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Dear Parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
In spite of his earnest desire to continue to provide the faithful with the opportunity to receive weekly and even daily reception of Holy Communion and to come together as a Community for the Sunday and daily celebration of Holy Mass; our Bishop, in light of the dangers to the health of many in our community, has made the difficult decision, to suspend all public Masses in the Diocese of Austin, both Sunday and daily Masses, effective immediately and continuing until April 8th.
For us here at St. Mary’s it will mean the following:
These are the things that immediately come to mind as we make the adjustment to this new reality. I am sure that I have forgotten something, but I ask you to be patient with us as we put multiple pieces into place.
During my recent mission trip to Honduras, I arrived in a mountain village, on horseback, with the mission team, to celebrate Confessions, Anointing of the Sick, and Mass. They had not seen a priest for over a year. We set up Adoration that day and many of them walked several miles to be there, including one woman who was blind. There were so many people who showed up for Mass and Confession. It was a deeply spiritual experience.
In this village, while they don’t have Mass, the leader of the chapel, designated by the local pastor many miles away, gathers the people together to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word.
What a beautiful gift we have received this Lent to be united to the poor, to those who do not have all the opportunity for spiritual development that we have. It is a moment to relish, to cultivate a hunger for those things which we might be tempted to take for granted.
While the Bishop has, by his authority, given us a dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass; he cannot dispense us from worship and from observing the Holy Day. This time is a great opportunity to take ownership of you and your families’ spiritual development. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity for sin and degeneration. I ask you all not to slacken in your prayer life but to intensify it in every way.
This is what I would recommend during these times:
In conclusion, seize this moment of grace and develop an ardent longing for these spiritual goods which we cannot have. Let us make this our finest moment.
Yours In Christ,
Fr. Kurtis Wiedenfeld
Pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Church