Pastor's Notes - 03/29/2020

 

     In John’s Gospel this week, Lazarus is raised from the dead.  In Ezekiel’s reading, we have the graves opening.  These comforting words are used: “I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD.  I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.”

     These are very strong words from the Lord about His comfort and His promise.  These are words that we all need to hear and reflect on.  The Lord is with us.  The Lord walks with us these days.  The Lord is present.  Our perception may not be that, but the fact is the Lord is with us in this time of trial and tribulation. 

     Please say a prayer for those who are losing their faith in the Lord during this time. It is a difficult time and there will be a time when this all will be a memory.  Let us pray together for our unity that we may find strength in the Lord.

     Here is an update from last weekend from Archbishop Carlson and the Catholic Education Office:  pending continuing updates and guidance from local and state government and health officials, the Archdiocese of St. Louis have made preliminary plans to allow teachers to return on Thursday, April 23, and students to return on Monday, April 27.  Please extend your distance-learning plans for continuation through Friday, April 24.  This directive of course would also be for the celebration of public Masses until further notice.

     The Deacon Diaper Drive continues.  You may drop off diapers in one of the two containers located under the priests’ carport on Second St.  We will bless palms next weekend and have them available for you. 

      Finally, even though we have a number of times for confessions in church, not many are using these opportunities.  Beginning today, March 29, we will have drive by confessions from 9-11 am.  There will be 3 locations.  One by the school pavilion, one in front of school by the main doors and one in front of Jesuit Hall (Cedar St. entrance).  There will be a chair there also if there are more than one person in the car so you can take turns for confession.  We will also share this information with our parishioners on our website and thru Flocknote.