Yesterday, I ran 5 miles at 8:08 per mile, strengthened my arms at physical therapy, did some yardwork at home, and experienced an immune response to the 2nd Moderna shot.  In light of the other three workouts, I liken the side effects to a workout rather than flu like symptoms.  I experienced chills from about 9:30 PM to 4 AM with a pain level of about 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.  The body ache was about a 1.  This was enough to keep me awake much of the night.  My heart rate was 78 when it's usually in the 50s and 60s while sleeping.  It was like a long, easy workout.  A bit tired today, I took a couple naps and will try to get to sleep early tonight.

     There were no lines at Toms River North.  Nurses were waiting for people.  I was impressed again with how organized they are.  You can sign-up at OCHD.org and just walk in.

     SEAS out in Whiting will have a day for the Pfizer shot.  You can read about here.

     Another reason I look at the 2nd shot as a workout is because I'm in the midst of spring training.  Last spring, I trained for the lockdown.  This spring, I'm training for our gradual reopening.

     This Sunday we celebrate the 6th Sunday of Easter liturgically and Mother's Day in our society.  Because of the pandemic, the NJ bishops moved the celebration of the Ascension from May 13th to May 16th.  That means we get to celebrate Our Lady of Fatima on May 13th.  We will celebrate Pentecost on May 23rd to conclude the Easter season.

     Here are a few intercessions to get us started:

1)  For an end to the pandemic through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

2)  For all mothers on Mother's Day.

3)  For the people of India and other pandemic hot spots.

4)  For our young people who were (or will soon be) confirmed.

5)  For Catholic politicians (and all politicians) that they would embrace the truth.

God love you,

Fr. Jim