COVID-19 Update:

The expression “Desperate times call for desperate measures” has been applied to many situations like war, natural disaster and getting a two-and-a-half year old to eat her creamed peas. The original use, however, is traditionally traced to the ancient Greek doctor, Hippocrates, for whom the Hippocratic oath is named. He applied the phrase to the curing of and protection from illness. He wrote, “For extreme diseases, extreme methods of cure, as to restriction, are most suitable.”

We seem to find ourselves once again in ancient Greece and affected by Hippocrates preference for extreme measures. Although there are many interpretations that may be applied to the current state of affairs, the extreme measures to which we have been called (restricted gatherings of people) objectively lead to only one result, the end of the novel coronavirus pandemic. It may take some time, but we will get through this. Furthermore, the faster and more completely we comply, the faster and more completely the virus’s life cycle will stop. That is the unarguable reality we are dealing with.

Therefore, I want to thank you for anything you are doing to help get us through. I realize that not coming to church to encounter the living Christ and receiving Him in Communion seems counterintuitive at a time when we need God most. I am forced to swallow my own words when, as a priest and pastor, I say that I wish more people had a hunger for Jesus in the Eucharist. Now, just as the hunger is felt most deeply, I must deny the faithful of their privilege. As a result, our prayers at home, whether alone and with family, are even more vital. We must raise our hearts and voices to God, the source of grace, mercy and healing. I echo Bishop Callahan’s plea to participate in Mass through television and social media. Even with greater urgency, continue your devotional life in solidarity with our newly united human family. The separation we suffer may just bring about an unprecedented union that helps us to see the face of Christ in our neighbor.

To that end, I am so happy with the efforts that are being made in both parishes to serve the most vulnerable in our midst. Via phone calls and media posts, we are trying to establish contact with those who need assistance for daily necessities. Please let us know if you or anyone you know is not getting the care they need and would appreciate a contact. Also, if you are willing to shop or deliver household items to people in our local area, please let us know. Many volunteers have already come forward, but as the need grows, more will be required to share the burden.

As we carry this enormous cross, we do so with God the Father, our Creator, Jesus Christ the Son, our Redeemer and God the Holy Spirit, source of courage and fortitude. May God bring to completion the good He has begun in us.

– Fr. Woody