10 July 2020
Dear Parishioners,
I imagine most of you have heard that Archbishop Coakley has communicated his decision about an additional precaution we are to observe effective immediately and until further notice: He has communicated that face masks are now to be required for our gatherings for Holy Mass and parish activities. I trust by now that you likely know we continue to observe social distancing, ushers directing seating and movement, and sanitizing of the church.
As with the other precautions for COVID-19, I know there are a variety of thoughts, opinions, and reactions to these measures. I know some of you support them completely. I know some of you are conflicted, not sure which and how many measures to adopt. I know some of you are very opposed to any requirements. I know some of you think authorities are doing too much in response. And some of you think authorities are not doing enough. I trust you can see that it is impossible to please everyone. It is impossible to manage a communal gathering with specialized procedures when individuals may not cooperate with the measures in place. Intended or not, all of this creates tension for individuals and tensions in our community. It is a source of regret for me and stress on me, our staff, and our volunteers.
I have my own concerns and reservations in all of this. I do not intend to debate the merits of any of the procedures. I remain delighted that we are least open for public Masses. I pray that can continue. I am choosing to view this as an opportunity to practice obedience and, by that virtue, to hopefully be better prepared for whatever God may ask of me as so much rebuilding will be needed both in the Church and in society once we are finally beyond the drama of COVID-19. I invite you to join me in that practice of obedience. My attitude on this finds its root in Jesus’ words to Peter indicating how he would glorify God and be of service to the larger mission of the Church. Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus said to Peter, “When you were young, you fastened your own belt and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will fasten your belt for you and carry you where you do not wish to go. (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, ‘Follow me’” (John 21:18-19).
Perhaps for many of us this latest requirement feels like being tied in a way we do not want and being led in a direction we do not wish to go. God can still accomplish something by that. May St. Peter intercede for us all that by obedience we may rest ever more firmly on the foundation of Jesus Christ and become even more faithful servants of the Lord’s mission in his Church.
Sincerely,
Fr. Hamilton
