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May 26, 2020Feast of Pentecost 05.31.2020
This past weekend I came across a profound statement on-line that was made by the Reverend Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the board of the Conference of National Black Churches. In light of churches reopening, he said, “Most churches never considered ourselves to be closed. We are all simply out of the buildings.” He continues, “We are out of the buildings because our people are important.” I feel that there are those who believe if they are not in church, then they are not faithful. On the contrary, protecting others is a faithful response. Therefore, our response in the Diocese of Lexington to reopening churches for in-person Masses is twofold: (1) Our in-person Masses at the present will necessarily follow Commonwealth and Diocese guidelines that are meant to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus, and (2) We will continue to make available virtual Masses as a safe alternative for those who rather not attend in-person Mass at this time due to the risk.
Please note: Our virtual Sunday Masses are pre-recorded with the Bishop’s permission due to the videographer not being available on the weekend. The virtual Masses from St. Paul will continue to be made available on our website and Facebook page with English broadcast on Sunday at 10:00 am and Spanish at 11:00 am. We will also continue to broadcast our virtual Masses from the temporary chapel in Brossart House, and not the church due to the fact that the quality of the broadcast is much better in this smaller space.
I, as much as anyone else, am anxious for the day when we can all be back in our church worshipping together. But in the meantime during this time of uncertainty let us all be reminded that we are still church as we are connected to one another through the Holy Spirit of God which was given to the first disciples on the Feast of Pentecost and to every generation since. As we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost today let us be embolden in the assurance that the Holy Spirit of God is alive in each of us and will guide us through this difficult time. Be not afraid!
Let us remain in the heart of Jesus.
Fr. Richard