It's true and real.  Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!  The pattern of death and resurrection is central to our faith and something we experience in smaller ways throughout our life.  Let's consider a few examples.

     My arm is sore from my first shot yesterday.  Otherwise, I'm fine.  I was very impressed with the set-up at the Toms River North arena.  So many people looked happy to be experiencing a death (the shot hurts) while looking forward to a resurrection (being able to do more).

     I should be fine when I get my second shot.  My sister worked a regular day after she got her second shot.  Even so, I'll get my second shot on a Thursday, my day off.  And Fridays tend to be quieter.

     "Why are you getting the shot?" is one of the questions I had to answer.  I checked the box "to protect my family".  I could have checked "other" and typed in "to protect my parish".  Many of us don't need the shot so much for ourselves, but we're getting it to protect others.

     Last night and currently (11:14 AM), it was possible to schedule an appointment at OCHD.org.  It looks like it's a lot easier to schedule an appointment now.

     Our parish office has been mostly closed to the public since the lockdown.  We've asked you to contact us by phone or e-mail.  And you can still do that.

     I'm happy to say that our parish office is now open to the public.  Our office hours are 8:30 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.  We have tables and chairs in our foyer and new conference room (old chapel).  These are big open spaces by the main door of the Parish Center.  Ring the door bell.  Someone will come to open the door.  Make sure you're wearing a mask and stay six feet apart.  You'll be invited to sit on one of the benches inside the foyer.  If privacy is needed, you can come into the new conference room.  The person who answers the door will sit at a table in order to write.  If you need to write, you could sit at the other table.

     With more people coming to Mass, we need a better way for people to exit the church after Mass.  So, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion will now bring Holy Communion to those in the parking lot at the same time that people are receiving Jesus in the church.  This means that people can depart after Mass via the exit by the rectory.  An usher will be there with bulletins after Sunday Masses.

     In normal times, we had a retired priest celebrate the Thursday daily Mass at 8 AM so that I could enjoy my day off.  We're returning to this practice tomorrow.  Fr. Joe Murphy will celebrate daily Masses on Thursdays.  Fr. Murphy is fully vaccinated and able to help us.

God love you,

Fr. Jim