March 30 - What, if anything, positive is coming out of this forced retreat? For one, it has slowed us down. The pace is visibly more relaxed. While everyone keeps their distance, we are eager to talk, to end our isolation. Second, we’re paying attention more to the elderly especially those alone. Parishioners are calling them and checking to see if they need food and meds. Third, people are praying more by themselves. When we don’t have a scheduled Mass that we show up for, it depends more on us to initiate the conversation with God. More people are e...

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March 22 - Life has changed immeasurably and will continue to do so. Hang on! Sadly, we will be without our major source of support, the Mass. We are a people of the Eucharist. So, this will hurt. But it’s the perfect time for a Lenten retreat. With your down time, immerse yourself in the New Testament. Read one of the spiritual books in our lending libraries. Call neighbors to check in on them and pray with them. Take quiet time in the morning and at night to pray. Cook a meal for someone who is isolated and deliver it to their door. We can transform an imposed hiber...

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March 15 - "See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little." ...quipped Pope John 23rd about how we should treat one another. It easy to be judgmental, but usually we don't know all the facts. Jesus with the woman at the well is a perfect illustration of this adage. In our times, some of society's political polarization has drifted into the Church and poisoned discussions. Instead of rationally examining crucial issues for our faith, social media stoops to personal attacks and labeling. That is blatantly antiChristlike. This pope who initiate...

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