St. Simon Is Praying Together This Weekend
Dear St. Simon Family,
We feel sorrow about not being able to gather together for Mass this Sunday. We long to see all of you, but during this time as we consider the health of our community, we keep vigil together from our homes. Though we are apart for now, I want to recommend that we all set an intention this weekend to prepare to receive Christ into our homes so that we can worship Him there.
We are excited to gather with you digitally through our streaming of the Mass, which is posted online on our Youtube channel. Here’s the link to access CLICK HERE. We will also be live-streaming holy week via our Youtube channel.
Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper: 6:30 pm
Friday The Lord's Passion: 3:30 pm
Saturday The Easter Vigil: 8:15 pm
Friday The Lord's Passion: 3:30 pm
Saturday The Easter Vigil: 8:15 pm
But first, let us remember that the Church teaches that our families' homes are the Domestic Church. “The Church is nothing other than ‘the family of God.’ From the beginning, the core of the Church was often made of those who had become believers 'together with all their household' (CCC, 1655).” This means that St. Simon is built up of many churches — because each of your homes is a Domestic Church.
So I want to encourage all of us to make our homes sacred starting this weekend.
So I want to encourage all of us to make our homes sacred starting this weekend.
Live in the Light
Designate a spot in your home to become your “home altar” — maybe it’s the fireplace mantle, a side table, or even a shelf in an easy-to-access closet. Decorate it with items like icons, candles, or rosaries that will lift your mind and heart to God. If you’d like ideas on how to do this, you can use this guide from Blessed Is She.
Take 10 minutes and make a small home altar today. As Catholics, we believe God gave us this physical world to experience physically. Once you have made a home altar, gather around your new home altar together as a family, and use this prayer to bless your home. Invite God into the physical spaces you will be spending much of your time in over the next few weeks.
A Message from Deacon Mike for the Weekend
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We all are saddened by the news that we will not be able to gather at St. Simon to celebrate the Holy Week liturgies. I’d like to share an idea that hopefully will help to bring the beauty and majesty of Palm Sunday to your home as we wait to be together again.
What if everyone on Sunday, April 5 puts a branch on the door of their house or in a window to celebrate Palm Sunday? It could be any green branch you can get. Make it as simple or elaborate as you desire. This would help, despite the social distancing, to help us be connected as we enter into the holiest of weeks.
We may be physically isolated, but we are not separated. For we are united as the Body of Christ.
We are the Church.
Peace,
Deacon Mike
Please consider donating online during Sunday collection, so that we can continue to support our community during this time of need. Click here to donate.