Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Although it came as no real surprise, our students and teachers were saddened to learn that they would not be returning to school during this academic year. Through the arduous dedication of our faculty, the on-line learning here has been going very well. Our students have the opportunity to daily connect with their teachers and, just as importantly, with one another. This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and there are not enough ways that we can express how much we appreciate the teachers, the principal, and the entire support staff of SBS. Thank you!

The overwhelming generosity of the parish to the emergency food drive was a sight to behold. So many dropped off food, and many sent in financial assistance for the purchase of necessary food. Patti Dickens and her team from the Raine Foundation, plus volunteers from the parish and St. Vincent de Paul Society, handled an efficient and safe distribution of food. Tremendous – thank you!

Today is Mother’s Day and all of the Mother’s deserve a huge shout out for all they do all of the time anyway, but most certainly in keeping it all together for their families in lockdown. These are stressful times, and while Mom can’t get flowers, and you probably won’t get over to see your Grandmother or Mom, your own Mother, you all know how much we all love and appreciate Mom. Father JM and Lori Ulrich have produced the usual Mother’s Day video as a sign of our love and gratitude.

So, yes, even in these difficult times we have much for which to be grateful.

Our on-going faith formation is important, and in lieu of our planned spring series, I will be posting a video series as we prepare for Pentecost. This will be short vignettes – no more than twenty minutes each – on the apparitions of Jesus to the disciples after the resurrection.

Are we planning for the future – of course we are! The bishop has assembled a team to work in ideas for implementation and we will follow whatever general guidelines are developed there. Here we have been thinking and planning about how to return ever since we left. Hopefully we will be able to do something together as a parish soon.

In the meantime, stay well and stay safe. Continue to remember us in your prayers and yes, another “thank you” to all of you who send emails, notes, phone calls, etc.; and also to the many who are making an effort to support the parish by sending in or dropping off envelopes. Your efforts mean much to all of us.

Father JM sends his blessings to each of you as well. We miss seeing you each week for sure.

Blessings and peace,
Father Garry