Pastor’s Corner — May 23rd, 2021
It’s Good to Be Back
It was quite moving for me to be able to greet you all at Mass last weekend. I’ve missed you so much! (Please click here if you missed my appearance at Mass.) As you can tell, I’m not 100% yet. I am following up with my doctors the next few weeks as I regain my strength and continue to mend. I have been attending meetings with some staff and slowly returning to the helm. But I am trying to take this slowly, so thank you for your patience. Please continue to pray for me, but make sure to include prayers of thanksgiving for the healing I’ve already experienced.
Important Mask and Social Distancing Update
Because of the statements of the CDC and the State of Michigan last week, starting this weekend those who are fully vaccinated do not need to social distance or wear masks at Mass and parish events. Admittedly, this is a middle position between Phase One and Phase Two of our own Phased Reopening Plan at St. Pat’s. The Parish Council and Leadership Team are discerning when we will move to Phase Two, in which masks will be only recommended, not required, for everyone. This will likely happen soon.
It’s important to remind everyone that we have two Sunday Masses at our parish in which social distancing and masking are still strictly enforced: the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM at the Parish Life Center. This will remain the case even as we move into Phase 2. So as the dispensation ends this weekend, please know that we have space for everyone.
Welcome Back Weekend
As the dispensation not to attend Sunday Mass ends, we welcome back everyone to Mass this weekend who have been away since the beginning of the pandemic. If you’ve been gone, please know you have been missed! Welcome back! Our Welcome Back weekend includes a candle for each family of the diocese and a little celebration with donuts and cake. If you know someone who has been away from Sunday Mass during the pandemic, please invite them to come back this weekend.
Pentecost Celebration: Sunday 7 PM
This Sunday evening we will have a special celebration of Pentecost in the Church. In this event we will be praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, just like the disciples did in the upper room. My priest friend Fr. Paul Donnelly will leading the event. If you need more of God in your life and want to receive more of his love, I strongly recommend you come to this event.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias