Pastor

Dear Parishioners:

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Pentecost greetings from the rectory! I hope this letter finds you well. At least the weather seems to Letter s be improving. I could not believe how cold it was in April and May; we even had snow flurries on Mothers’ Day weekend!

First off, I would like to recommend a series/movie on Jesus. It is called: The Chosen. Simply go to

the INTERNET and “google”: youtube: The Chosen.

It is a series of episodes (about 8 so far! I have seen 7 of them). They last from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. I think they are very well done and I encourage you to watch them. I guess you could “binge-watch” all 8 episodes but I watch one 2-3 times per week. A parishioner recommended the series to me and I have enjoyed it.

You may recall that about 43 years ago, a mini-series entitled Jesus of Nazareth was on Television. It was a 4-part series (8 hours in all!) with an outstanding group of actors: Christopher Plummer, James Mason, Stacy Keach, James Earl Jones, Rod Steiger, Anne Bancroft, etc., etc. The Chosen is a simi- lar mini-series. So, watch it! Enough of re-runs!

As you may have heard, Gov. Cuomo said that Churches can open for worship services – but only for 10 people!! So, while the governor may be grandstanding that the Churches are open, in reality, the Churches are not open. As I write this letter (Tuesday night, May 26), we are still not open for busi- ness yet!

I ask you to be patient and to keep some things in mind. First and foremost, please do not rely on the secular media for accurate information, especially concerning the Catholic Church. The Governor himself has made conflicting statements about houses of worship within this past week...and the Pres- ident's remarks have swung the pendulum in quite the opposite direction.

Also, returning to public celebrations may be different, at least at first. As we return to worship, we may have to implement various procedures to ensure the health and safety of all, especially those most at risk.

It will not be back to normal all at once. There will be limitations and restrictions. Our opening might be in stages. We will have to take direction from directives issued by Bishop Barres. I ask for your continued patience, understanding and spirit of generous cooperation.

I want everyone to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible. But, I also want everyone to be safe and healthy as well. The old hymn says: “Soon, and very soon, we are going to see the King!” Well, I hope and pray that “soon, and very soon, we are going to receive the King!”

Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God.

In Christ,

Fr. Brian