Dear parishioners,

This past weekend, I was able to host a Zoom meeting (think teleconferencing via the internet) with almost half of our 30+ member Phone Call Ministry Team. Yes. That is right! Secretly, we created a stealth group of staff and parishioners who have been, not-so-systematically, contacting fellow parishioners who are registered in our parish and many who are not and just asking them how they are doing, praying with them, and simply letting them know we care. Now, isn’t that novel idea? In this Zoom meeting, we shared many stories of how grateful people were. In several cases, some needed extra help or were running low on food. A few couldn’t get out to go shopping. With God’s grace and a little creativity, we found a way to make it happen for them. To every cloud, there is a silver lining. And that, my friends, is the love of Christ which has been poured into our hearts and desires to reach out to you.

With regard to our parish family who are homebound not due to COVID-19, we learned that we have some 70 parishioners spread out in about 12 care facilities and 19 private residences. For these folks, we sent out some 215 cards so that they would know that they are not unloved or uncared for. 

Now, our job is not yet done. We may be nearing 50% of our parishioners. But, here’s the deal. This group of ninja phone-callers need to be the only ones.Oh! No! How about you? What don’t you pick up that phone, write a card, text or video chat with a friend or neighbor? Yes. Just do it. You don’t need our permission. You just need the desire to share you love and kindness to whomever you know.

Christ prayed that we would al be one, and we have found ingenious ways to reach out and let others know of our love and the love of God.This is the heart of the Gospel. This is the heart of evangelization. This is what Church is. No need to have a reason to call other than to reach out and love them with no agenda or strings attached. When was the last time you received such call? Likely, never! So, let’s do it. Let’s get busy. Go make a list of people you know and care about. Then go reach out them by whatever means is allowed in this time of quarantine. Don’t let technology get in your way. Get a piece of paper. Write a letter. Fold it up and tape it closed. Put an address on the outside along with a stamp, and mail it!! Boom! Done. If that is too much, pick up your phone and just dial them. Leave a loving message if they don’t answer. So, you need not join an official team, no! Just do yourself. Reach out and let others know you care.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor