Pastoral Messages from Father Rick 6/10/2021

Usher Ministry:  Have you ever considered being an usher here at St. Christopher’s?  Our very small group of parish ushers have done an absolutely exceptional job over the years, especially during the pandemic protocols of safe-spacing and sanitizing duties.  Ushers are also essential in maintaining a careful vigilance of our premises during public events in order to help ensure our security and safety.  Please discern prayerfully if God is calling you to this very important ministry.  Several members of the community will be making some personal invitations in the very near future.  Thank you in advance for your interest.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  Please join us on Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:00 PM for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ending with benediction.  This form of group silent prayer is a very powerful statement of our faith in a God who is calling us together as one.   If we give God the time to more deeply penetrate our souls, we will eventually learn how to see each ‘with the eyes of our hearts’ despite what our brains and wills might be saying to us.

Bishop’s Annual Appeal:  Please make a donation to the Diocesan Development Drive.  So far only about one fourth of our community have made a donation…. And don’t forget who pays for the ‘ol Padrecito’s salary.

Vaccination: An Act of Charity and Solidarity

Over forty-six national Catholic organizations have joined forces to promote the vaccination effort nationally and to encourage vaccine equity globally.  Experts agree that local influencers, such as priests and parish leaders are far more effective that celebrities or athletes or splashy social media campaigns.

One website has been developed that provides all the information we may need.  It also has ready-made resources, videos, and graphics for parish or diocesan efforts.  All materials are in harmony with Catholic Social Teaching and have been developed with the help of the Catholic Health Association.   The website also has links to the Vatican resources.  https://www.catholiccares.org/resources       Please help spread the word.

Hospitality and Safe Spacing:  I have a special request for our local Catholics.  With the Covid restrictions lifting (please see our website) we are blessed with more visitors joining us for Mass.  In order to accommodate our lingering safe-distance requirements and to make room for more visitors at Sunday Mass, could the locals try to attend Mass on Saturday if you can do so without major disruptions to your life and schedules?  Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.  We do not like to turn people away for lack of space.    Thank you.