Our Blessed Mother and Holy Mass

05-10-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Risen Lord!

We are living in a moment in history that not one of us have ever experienced before. This pandemic has brought much trial, sickness and suffering to many people. Hopefully, it has also brought us to our knees in prayer. I can sense a growing longing for Christ in the Eucharist and the other sacraments, as well as a greater devotion to the Church and Our Lord by many Catholics. May that hunger for holiness never fade. Because our frenzied activity has dissipated, what is more essential to our eternity remains.

One additional blessing that might be seen in the Church is an increased devotion to our Blessed Mother during the month of May, our traditional time of devotion to the Mother of God. This month is usually accompanied by processions and devotions such as the May crowning which we hope to do united in prayer in our beautiful church building. Since we are united in prayer in our homes, now is an excellent time to pray the rosary at your home shrine dedicated to Our Lady or whatever prayer space you have created during this time.

In the Easter season, as we focus on Christ rising from the grave, it is fitting that we recall Our Risen Lord is always with us, especially in the most trying and difficult times. He has been with us through this worldwide pandemic; and He will be with us as we arise from it and strive to restore parish life. The Diocese of Phoenix is making plans for restoring parish life in harmony with the State of Arizona and Federal directives.

We are longing for the Sacraments and for the parish life of the Church to be restored in its fullness. The desire for public Masses and to receive Holy Communion is strong and understandable. The desire to remain healthy and to protect the most vulnerable among us is also essential. We are moving toward the goal of full restoration of parish life with prudence. As the pastor of St. Bernadette, it is my hope to balance your very real spiritual needs with the great concern for the physical wellbeing of our parishioners and the wider community.

The parish office continues to remain open, but we are not allowing visitors and only necessary staff are reporting to work in the building – many are working from home. We do our best to conduct business by phone and by video. I have enjoyed participating in bible studies with our teens online, praying the rosary with parishioners online, and attending prayer group meetings online. We have worked hard to be available to support our parishioners and we look forward to the complete restoration of parish life as guidelines are implemented by our diocese.

You have been so patient and so gracious during this time of great uncertainty. In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to our ministers to assist with social distancing guidelines at each Mass. Our priests and deacons will soon be permitted to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful after they have participated in the livestream Mass. So, stay tuned to the live Mass here for more instructions. This is truly good news and moves us one step closer to the Kingdom of Heaven. Thanks be to God!

If you haven't yet signed up for online giving for our parish. Please do so here: https://saintbernadette.weshareonline.org. Your gifts are needed now more than ever so we can continue the mission of the Church of making more disciples. Thank you for all who have helped to keep our parish going.

God Bless,
Fr. Don Kline, V.F.

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