Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Hard to believe it now but July comes to an end this Friday, it is time to think seriously about what the Fall will look like. I had expected that we would be at greater capacity in church now than we are. While last weekend saw an increase in people present, we are not yet reaching the 1/3 allowable capacity for Mass. Disappointing – yes; understandable – yes. However, it is good to see so many returning to the celebration of daily Mass. Likewise, our M-W-F confessions have also been going well. We will continue to phase in as the conditions and the diocese allows.

We have also been celebrating Baptisms, though we can only have one family at a time. First Communions will be starting shortly, if not already this weekend. However, we still do not foresee celebrating Confirmation until October. Our first weddings of the year are happening next weekend. Restrictions there are also tight but we will manage.

I also wish to remind those of you who lost loved ones during the lockdown that Memorial Masses, or a Funeral Mass (if cremains can be present) would be appropriate, though given the restrictions and the fear of family traveling from other states might give you pause.

With so many instances of the virus kicking-up around us prudential caution is important for sure. Please don’t take unnecessary risks – there is too much at stake. Yes, we can feel that the precautions and restrictions are extreme, but with so much unknown, we are required to err on the side of caution and prudence.

With all due caution we are preparing to open school in the Fall for five full-days in the week, with hybrid options available for those families who have concerns and flexibility in light of all things. We have spent months planning and preparing, so we think that we are ahead of any guidelines or restrictions that will be coming our way from the state or the diocese. Everyone will need to adapt to new procedures and it might not be comfortable for everyone. There will be glitches, but in the end it will prove to be best for all I am sure.

I wish to thank all of you for your patience. This is not an easy time to be engaged in pastoral ministry, or any kind of service oriented work, and careful measures need to be in place. Thank you for your support – financially and personally – through all of this time. With the sure and certain confidence of faith we will come out of this stronger than we went in to it. Of this I am certain.

May the Lord continue to bless each of you in his goodness.
Fr. Garry