It is hard to believe that the month of August is almost over and under normal circumstances our children would be going back to school and college. The reality of the situation for all of us is because of the corona virus, we are in a different place this year. There is still a lot of uncertainty as we await directions from our governor as to what the plan is in relation to school. It is paramount that the safety and health of our children are our first priority. Yet, at the same time we must be aware of the consequences and long-term effects to our children.
Our parents have done a wonderful job improvising and filling the void of the normal school situation. My heart does go out to the parents who are working and now may be forced to decide with the anticipated hybrid learning the possibility of leaving employment.
In our readings this week, we have the stories of Jeremiah and his struggles, and the reluctance of Peter, the rock as Jesus described him last week. Peter’s reluctance to embrace the Cross causes Jesus to say to him “Get behind me Satan”. Since our encounter with COVID in March, the Cross is very real to all of us with life being changed for many of us. The Good Friday experience has been overcome by the gift of the Eucharist and I see many experiences of resurrection.
It is found in the sacrifice of our parents for their children, the weekly contributions to our collection, the many notes of affirmation and support we have received from our parishioners. One of the highlights this week that I have been privileged to witness is a little boy, named Aden. Last Sunday after Mass, Aden handed me an envelope and cited it was for the poor. The envelope contained over $200, the source of which was his pocket money he had been collecting since Christmas. What a witness, what a light, what a resurrection moment!
We are very grateful, like so many other parishes in the United States who through the Paycheck Protection Program were granted monies. The parish acquired a loan of $71,796, which has enabled us to pay our bills and retain our staff over the lean summer months. The important thing to remember is when we look at the figure, it is a loan. And we all know about loans…they must be paid back. We are hoping though, that this loan will be forgiven.
While several people are slowly returning to church and each week, we see more and more people returning, I would caution in all sincerity those who have a pre-existing condition to please stay at home. In addition, I am extremely grateful during this time of financial uncertainty for the generosity of our people through electronic giving, their presence in church and all those on a weekly basis who send in envelopes.
As you may be aware our Confirmation was to be held in May. Our former Bishop gave the pastors the opportunity of conferring the sacrament of Confirmation within 60 days of the original date. I decided that it would be unfair to deprive our Conformandi of the opportunity of celebrating with the Bishop. Therefore, scheduling a later date would be more appropriate with the possibility of more people allowed. However, we just learned from the Bishop’s office that due to the number of Conformandi at Good Shepherd, we will have two celebrations on October 5th, one at 6:00pm and the other at 8:00pm. We were also informed attendance will be restricted to the Conformandi, parents and sponsor only.
Regarding our First Communicants, it is still our plan and desire to have the celebration of the sacrament on Saturday, October 3rd. This celebration will also be restricted as to the number of attendees. Adhering to the CDC guidelines of social distancing and limited numbers, only the parents and the First Communicant will be in attendance in the church. For both sacrament celebrations the Masses will be live-streamed in the hopes of including family and friends in our children’s and teen’s special day.
The pandemic has also caused our Faith Formation program to adapt and respond for the remainder of the 2020 year. This year we will be offering a home study-based program with both print and online curriculum. We will also be scheduling the celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation for our students during the season of Advent, as in the past. As we move forward and changes in restrictions are lifted, we will revisit our Faith Formation program in 2021 and respond accordingly.
Finally, transitions are always difficult. Phyllis Haarmann, our DRE for the last five years, is relocating out of state because of her husband’s employment. We are very grateful for her wonderful service and commitment to our children, parents and community. We will always be indebted to her for vision, energy and ministry to the Good Shepherd community. Our faith formation program today is one of the finest in the diocese, due mainly to her Gospel centered person. We will miss her and will always be grateful for the memories she has shared with us. We wish Phyllis, and her husband, Chris, the very best in their new home. They will always have a home at Good Shepherd.