Dear Parishioners,
Thank you for all the sacrifices you do for the community! This past week, we were called to wear masks in order to mitigate the risks for parishioners and school families from COVID-19 and its Delta variant which has become the most dominant form afoot. This was done out of a sense of pastoral responsibility and prudential judgment. None of us are happy about any of the recent events in regard to the pandemic. But, there is merit in obedience and care for others. We live out our faith as Church by personal, one-on-one sharing of our hearts and faith and putting the concerns of others above our own.
I understand that some do not agree with some of the requirements or other regulations that have come to us over the past 18 months. Yet, their sacrifice and willingness to still follow the regulations is commendable when in light of their consideration of others who may be scandalized or fearful to even come to Mass when they might see others not following those guidelines. I am proud that our parishes in Southern Oregon and throughout our Archdiocese have followed, as best as each could, the guidelines and requirements. I know that other churches have disregarded them altogether. I believe the Catholic Church’s “Preferential Option for the Poor” calls us to lift up the weak and to put those who are sick or at risk in the forefront of our hearts and minds.
One of the purposes of the Mass is to offer and receive sacrifice, offering our burdens to Christ while also proclaiming Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection in our lives. In doing so, we are given consolation and enter into communion with Christ and his meritorious death and Resurrection.
In the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer the priest says, “Pray my brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.” And the community affirms this desire in response. So, it is in these times that the requirement of wearing a mask, as given to us by the local Church, is one such sacrifice we can quickly identify that we offer up during Mass.
May the proclamation of the Word and the reception of the Eucharist give us the strength to be joyful witnesses to God’s love despite and through the sufferings that befall us in these difficult times. Again, thank you all for your faithful response and sacrifice. May we all offer it up as a sacrifice of love for those who suffer more than we do.
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor