Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Forty days after the Resurrection marks the day we commemorate the Ascension of Christ into heaven. At the Ascension, the Lord Jesus ascended body and soul into heaven. The Lord Jesus gave the Apostles and disciples His final instructions, and promised to be with them and us until the end of time: “I will be with you always to the close of the age.” It is comforting to know that Jesus' final words are that he will not abandon us. It is good for us to take solace in that in this day and age as we work to bring some normality to our lives as we weather the impacts of COVID-19.
As of this Sunday, it has been over 60 days since we were told by the governor to stay at home. My hope is that we will ascend out of our homes and feel safe to be in our churches soon. I know that some of you do not feel it is safe at this point to return to church even though the “green light” has been given to those who are well and feel comfortable coming to Mass. For those who do not, please stay home and know that you have been dispensed by the Archbishop from going to Mass. Know that you have the option of spiritual communion by watching the live-streamed Masses that will continue or of attending a daily Mass. My hope is that all the churches will be able to offer live-streamed Masses so that everyone can be a part of their respective parish family at their own particular church, especially on the weekend. I know that your parish family is of great value to you and you miss them. I want to make it possible, even if it is on a screen, for you to be with your family.
The region's first Mass the public can attend is Monday, Memorial Day, at 9AM at St. Cecilia only. All are welcome. Beginning Tuesday, all the churches will be open for their normal daily and weekend schedules. Please bring your mask and know that there will be ushers at the parishes to help you safely distance yourself from others.
Amen? Amen!
Fr. Jamie
Masses Resume. On Monday we will resume public Masses. We will keep our regular daily and weekend Mass schedule. If we need to add Masses, we will do that incrementally, as need arises. Please know that each church in the region has a certain seating capacity that we must respect for the safety of all people. Since you are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on the weekends, you might consider returning to Mass on a weekday instead of Sunday. There will not be any Communion services. Please wear your mask if you attend church.
1. Ordination. Three priests were ordained for the archdiocese of Cincinnati. One, of course, was our region's own Chris Komoroski. Fr. Chris is the son of Eva and Rich Komoroski. Fr. Chris celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Cecilia on May 17 at 10 AM. You can watch it streamed on the St. Cecilia YouTube channel.
2. New Lighting. More improvements have been made to our regional facilities during the COVID-19 hiatus. At St. Cecilia some of the downtime has been utilized to replace lighting in the sanctuary and other focal points in the church.
3. This Way to Catholic Church. After much groundwork done by the St. Anthony Building and Grounds team, street signs pointing out the church were installed two weeks ago. These are located on various busy thoroughfares in Madisonville. St. Anthony is the most hidden of the region’s churches. My hope is that this will be especially helpful in letting those new to the area know that there is a Catholic church nearby that they can attend.
