Fr. MIchael Gurnick, Administrator of St. Malachi Parish
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Patrick and Saint Malachi,
As we find ourselves experiencing this new and strange reality of social distancing and isolation within our own homes, I want to assure all of you of my personal prayers – especially as I celebrate the Mass.
I also take this opportunity to thank the dozens of parishioners and friends of both parishes for your concern regarding our outreach programs. Thankfully, our Monday Night Meal at Saint Malachi and our Evening Meals (Tuesday-Thursday) at Saint Patrick continue, although modified in accordance with the current safety measures. Also, the Food Pantry remains open at Saint Patrick (Wednesday and Friday, from 10:00am until 2:00pm) for as long as Saint Vincent de Paul and the parish is able to provide needed items.
Unfortunately, the Back Door Ministry at Saint Malachi has temporarily suspended its service due to reasons associated with safety of staff and volunteers. Having personally worked there this past Monday from 9am until 1pm, I had the privilege of encountering our many guests who rely on this ministry; I also appreciated the need for ensuring safety for all involved. My hope is that we can reopen as soon as it is feasible but for now I thank parishioners for your kind understanding as this decision was not made lightly. Any perishable food items received at St. Malachi have been forwarded to St. Herman and Saint Patrick so it can be distributed in a timely fashion. We will keep you posted as to when we are able to safely resume operations of this vital ministry.
If anyone is able to assist, we need monetary donations to obtain basic food supplies which haven’t been donated or received. This is likely the most helpful way to support the efforts at this time as food donations, while welcome, may not cover all the staple supplies. Checks may be mailed to either Saint Patrick or Saint Malachi (with a designation for “Community Food Assistance”) and we will make sure they are used for this purpose. We also may be seeking volunteers to help with specific needs. As of this bulletin announcement, we are coordinating these efforts as each need is identified.
We have also been informed that Metanoia Project has suspended its overnight ministry through the end of their season (April 15, 2020).
Regarding general financial support to either parish, I sincerely thank those who have been able to continue their weekly contributions. Realizing that many folks are currently unable to do this, each contribution is especially appreciated as we continue to meet all of our financial obligations. In response to many parishioners’ inquiries, I would recommend that these contributions are mailed in (no cash, please) or feel free to sign up for Faith Direct, our on-line program at either parish.
Lastly, please know that we are currently planning to have parish-wide opportunities to keep united each day during Holy Week and, if still needed, for Easter Sunday. Stay tuned for our plans in a separate message which will be posted in a few days. In the meanwhile, be sure to pass or park in your car for a few minutes outside Saint Patrick’s rectory where our Eucharistic Lord is presiding at the second floor window. Or, if you need fresh air, walk the make-shift Stations of the Cross (fourteen stations, each marked by a laminated paper, with the first one posted on the church door). There is a set of these stations at each parish for your convenience.
Blessings to each and all of you as we continue to lift one another up through prayer and the use of phone, email, and other media platforms.
In the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection,
Fr. Gurnick
