“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” (Pope John Paul II)
We have waited two long years to celebrate Holy Week and Easter Sunday in person, as a community of hope, graciously sharing in the Eucharist. Though some restrictions remain for our wellbeing, sharing the Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening with the traditional procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the “stripping of the altar;” quietly listening to John’s Passion account on Good Friday with the traditional reverencing of the cross; the Vigil Mass held in the darkness and pervading light of the Easter Candle, with the chant of the Litany of Saints, and profound sense of gratitude with the newly Confirmed welcomed into our Catholic faith, and Easter Sunday. Young and old dressed up, an air of joy within the music, a presence of hope and light gracefully intruding our prayers and the Eucharist.

As Pope John Paul II echoed, “we are the Easter people.” For all who feel welcome, and sharing faith and your presence within our Holy Week liturgies—thank you. My gratitude for those who have prepared our churches to reflect the grace within our liturgies, especially the beauty of the sanctuaries on Easter morning—thank you. For those who have provided their musical abilities and reflection faith during these liturgies—thank you. For those who serve as Eucharistic Ministers at Communion and to the Homebound—thank you. For those who proclaimed the Word with sincerity—thank you. For those who are again sharing their faith as altar servers—thank you. For those who serve as greeters and ushers, providing Christian hospitality—thank you. For those unable to be present with us at the Eucharist because of health or other issues but nonetheless are praying alongside our own at Mass—thank you. And those who record our liturgies for others to join in and participate—thank you. For those who keep our church and grounds clean and welcoming—thank you.

Following Easter Sunday our weekend Mass schedule will change somewhat to reflect the re-opening of parishes, lessening of restrictions and the times conducive to the participation of parishioners, young and old. Thus, beginning the weekend of April 10th and 11th the Mass schedule will remain:
  Sacred Heart Saturday, 4:00pm Sunday, 8:00am & 10:00am
  St. Malachy Saturday, 5:30pm Sunday, 8:30am
  St. John Sunday, 10:00am
I have thought about the changes in light of what once was in some respects, listening to the thoughts of others, and the possibilities of welcoming parishioners and visitors alike to share in our Eucharist. My apologies for upsetting some with the changes or making it more difficult to participate in one of the weekend liturgies. With the changes, Fr. Ross or I cannot cover for the other when one of us is gone (on vacation or in case of illness). We will need to bring in a retired priest to help on those weekends.

Our weekday Mass schedule will remain the same with the exception of only one Mass between the three churches on Monday and Tuesday (when Fr. Ross and I have our day off). Wednesday through Friday there will be two Masses each day. In addition, Fr. Ross and I will begin to offer Mass at the local care centers as they again allow visitors with the wellbeing of the residents the priority. When the diocese allows we will have regular Masses offering the Sacrament of Anointing. As of now the diocese is still cautious about the possible spread of the virus; thus, no holy water in the fonts, no active Sign of the Peace, no Cup offered, and no offertory taken. However, with the Bishop’s approval to allow gatherings in parish facilities such as parish halls, we welcome the use and hospitality our three churches can offer.

Sacred Heart’s new hall will be open mid April following Confirmation (April 11th), and Gloria and Ruth (Altar Society) have readied the kitchen. We have to follow social distancing expectations, yet our halls will be a welcoming presence of our Catholic faith. Please contact Deanna at Sacred Heart, and for St. Malachy hall rental contact Kirsten. We will begin bringing Communion to the local care centers as they allow visitors to return, but will begin as of this Sunday to bring Communion to the homebound. Please call the parish office if you are a Eucharistic Minister and desire the gift of sharing in this specific ministry. My few weeks here in Boone County serving you have gone by quickly. Still adjusting, but grateful for allowing me to be a part of your communities, and to minister and share in your faith, prayers and hospitality. Thank you!

On behalf of Fr. Ross and myself, Blessings to you and your family this precious Easter Sunday,
Fr. Tim

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” (Martin Luther)