My dear friends,
I’m on vacation. (Well, as you read this, I am. As I write it, I’m at the parish in my office.) I’m not sure where I will be as you read this or what I will be doing, but I can be certain of one thing; I am not in Hawaii! That sounds odd, but I hoped it might be a possibility.
As I tried making plans and saw all the places we cannot travel without self-isolation, I noticed Hawaii was missing from that list. I double checked the state websites and lists, and sure enough, Hawaii is one of the few state exempt from the travel ban here. Hawaii is one of only two states where I have not been, so I thought it might be a good chance. I began to research places and flights. Then I checked the covid19 websites. While Hawaiians can travel to Connecticut without restrictions; however, Nutmeggers do not have the same privileges there. That state has a mandatory two week quarantine for all inbound travelers, regardless of the transmission status of the flight’s origin. There were no exemptions for people who could produce test results showing a negative status. While we will welcome them opening, they will not do so for us. So that vacation is off the table for another year
As my plans changed once more, I began to think how our relationship with God is a bit like the Hawaiian situation. God is the source of our life and our salvation. We cannot earn the mercy of God; it’s a free gift. The Lord calls us and chooses us. We rely on Christ’s love and compassion to bring us to Heaven. Having said that, we still have to say yes. Our God can do everything to demonstrate His desire to save us, but we have to want it. God may love us, but we need to return that love. The relationship depends upon the reciprocation of love and acceptance from both parties. God may be all powerful, but He will not force our hands. We have to be just as open to receiving the love, mercy, and salvation as the Lord is to offer it.
As I am away, wherever it may be, I will pray for all of us. My prayer is that we will all be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I hope we all understand the amazing gift our God is offering to us. I also hope and trust we all will respond accordingly. None of us wants to be the person who ban’s God’s entrance!
Hopefully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe
August 2
, 2020
My dear friends,
I will be away for two weeks. Starting after Tuesday morning Mass, I will be on vacation. It is tough arranging with the current restrictions, but I managed. Father John Cockayne and Father Jim Pilon will both take turns presiding at liturgies on weekends and weekdays. Deacon Vinny Raby will be assisting them, setting up, and streaming Masses on our Facebook page. I thank them all for giving me the opportunity to get some free time.
Where am I going? Well, it looks like it won’t be far. I had hoped to head to Greece or Portugal this year, but the blocking of United States citizens in Europe put a damper on that. There will be no return to Canada, since the border is still closed. Most states are off the list, as the Corona Virus outbreak continues. I can’t afford to be quarantined two weeks after a two week vacation! I might just stay home with my parents., or maybe I will do some day trips. I will manage as I go.
In case anyone wonders why I would need time off after the quarantine, I will tell you. Despite the stay at home order, I was working. From the first day of the shut down, I was live streaming Masses weekdays and weekends. I was teaching Bible study classes online. I was going to the hospitals and nursing homes to anoint people, with the exception of just over three weeks where there was no PPE. I was burying people in graveside ceremonies. All that takes a toll. As I tell everyone, “I was doing half the work and it took three times as long to get it all done!’ So now is a time to rest up before the next round of action begins with a new school year coming.
What will happen here? Life will continue. The office will be open. Father Pilon and Father Cockayne will preside at Masses. Deacon Vinny will be doing baptismal preparations online with parents. Work will be done to ensure that things will be ready for school to start, however the state and board of health determine that to be. The business manager will continue to pay bills and balance the accounts. There are plans for operations to continue smoothly in my absence.
Besides hoping to get some work done in my garden at my parents’ house, and sleeping in late without a phone ringing by my bed, there are no plans at all. After months of constant preaching at online services and operating a parish in a virtual world, unplugging will be the greatest joy. After a few weeks of silence and rest, I should be ready to jump into action for the fall. I will see you all again in two weeks.