Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

As the Fall Season moves along and we hit Columbus Day Weekend, we continue to try and expand our offerings here while maintaining a need to respect social distancing and the demands of the cleaning of the public spaces. We will be making some important adjustments to the schedule and some announcements soon. Many events are just too far out to speak about with any real clarity. We are not ready to settle on a Christmas schedule, though we are talking about it. We are not sure what to do with the Advent Penance service, but we know we need to do something. We have received inquiries about when First Communion will be in May – we have no idea what the situation will look like by then. It is important in all aspects of life right now to remain open and flexible. For those of us for whom uncertainty is a struggle this is a very understandable period of stress and crisis. I get that – but no one can honestly plan an event two or six months out and expect that it will look the way that we want it to.

I trust that all of us, regardless of our political affiliation or personal feelings, were a bit chastened by the announcement that the president and first lady were diagnosed with the covid-19 virus. It is a reminder to all of us of our vulnerability and fragility. Until we can know for certain what we can and might do to prevent the spread of this disease, we just have to be careful and prudent.

I am happy to have been able to Confirm the students from this past year’s eight grade classes of SBS and RE students. This is not merely a “milestone” or a rite of passage. This is the sacrament that completes their initiation and grants to them the obligations and rights of living the faith in their lives. They and their families need our prayers.

We had an unfortunate incident within one of the classes in the school this past week. I will not discuss any details but suffice to say to all parents out there – regardless of how young they are – that unlimited and unsupervised access to the internet can expose them to situations that are beyond their years and understanding, and are potentially threatening to them. Please be prudent in allowing access without offering good guidance, on-going supervision, and realize that not doing so may open you up to more serious challenges and potential legal issues moving forward.

We have an opening for a second grade teacher in the school. If you know of anyone qualified and available please have them make contact with the principal as soon as possible. While the position is posted, it is always nice to be able to hire within the extended family when we have the chance.

Overall, school is going well. We are grateful to the teachers and the school aides for their dedication here. It is the parents, though, who with their cooperation with the protocols are essential in keeping everyone safe. This is a 24/7 responsibility, and not just something we observe while in school. Thank you to everyone involved.

Continue to pray the Rosary for our nation this week and stay tuned to the debates and the political process. Much hinges on this election – as it does in every election, of course – but our diligence as faithful Catholics is a key factor in this election cycle. Please exercise your right to vote.

All things considered, another good week – may the Lord continue to bless all of us with health, grace, and wisdom in these challenging times,

Father Garry