NOTE: This letter was written before the most recent diocesan guidelines regarding COVID-19.  For the latest on Mass precautions and diocesan resources, visit the diocesan Coronavirus Information and Resources page.



How is Lent going?  A couple of things before I come back to this question.

First, in response to many requests and to lower the level of stress for us all, the following will be our policy for the near future (the bishop is aware of these decisions):

• Communion will be distributed ONLY under the species of the host/bread.
• We are encouraged to not receive on the tongue, but in the hand.
• We ask that we all suspend the holding of hands during the Our Father.
• For the Sign of Peace, we urge that we all avoid shaking hands or hugging.
• Please keep smiling at each other!

Second, I really encourage EVERY household to participate in the Annual Diocesan Appeal.  It will help so many ministries that range across our diocese.

Back to How’s your Lent?  We are nearing the halfway point in the season.  What I worry about is when we think we have not had a good start to the season.  We can give up too easily trying to get into it.  DON’T GIVE UP!  God never, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER gives up on you.  So do not worry if you have not done the daily readings/reflections, or read the Parish Reads Together book, Rediscover the Saints, or prayed as much as you think you should, or…whatever!  Pick up where you are right now.  As our reading on Ash Wednesday reminded us all “Now is the acceptable time … Now is the day of Salvation.”  God is forever now—it is never too late!