Assumption Parish

Greetings Everyone! While this message was originally directed to our Parish Leadership, I now feel it is
important to share it with all our parish members as it reflects my most sincere sentiments at this time. Thank you for taking the time. Peace. Peace. Peace.

We are all bobbing up and down in uncharted waters. Bobbing is good. It means we are all still here together. Thanks be to God!

As I write to you, I’m watching our Holy Father ascending the large staircase leading to St. Peter’s without any people gathered together. It is a stark contrast to the cheering throngs we are used to seeing. But it is symbolic of the current global situation.

What can we say of this unprecedented ongoing event in our lifetime? What tools do we have to contend with such isolation? With such uncertainty? With such distressing anxiety?

We have our faith in God.
We have our faith in His Son.
We have faith in the Presence of the Indwelling Spirit of God.

As the Holy Father now repeats the words of Jesus at the calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee, “Why are you afraid?”. We are reminded that we are NEVER alone. Such is the gift of faith. The experience of belonging to God. Both here on Earth and in the life to come in Heaven.

Perhaps we are being given this time to WAKE UP! To become MORE alive to the gifts of God in our lives. Beginning with the members of our families. To appreciate everything on a new level. To explore new dimensions of the Spirit at work within us.

Jean Paul Sartre said; “If you are lonely when you are alone, you are in bad company.” I love that quote! Could this be a time of grace to get to know ourselves better and love the gift of our own company? I would say, ABSOLUTELY!

In becoming better friends with our own selves, we become better friends to our families, friends, and the whole world. To the Earth itself! All is God’s gift!

The Holy Father is now blessing the whole of humanity and the world we live in, bidding us to cast all our anxieties onto God. And so we shall!

Together, we will address the needs and concerns of the Parish Family in the weeks ahead. For now, we must approach this Global Contagion, that has no cure at this time, with utmost seriousness. It is NOT the time to grow bored or irresponsible. People's very lives are at risk. We must give good example by following the mandates and recommendations of the scientists, doctors, and specialists, that GOD HIMSELF has given to us, to steer us to safe shores! To do anything less would be grievous.

Let us utilize this time for deep thinking, reflection, mediation, and prayer about what life is really all about to us. What is sacred, precious, and important. And what is not. As we call upon the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us, I look forward to the day when we will all share our stories. Lessons learned. Graces received. Blessings bestowed. Love experienced. AMEN.

Thank you for all your faith, hope, and love. God bless and protect you and everyone you love. AMEN.
As I watch now the Holy Father praying before the Blessed Sacrament, I’m reminded of a lesson Bishop Leo O'Neil taught me many years ago when I complained to him that a church I liked to pray in was closed. He asked me; “Steven, where is this church located? Point to it.” I pointed. Bishop O'Neil turned his whole body in the direction I pointed. He paused. He lowered his head. He closed his eyes. He remained silent for several minutes. Then, standing straight again, he opened his eyes and turned to me saying: “Steven, I just went before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Locked doors are no barrier between Jesus and those who love Him. They will not be a barrier to you.”

And they never have. They never have.

Love your friend, Fr. Steve XO

From Bishop Rozanski - March 27, 2020
Blessings to all during this uncertain time.  Please know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers. 

So much seems to change by the day and sometimes by the hour. This requires us to all be patient and understanding when our directives must constantly change or be modified.

Most important is that we must heed the advice and directives of government and healthcare officials, and undertake no action which might undermine their efforts to contain this terrible virus.

With that in mind, here are some updates.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
After further discussion and review, I am rescinding my previous directive and temporarily suspending the Anointing of the Sick in all instances. 

CHRISM MASS
We will postpone the Chrism Mass until after the crisis passes. Should you run out of either the Oil of the Sick or Oil of the Catechumen, you may bless these oils to replenish your stock.

PALM SUNDAY
In light of the Governor's latest restrictions, it is no longer appropriate to hand out blessed palms.  Please hold onto them for when we resume public Masses.

HOLY WEEK / EASTER
As of now, we will not resume public Masses in time for Easter. This includes "parking lot" Masses. Catholic Communications has acquired time slots for special Chalice of Salvation broadcasts Holy Thursday and Good Friday mornings. In the Berkshires these will air on WTEN at 10am each day. Elsewhere in the diocese these special programs will air on WWLP at 11am. These are in addition to the normal Sunday broadcasts for Palm Sunday and Easter.
Priests may celebrate the Triduum privately.

PARISH DONATIONS
In order to help parishes with the drop off in their offertory income, our diocesan finance office has set-up a parish donation portal.  It is posted prominently on www.diospringfield.org. It will be promoted on all Catholic Communication programs this week, as well as on-line and in a series of newspaper ads. I will also make a note of this tremendous need in a Facebook video this weekend.

CONFESSIONS
I have taken a number of suggestions under advisement.  The New England Province is working on a single policy- more to come.

DIOCESAN OFFICES
Again, in light of the Governor's directives and the extension of school closings, I am extending our office closure until further notice.

Thank--you and God bless you!