NEW HOPE ON THE HORIZON

Last week the Million Dollar Question was:  “When will we re-open?”  This week the question may rather be:  When will we be permitted to gather safely as a parish community for worship?

With the latest news from Governor Cuomo on Monday beginning to re-open Western New York on Tuesday, now the question is:  “What about churches and other houses of worship?  As reported in the Buffalo News on Tuesday, houses of worship are part of the fourth and final phase of re- opening along with Arts, entertainment, recreation, and education. The projected date for phase four to begin is June 29th. This is if all goes well. 

What should we do in the meantime?  First, we should continue to pray for an end to this disease as well as the health and safety of every person especially health care providers and first responders.  Second, we will need to begin planning how we will re-open.  A committee will need to be formed to study the Liturgical directives from the Diocese.  Things like sanitizing, wearing masks, and social distancing will certainly be part of our new look.

The good news of this week is certainly cause for hope and rejoicing, but we cannot get ahead of ourselves.  We still need to be vigilant and careful.  We are all anxious to get back to normal whatever that may look like in the future.  But we can’t take any chances of allowing this disease to gain strength in the future.  The first and foremost goal is when it comes to re-opening that it will be safe whether it be at the end of June or a later date.  We will be together again.

May God be with you to protect you.  May He guide you and give you strength.  May He watch over you keep you in His care and bless you with His peace.