Posted on June 4, 2021 View all News
This post is also available in: Spanish
Dear brothers and sisters,
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), we solemnly celebrate the Eucharistic presence of Christ among us, the “gift par excellence”: “This is my body (…). This is my blood” (Mk 14:22, 24). The Eucharist is the presence of Christ among us. The risen and glorious Christ remains among us in a mysterious but real way in the Eucharist. This presence implies an attitude of adoration on our part and an attitude of personal communion with Him. The Eucharistic presence guarantees that He remains among us and operates the work of salvation. The Eucharist is a mystery of faith. It is the center and the key to the life of the Church. It is the source and root of Christian existence. Without the Eucharistic experience, the Christian faith would be reduced to a philosophy, but by faith, we know that it is not so, it is the greatest miracle, it is His living presence, which nourishes us and accompanies us at all times.
Last week, our bishop shared the news that the restrictions due to the pandemic have ended in the diocese. This means that as a parish, we are already operating with normal numbers, and the use of a mask is not necessary or mandatory, especially for those who are already vaccinated, the same social distancing is no longer required; As I said in my previous letter, we must be prudent and try to continue to protect ourselves personally and not out of obligation. Many in the parish are still worried that there are no more restrictions and are considering staying at home, while others are very happy that we no longer have any restrictions. As your pastor, I have to think and care for you and make everyone feel at home. For this reason, I have decided that two sections of the Church will continue with the white cords of distancing, and the two rows in the center are already without cords and can be used without practicing distancing. I hope you understand that I want to make everyone feel welcome and come to Mass without any fear. Thank God this is slowly coming to an end.
I also announce that our bishop has decided that starting the 27th of this month (June), the dispensation to not participate in the Sunday Eucharist comes to an end, beginning the 27th, you have to attend Sunday Mass; otherwise, it falls in sin, only those who have high-risk illnesses and those who are essential workers such as doctors, nurses and health workers among others are exempt. Take note then that from that day on, we must return home to practice our faith in person.
Finally, I encourage all those who were active in parish ministries before the pandemic to return; there are many activities to come, and indeed, for me as a pastor, it is not easy to guess how all these activities were done or how these ministries were managed. I ask for your help to continue, sometimes I receive your feedback, and they make me feel as if I am doing things differently, but the truth is that I do things without intention because I have to guess how to do each activity. I want to do my best and serve you the best I can, but I need your support and experience. I know that running a parish in these circumstances is not easy. I try to do the best I can.
I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me so that I can guide you to the best of my ability. I ask for your support and prayers.
Fr. Alex
