord. Mary, our Blessed Mother, is troubled and confused by the message of the angel, yet she trusts in God. I pray this same trust in God may be the source of a great peace for each of you during these troubling and confusing times.
Thank you so much for the many expressions of concern and wishes of good health you have sent me this last week and a half. Happily, I can report I remain feeling healthy and ready to serve you in any way you might need. Same with Fr. Andrew. Please call or email either of us if you need anything.
Things here are, as you might imagine, quiet. It is almost like a monastery - very prayerful, so you can be assured you are remembered in my daily prayers and as I celebrate Mass in private.
Our parish and school staff is all well and working from home. The teachers are staying busy teaching remotely and online. Marie Winterson has been busy calling and checking on many of our parishioners. She started with those in their 80s and 90s and reports being amazed at the good spirits she encountered from this wonderful bunch. Lifted her spirits. Hopefully this is the case for all in our Holy Redeemer community. We go through this together; helping out each other as we can.
Anyone bored? I want to leave you with something that might help. If you are reading or watching TV and looking for something more... Catholic, you may like Formed.org. It is like a Catholic Netflix with not only movies and TV shows, but also books and audio books all on Catholic related topics.They are offering a 40 day free trial so it may be worth a shot. Just click on https://watch.formed.org/browse and hit Start Free Trial.
Meanwhile, let's remember to pray for each other. We pray in gratitude for doctors, nurses and all health care workers. We pray for strength and healing for all the sick. We pray that God may provide comfort for those feeling isolated. We pray He may receive those who have died. More so, we pray the new life we see this spring season can strengthen the hope of our resurrection and new life with Jesus Christ. He is our Hope and our Redeemer. God bless you all.
Fraternally,
Fr. Mark