Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Well, this was quite a week. It has been a long time since we had this much snow. While it is beautiful as it falls, it is certainly a challenge to clean-up (and for us, rather expensive). Unlike the “good old days” – and by that, I mean prior to 2019 – the students in our school did not get to enjoy any snow days as the virtual learning capability means that school can remain “open” even under the worst conditions. We did celebrate Catholic Schools Week, with a great line-up of on-line presenters. Each day the students had a chance to interact with people connected to our school. Unfortunately, many of the other formative and faith-filled aspects of CSW were sacrificed due to the virtual week.

This past week we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord where we blessed the candles for use in church this coming year. Following the feast is the Memorial of St. Blaise when we traditionally bless throats. This weekend we will offer the blessing at the end of all the Masses. There will be no individual blessings.

Perhaps this year we need this blessing more than ever. At present I am aware of more cases of covid-19 positive cases than at any time since April. Several members of our parish and of our extended parish family – including one of my aunts – either are, or have been, hospitalized, some of whom remain in serious condition. Our prayers for all of them are necessary. Even though the pandemic protocols are dragging and there seems to be no end in sight, we cannot let up and become lax. There have been no changes to the requirements for attending Mass – masks are required, and the maximum capacity here remains at 180 persons – and these will remain in place for quite a while. I encourage everyone to get on the list for the vaccination. The Holy See, the bishops of the US, and our own bishop have been adamant that there are no substantive moral reasons to not take the vaccine and every compelling reason to be vaccinated.

This week we will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11th). St. Pope John Paul II dedicated this feast as the World Day of the Sick. While typically we would celebrate a Mass of Anointing of the Sick, we are unable to do so this year. However, we will pray in a special way for all those of our extended parish family who are ill and suffering. I do encourage anyone who is chronically ill or facing surgery to make contact with the parish office for anointing. We all need the hope, healing, and consolation that comes from receiving the Sacrament.

Next week (February 17th) is the celebration of Ash Wednesday. Remembering that this is not a holy day, and there is no obligation to receive ashes, we are still contemplating the schedule for the day. We will not be able to offer as many opportunities for ashes as we have done in the past, but still want to make this sacramental available for the members of the parish.

Otherwise, things are as normal as they can be. I am grateful for your continued support and your generosity to the parish. We are doing ok, but can certainly be better.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is coming. Next weekend is Marriage Weekend, so we will offer a blessing to all married couples at the end of Mass.

This is Super Bowl Sunday as well! I am sure most of us are staying home instead of doing the normal routine, just another reminder of the times we are in.

Be safe – be well,
Fr. Garry