Dear friends,

Last week many of us watched Pope Francis celebrate an unusual event at the Vatican; an “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the city and the world.  The stark pictures of the Holy Father’s solitary walk through St. Peters Square and him standing alone delivering this message will forever be etched into my mind.   "We find ourselves afraid and lost," Francis said. "We were caught off-guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented ... all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.”

Today our own parish is facing the same unexpected storm.  At the direction of the Archdiocese of Washington many of the staff at St Rose were furloughed yesterday, including myself, until the waters around us settle.  The parish has taken a huge financial loss during this time.  As the Holy Father encouraged us, we are all in the same boat…and we are all called to row together!

What does this mean for the ministries under the Social Concerns umbrella?  Many of our ministries are lead by extremely capable lay people who are living out their baptismal call to serve the church.  Once the parish opens back up, these ministries will continue to be led by these very capable ministry leaders - I will just not be there to logistically support, train and encourage these leaders.  

Any event that has been previously planned will continue as planned as long as the parish has re-opened.  But, it the parish is still closed - all events are cancelled.  The remaining staff and deacons will do their best to keep the website updated. If for any reason you need to contact the church or a pastor, please call and leave a message and it will be returned as soon as possible.

Please know that I am with you in prayer, and will do my best to keep up with the rowing! We can do this!

Blessings,

Sherry Moitoza

Director of Social Concerns

P.S.  If you would like to contact me please use my personal address as I will not be able to access St. Rose email while furloughed.  einekleinemaus@icloud.com