March 27 Update
Just as we are finalizing this newsletter I have learned that our parishioners and neighbors in York County are under a stay-at-home order. With thanks to Fr. Mike Schleupner and Fr. Micheal White (Nativity, Timonium) I want to share the following suggestions for this time of physical distancing:
- Pray. Use prayers that you know by heart, go online for a variety of sources of prayer, watch Sunday or even daily Mass being live streamed. Drawing upon God for strength is important always and especially right now.
- Establish a daily schedule. This is important so that we don’t just passively go through the day with no sense of purpose. A schedule will help us to stay engaged in life and use well the time God gives us.
- Stay connected. Be caring, patient, and forgiving with those in your household. Reach out by phone, email, text or other social media to family, friends, neighbors, business associates, or fellow parishioners.
- Exercise. Stay physically active at least by cleaning or doing laundry. Take a walk outside (observing physical distancing) or run or jog or whatever form of exercise can work for you in the present situation.
- Limit news. Stay up on the news to know what is happening what you should be doing. But limit this to an hour a day and don’t let it become all-consuming and life-draining.
Masses at St. Mary's.
Even though public Masses are not being held, I continue to offer Mass privately for the intentions requested by parishioners and for the continued safety and health of the entire community.
A team of parishioner volunteers is working to live stream Masses and services at St. Mary's. We hope to begin with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. If you are willing to share your skills as a videographer, please contact Deacon Phil (pseneschal@aol.com). I will have more information on this exciting effort in next week's newsletter. Pray for the success of this project.
In the meantime, use the directions below to celebrate Sunday at home.
Another effort by parishioners is to use Christmas lights to lift the spirits of our neighbors. Send pictures of your creations to jackieseneschal@gmail.com so we can share them in the newsletter and on the website.
Stay in touch with St. Mary's by visiting the website, using the MyParish app, and reading our electronic newsletter.
Fr. Kunkel
P.S. Our bills still need to be paid. Please drop off or mail your weekly offering and Easter Food Drive contribution. Sign up for electronic giving using this link.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
View Mass on www.archbalt.org, on EWTN, or at any of the many sites online. Use the MyParish app to view Mass live from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.