Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Happy Pentecost Sunday! Hard to believe that it is already fifty days since we celebrated Easter Sunday, but here we are, the last day of the Easter Season. This weekend we welcome into full communion five members of our parish community who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is most fitting that on this day when we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles that we would celebrate this Sacrament. Let us continue in our prayers for them, and for all who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and his church.

While this may be irrelevant by the time this is published, let me emphasize that regardless of the recent CDC opinion, we are still under the guidance of our governor and, in terms of in-church activities, specifically of our bishop. Until the bishop instructs otherwise, the protocols that have been in place since last Fall are still in place. Hopefully soon we will be able to remove masks and the social distancing, but until such time, I ask everyone to remain compliant so as to make others feel comfortable.

I believe that part of the struggle here is how we are all reacting to the anxiety and issues that come with the lockdown and now, fifteen months later, in emerging from said lockdown. There are real struggles. I have been fully vaccinated since mid-February and am still cautious in large crowds. Many are still not vaccinated, so it is best to err on the side of safety. When the protocols change we will respond accordingly and immediately. Let us continue our solidarity of prayer with Pope Francis for an end to this pandemic. We are especially mindful of those of you who have relatives and friends in areas of the world that are still significantly impacted by the pandemic.

Last weekend was one of great celebration at the ordination of Deacon Paul Remick, and we continue our prayers for him as he begins his ministry. Let us also continue our prayers for vocations. This year our diocese ordained no transitional deacons, and we will be ordaining only one priest on June 5th. No transitional deacons means that no priests will be ordained next year. We need to pray for vocations and also to encourage faithful men to consider responding to God’s call in their lives.

Next weekend is Memorial Day, the so-called start of summer. I expect that many of you will be heading out of town for the long weekend. Hopefully your travels will be safe and you will enjoy the summer at the shore. Things do really seem to be looking up in that regard.

Certainly school is winding down, and we are hoping that soon the protocols for students in school can also be adjusted so that we can accommodate those families who are presently on the waiting list for the coming school year. We do have some openings in the preK-3 year old class and also in the fourth grade.

Overall it feels like we are on the right trajectory in the parish, the school, and in our ability to recover from the pandemic protocols. There are challenges ahead as we respond to rapid changes and live with the real possibility that things will need to tighten up again as the winter approaches. Through prudent and prayerful preparation and response now we will be poised to take the best approach going forward.

I want to again thank all of those who have responded generously with their time, talent, and treasure during these days.

May the Holy Spirit enkindle in our hearts the fire of his love,
Fr. Garry