The Ascension of The Lord

Dear Parishioners,

    During the next week we may have a major announcement by the Center for Disease Control about COVID protocols.  It also looks like the State of Illinois will move to a bridge phase as we transition to full reopening.  That means the approved capacity of our churches will be increased. Social events will be able to have more people.  At present we can only have 50 people gather for social events. 

    We have been shut down so long we cannot expect the parish to spring back to life instantly.  There still will be a reluctance on some people to participate in the life of the parish until they are absolutely sure there is no danger.   I ask everyone to be patient as we try to bring parish activities back. 

People cannot be told to return to Mass for example.  All we can do is to invite them. As you go about your daily life you may want to encourage those that are healthy to return to Mass.  We will have to be a little more evangelical. Please watch my daily post for the latest news about the relaxation of protocols.

May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you this week.

Fr. Mark

P.S. Our parish receptionist, Kate Schaefer, left us at the end of the week. She took a new position working for Trinity Hospital’s Spiritual Care Department.  A receptionist is often the first-person visitors meet from the parish either online, on the phone or in person.  Kate has been a wonderful employee and we will miss her. I encourage people to drop her a note of thanks.  We will be advertising soon for someone to take her place.  Thank You, Kate!