Dear Parishioners,
Mass Attendance
Mass People Empty Spots
4 PM 88 18
6 PM 62 20
8 AM 83 14
10 AM 86 19
12 PM 74 17
2 PM 27 plenty
Total 420
Observations
Thirty-three fewer people attended Mass inside our church this weekend. This was our lowest number since 411 the weekend of September 13th. I attribute the lower number to the surge in coronavirus cases. Parishioners are taking extra precautions. Even so, I also noticed new people who attended Mass for the first time since March.
Coronavirus Numbers
Among 33 Ocean County towns, Manchester remains in 7th place with 2.91% testing positive. Lakehurst is in 10th place at 2.63%.
When looking at the death rate, Manchester has occupied first place for many months. However, the death rate among those who have tested positive has dropped from a high of 18.54% on July 27th to 13.70% yesterday. It looks like one out of 20 new Manchester cases will result in the person seeing Jesus face to face.
2nd Wave Reactions
It seems to me that more people are overwhelmed today than a week or two ago. As a result, they get lost more easily or can't figure out what to do. I've noticed others respond with great anger in a way they probably would not have done before 2020.
Others are weathering these trials reasonably well.
St. John's Response
We have a good routine for Sunday and daily Masses. Thanks to everyone who volunteers and to all who are cooperating nicely. We'll continue to broadcast Masses on YouTube and the sound via GoToMeeting, FM 91.5, and outside speakers. See our website,
stjohnlakehurst.com, for connection information. We'll continue to bring Holy Communion to those in their cars right after Mass.
Our funeral on Saturday went pretty smoothly. I think we've adapted by simplifying what we do. And we're communicating better that a funeral is for worshiping God, praying for the deceased, and praying for consolation of the mourners. Eulogizing is best done in the funeral home or at a luncheon.
We're canceling those things that can be canceled easily enough. We're simplifying where we can. We're focusing on what's most important: God and the sacraments.
We're also continuing to help the poor as we have been with some modifications. Food can be donated when the church is open before Masses or during private prayer in the afternoon from 2-4 PM. The clothing bin is always accessible in the back of the parking lot. Instead of a Christmas Giving Tree with tags, we're doing gift cards. See the
11/22 bulletin here.
We have a good routine for Religious Education classes and will continue as we have been.
My Health
Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and asking how I'm doing. My health is usually excellent. Sometimes it's just very good. That's when I take a step back and recuperate. I try to remain in excellent health so that I can better serve here at St. John's.
I add one qualification. I'm in excellent health for a man my age. I'm neither young nor old. I'm right in the middle. In just over a year when I turn 50, I'll be considered a senior runner. It'll be easier to win my age bracket in races. Currently, I'm training for the half marathon distance. I'm continuing to experiment with nutrition and hydration because I start to get tired after running for 10 miles. If I can figure it out, then I should be able to run for 15 to 17 miles and eventually a marathon. This pandemic is a like a marathon. Slow and steady wins the race.
How To Help the Overwhelmed
Besides all the practical help you can offer, I suggest listening to and talking with those who are overwhelmed. It doesn't have to be about the crosses they are carrying. Talking about other things helps in so many ways. I've been trying this with my siblings and nephew. And it's working. They're all calming down just as the pandemic is heating up. What I notice is that if I can help them think about a topic that is not overwhelming, then that helps them figure out what to do with the difficult topic.
Conversation with others promotes solidarity. My priest group met virtually on Friday. We priests get overwhelmed too. Because of our solidarity with one another, those of us who were feeling overwhelmed were able to relax a little bit. Just now, the bishop asked for coverage for a priest who is fighting COVID-19 in the hospital. He received several quick responses. The exchange also shows that the bishop is in solidarity with his priests.
Jesus promised that He would be with us until the end of the age. We will soon conclude the Year of Grace 2020. We look forward to the Year of Grace 2021 which starts on Sunday with the First Sunday of Advent. Let's remember that God is with us.
God love you,
Fr. Jim