Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A parishioner forwarded this reflection to me and I thought how fitting as we continue through these challenging times.  With Holy Week upon us, I think it speaks so well to our experience.  Thank you for allowing me to add my own reflection below each line of dialogue (in italics):

 

Society: What about my plans?!

God: My plans for you are always better than your own. Don’t worry. I’m going to work this all out for your good.

Lord, You came to fulfill the Father’s plan.  May we learn from Your holy example.

 

Society: We’re not going to get anything done.

God: That’s the point. You know how you keep spinning your wheels—always working, moving, doing—but never feeling satisfied? I’ve given you permission to stop. I’ve cleared your calendars for you! Your worth isn’t tied to business or accomplishment. All you have to do is take care of each other.

Lord, You love us even to the point of dying for our sins. May we accompany You with more focus and clarity during these holy days.

 

Society: What does this all mean?

God: It means I’m in control. It means you are human and I am God.  It means I’ve given you a wonderful opportunity to be the light in a dark world.  It means you are going to learn to rely on me.

          Lord, You fell three times in your weakness carrying the Cross.  In our frailty and weakness, may we find our strength in You alone.

 

Society: What are we supposed to do when we can’t leave our homes?

God: Rest. You are always so busy and overwhelmed, crying out to me weary and exhausted. Can’t you use a break from your fast-paced and over-scheduled lives?  Go ahead and rest.  Pray.  Love your families. Be still and spend time with me.

Lord, Simon of Cyrene helped to carry Your Cross and walk with You in a unique manner.  May we desire to spend more time with You. 

Society: You mean we’re supposed to stay home with our kids all day, every day?

God: Yes, and you’re going to be just fine. This time together is a rare gift. The rush of daily life has come to a halt. Play games. Bake cookies. Work on projects you’ve never had the time for. Teach them kindness and grace. Show them how to endure difficult circumstances and steer them toward me.

          Lord, you met Your Mother along the way to Calvary.  May we cherish the gift of family and friends during this time and reach out to them in love.

 

Society: We better start hoarding anything we can get our hands on!

God: Prevention, yes. Precaution, yes. Preparedness, yes. But after that, it’s time to put the needs of others before your own. When you see someone in need, help them. Offer up what you have.  Do not worry about tomorrow! Haven’t I always taken care of you? Now, go take care of someone else.

Lord, You were stripped of Your clothes and still trusted the Father.  May we have this same confidence as we place our trust in You.

 

Society: Why is this happening?

God: To remind you that I’m in control. To bring your attention back to me.

Lord, in your final moments of life, You commended Your spirit to the Father.  May we echo those same words as we pray, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

 

Let go… and let God.

 

May you and your loved ones enjoy this time together and may our entire spiritual family grow closer to God and to one another.

 

In Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection,

Fr. Gurnick

 

 

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