I just want to give you an update on how I am.  I have tested negative for covid and am feeling great.  I was extremely fortunate in that I never developed any symptoms other than selective smell.  Since January I have done a daily inventory of my body and senses and have stayed on top of how I feel.  In addition, once we were told the importance of distancing, masks and frequent hand washing I adopted these and did a great job of not getting covid until earlier this month.  For me a common cold is far worse and I always have symptoms that I know about.  With my experience of covid it doesn't so much matter how you feel because I felt great but would still be contagious so isolation is key to stopping the spread.  I don't know how I got exposed (perhaps it was from your sketchy cousin from Bos-Ton) and none of the staff nor our seminarian tested positive.  Those of us who have had covid should still practice the safety protocols for the sake of others so that we don't become hard (or flabby) surfaces of contact for others.

I can't tell you the peace of mind that I have knowing that I now have natural antibodies and that my experience wasn't bad at all.  We have a priest in our diocese who is in ICU who obviously has not had a mild experience.  I encourage those who are able to receive the vaccine to do so otherwise it is not a matter of if you get covid but when.  The psychological stress of worrying about getting it and how it will effect us is not worth it.  Foremost listen to your primary care physician as to what is best for you and your situation.

We will have our regular confession schedule beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, December 23rd at Noon and this Saturday at 3pm.  I will still sit out this Christmas so as not to be a distraction.  Our focus must be on the birth of the Lord and the joy of the incarnation.  I will be back in the saddle this weekend and Daily Mass will resume Monday, December 28th.

I wish all of you a most blessed and Holy Christmas and a wonderful and healthy new year.  Peace be with you.