Discipleship and Civility

10-25-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In order to get this column into the bulletin, it has to be done very early. So, at the moment of writing this, I do not have an update on the status of our Bicentennial Campaign. Hopefully, you received a mailing last week that explains the campaign in more detail and includes a pledge card. This week, you may receive a follow-up call from a parish volunteer to see if we can answer any questions you might have. Remember, you can pledge over five years and nothing is legally binding. Also know that due to the special circumstances of the pandemic, truly no gift is too small. Like Jesus’ story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41– 44), the true value of any gift is based on the sacrifice of the giver. This campaign is genuinely a good thing for the people of both the diocese and our parish, which receives half of all gifts. You can also donate online. Just click on our Bicentennial Campaign banner.

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Praise God

10-18-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week I mentioned that since mid-May, all the parishes of our diocese have been making in-person Mass available. No case of COVID-19 has been contracted by attending Mass at any parish in the diocese – praise God.

During this time, Mass attendance has been gradually increasing. Since July the Bishop has allowed up to 50% capacity provided that we can maintain social distance. That means that St. Mary’s is able to exceed 200 people. Those living under the same roof do not need to socially distance, so we are able to seat more people. As of yet, we have not had to send anyone to our overflow at 5 pm Sat., 11 am Sun. or 12:30 pm Sun.

A reminder that this Sunday we will begin singing again at Mass. This has not resulted in people contracting the coronavirus from attending Mass at other parishes. Of course, we will keep our masks on and sing at a normal, i.e., not elevated, volume. Recall from last week’s column that most people do not sing hymns like professional singers, so the number of droplets produced by “regular” people like you and me (according to the most recent studies with people singing with masks) is not more dangerous than regular talking. We are pro-life, and would never do something to recklessly endanger human life.

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Moving Forward in Faith

10-11-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since mid-May, St. Mary’s parish, along with all the parishes of our diocese and our neighboring diocese, have been making in-person Mass available. Thanks are to God, no one has contracted COVID-19 by attending Mass. Also, almost without exception, the other parishes have been doing at least some singing. Again, this has not resulted in people contracting the disease from attending Mass, and they have been doing this for nearly five months. With this in mind, we plan to resume some singing at Mass (still with masks on) beginning next Sunday, October 18.

Why is this safe? Most people in a congregation do not sing hymns with the gusto of an opera diva or even the controlled beauty of our wonderful cantors; so the number of droplets produced by “normal” people like you and me are (according to the most recent studies with people singing with masks,) not more dangerous than regular talking. We are pro-life and would never do something to recklessly endanger human life. So, let’s dip a toe into the water and “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” (Psalm 100)

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The Lord, the Giver of Life

10-04-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My recent vacation and retreat were wonderfulopportunities both to relax and recharge. As most of youknow, perhaps my favorite way to unwind is a good, longhike. Over several days in western NC, I was able to clock inover 50 miles of trails with a combined elevation gain of over9,500ft. (If you’re not someone who enjoys hiking, all thatmeans is that I had a great time!) In all my Masses Iespecially remembered each of you and your personalintentions, offering them all up in the greatest possible act ofprayer – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As with any timeaway, it’s always wonderful to come home, and it’s great tosee your faces again! (Well, most of your head at least.)

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