"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Traditionally, May has been the month of Mary with “May Crowning,” with family rosaries prayed, a statue of our Blessed Mother displayed in a common place within a home or even outside, the Angelus prayed at noon or 6pm, or seeking Mary’s intercession for specific concerns. There are families and individuals who have maintained some observance of Mary’s special grace during this month as are we as a parish.

A May Crowning procession and prayer will be shared at each Mass this weekend, and at St. Malachy’s next weekend. Those who received their First Holy Communion will help out with our observance, reminding us of the gift of the Eucharist we share, and the persistence of Mary’s grace leading us toward her Son, our Light of hope.

Grandma Johnson, widowed before I was born, seemed to have a rosary in every room of her modest home. Her best friend informed me how Grandma would pray the rosary seeking different intercessions, but one in particular: to die a quick death. And Grandma Johnson did. For me, the rosary was not a significant part of my faith or prayer life until fifteen years ago. As with any prayer, if it guides us to God’s presence and our Savior’s healing grace, such is where we should be.

Our church was full last weekend for First Holy Communion, and will be likewise this Sunday at St. Malachy’s for the celebration of First Holy Communion. Thankfully, more individuals and families are feeling comfortable and safe returning to church. With all the pews now open for seating there has been some concern about the possible spread of the virus. I understand such concerns, but at the same time, the grace present with more and more people sharing in the Eucharist is an exclamation of gratitude. We do sanitize our pews and maintain hand sanitizer at each entrance. And the mandate of wearing a mask inside church is still a requisite. I understand the concerns, and hopefully there will always be seating with ample space for the ongoing protection of individuals and families sharing in the Eucharist. There will always be differing opinions about the virus and ongoing restrictions, which I appreciate. Bishop Nickless has obviously witnessed the different concerns—often adamant opinions—with the fortitude to protect, safeguard, and at the same time welcome parishioners and visitors back to share in the Eucharist. We find it easy to criticize, but there has been no precedence or a blueprint for the circumstances that have affected our lives this past year.

May we as a parish family in Boone County continue to be welcoming, understanding, caring, and above all, people of faith knowing the light of Christ is ever present. FYI: We will begin to live stream a Mass each weekend with the help of parishioners who have volunteered to share their time. By the second week in May we should be up and running. Thank you to those who took the time to fill out the survey, giving us the insight to faithfully and generously welcome people to our Sacraments, parish activities, and a presence of outreach to the needs of others.

God Bless,
Fr. Tim

"The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer." (Lady Gregory, Irish folklorist)