It has been almost six weeks since we took to our homes.  On March  8th we had our last, though modified, Sunday Masses at Saint Luke’s and the Westborough schools closed on March 9th.  As much as I like my home, I really miss being with all of you.  

It has definitely not been a vacation.  Even the simplest tasks seem to require more creativity and time.  At St. Luke's Church, we are sympathetic and understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial stresses that the coronavirus outbreak has caused on the world and, in particular, on our local community. We are especially mindful of the struggles experienced by those whose health may be compromised, who have loved ones who are vulnerable, those who are without employment, and those who live from paycheck to paycheck. We care deeply for your well-being and pray for your health and safety. 

In spite of the obvious limitations, we were able to bring the Holy Week and Easter celebrations from Saint Luke Church to hundreds of homes through cable TV and the internet.  While it is not the same as physically being together, it did provide a sense of consolation and continuity to many.  In case you missed it the Holy Week and Easter Sunday Services are still available on line here at the Westborough TV site.   Staying well within the ten person limit the small crew spent hours in preparation and presentation for each of the services.  I am so thankful for their dedication and generosity in these harsh times.  

On Easter Sunday, I shared my expectation that this crisis could be met with a great outpouring of creativity.  Just as the life and love of Jesus bursts out of the tomb to transform the universe, his disciples are heirs to that same energy of creativity and transformation.  Our church building, open all day and night for more than a decade. still expresses the beauty of this special time of the year.  With very limited resources, a sense of the vitality of the Easter season is on display for quiet reflection and contemplation.  Even though we cannot join together for Eucharist, we can find a place of intimacy before the presence of God in the tabernacle.

This creative energy of Easter is emerging everyday.  Our parish staff, pastoral council and finance committee are meeting regularly using a variety of telecommunications.  The care of our elderly and poor continues to be a priority. Nan Ford continues to work closely with the Senior Center, the Food Pantry and Westborough Cares to coordinate our resources.  A team of volunteers coordinated by Jim Coffey are providing food and medical deliveries.  A number of our young people are enjoying regular contact by phone with some very wise senior parishioners.

A flurry of exciting projects in religious formation built around helping our families develop their skills to support the domestic church are emerging. Here is a delightful video produced for their classes on the Easter Egg Story.   A new team is preparing short videos on the Sunday Gospels by and for our parish families.  The first video will complement this Sunday's streaming on YouTube.  A delightful video, Blessed are Those Who Believe, tells the Gospel story of Thomas and gives examples of faith from our parish families.  Another group is working on some very creative ways to sustain a Vacation Bible School even if there are social limitations.  Although we were heartbroken that our great Appalachian Service Project with First Methodist Church has been cancelled for this summer, we know that all the hard work is going to be channeled into some very creative actions moving forward.  We are especially proud of the extraordinary project, Faces on the Front Line, developed by our own Addie Egan. now an ER nurse at New York Presbyterian Cornell Hospital.  Her work to tell the stories and supports front line health care workers in New York was featured on New York TV.  You can watch the story here.

With the suspension of public Mass celebrations, St. Luke's Church and all parishes face another struggle: the disruption of the financial support we receive from our parishioners. As stewards of St. Luke's parish, we must continue to support our staff, maintain the church property and utilities, however this is difficult without the regular weekly collections we receive from the Sunday Masses.  The Corona virus has put us all under duress in so many ways.  Besides our health concerns many are struggling with loss of jobs and income.  Saint Luke parish is in the same situation.  Most of the financial support for the parish comes through our Sunday collection.  Without us gathering for Mass that support is dramatically curtailed.  We want to thank so many of you who continue to support the life of our parish by giving electronically or by mailing in your donation. The safest and most healthy way to add your support is through electronic giving. To provide support electronically please visit WeShare  (click here) on our parish website.

We thank you for your ongoing loyalty, generosity and support, especially during these difficult times. Let us all pray together and for one another for a swift end to the outbreak and that God will bless and protect us in the midst of danger.

Christ’s peace and blessings,

Msgr. Mike