Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

There are signs of hope all around us. As you know by now we have been permitted to open the church for private prayer and devotion since this past Wednesday (May 13th – the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima). After careful deliberation we decided to open the Hall of Saints for private prayer. This space is large enough to accommodate the ten person maximum rule, it has a dedicated entrance/exit, it is a familiar place for prayer, offers a view of the church and the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, and enables the lighting of devotional candles.

We decided to open on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday calendar only at the beginning so that we could assess the needs and test the cleaning and security that needs to be in place to make sure that all of the proper guidelines are being followed. Once we have the routine down, we will open each weekday. The demands placed upon the Buildings and Grounds staff to clean the facility thoroughly and to monitor the room is a concern for all of us. Due to state guidelines we had to close access to the restroom in the chapel and throughout the church. I am sorry for that confusion.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer that same security in the Our Lady of Victory Adoration Chapel. The chapel is simply too small to safely open at this time. I do not know when it will be possible – but suffice to say it is probably a matter of months and not weeks.

At this time we are unable to gather for any form of public prayer or devotion inside of the church. The Sacraments – marriages and baptism – as well as the celebration of Funeral/Memorial Masses is still prohibited. The distribution of Holy Communion, except as Viaticum, is also still prohibited. We are preparing for the eventuality of being able to do all of the above, but we do not yet have a timeline from the Bishop. As soon as we do, we will roll it out. I am most certain that none of us will be happy with all of the restrictions, but it is the only way to respond to the challenges at this time. We will all adapt, as we have so far.

On the parish and school fronts things are moving along well. We are able to function “normally” and we are keeping ahead of the various situations that are coming along. There are still many variables. I get several questions from different fronts and sadly the answer is the classic: “I do not know.” “So, when is Confirmation” – see above; “will we have the summer religious education program” – see above; “what are we doing about First Communions” – see above; “What will we do for graduation for the eighth grade” – see above.

I feel like Socrates – all I know is that I do not know!

Do we have tentative plans – yes – can I announce anything – no, because we do not know what the parameters are going to be.

This is a terrible time for people who cannot live with uncertainty for sure.

Through your generosity we were able to distribute bags of food to 224 people last week: an amazing response of food from this wonderful parish community.

Thank you for your support – the contributions through mail, drop, and WeShare; thank you for the kindness of your phone calls, emails, and supply drops for Father JM and I.

Do well – be well – stay well,
Father Garry