Dear Parishioners,

In a time of violent extremism can we ask ourselves, ‘What is an appropriate Catholic response?” As the events unfolded on Wednesday, January 6 (the traditional day to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany), many of us awakened to the anger, resentment and violent expression that lies had fueled for a long time. Regardless that Mr. Pence nor any member of the House of Representatives and the Senate could have overturned the duly counted electoral votes from each State plus the District of Columbia a mob attacked to stop the count. We saw the scenes unfold and, in the days, since of the real violence, injury and deaths that occurred. For many Americans this was a total shock to see a coup planned and carried out that could have caused serious harm to members of our governing body. Is there a specific Catholic response to the sedition, violence, and destruction witnessed? Are there moral considerations and judgments that would be equal to the loss of life, property, and personal safety issues? No matter what political spectrum you come from, Catholics in the United States are invited to express their concerns following First Amendment rights, not violent riots and insurrections. Catholics in this nation adhere to strict guidelines for peaceful demonstrations in the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, St. Francis of Assisi, Dorothy Day, and many Catholic saints. Catholics do not support the violence evidenced, nor embrace the hatred and rage that filled the Capitol building and other state capitols. Catholics do not support untruths and the narratives that encourages and engages to upend, destroy, and dehumanize. Catholics know about the accountability of one’s sins and the responsibility of restitution for their offenses(sins). Catholics know to not only ask for forgiveness but also show repentance. Catholics must think very carefully before race and political ideology begin to consume the person or whole groups of people with narrow understandings of the larger truth which must include Christ’s truth. Catholics carefully balance what are just rights over and against entitlements. Catholics seek legitimate ways to overturn broken laws and situations. Whether, conservative or liberal Catholics do not paint everyone with the same brush in order to justify ignorance, prejudice, and close mindedness. Catholics must weigh very carefully their words and actions, because they will always have a consequence on someone and in some situation. In short, brothers and sisters there are appropriate and moral responses we can make. We do not turn our hearts over to evil and act to erase those who disagree with us but pray for their conversion, and one day be reunited together with the dream that God has had of this country and peoples.

As we begin to open up the Church for indoor Masses and activities beginning on Monday, January 18, I ask again that you adhere to the following directives for the benefit of all your fellow parishioners:

• If you are sick please do not come inside.
• Please wear a face mask that covers your nose as well.
• Please hand sanitize before you are seated.
• Please seat one per person. Family members are not encouraged to sit together at this time.
• Please do not congregate inside the Church either before or after Mass.
• Please do not hug, kiss, offer a bare handshake or fist bump.
• Do not take off your Mask for pictures or to talk while inside.
• Please take Holy Communion only in the hand for better sanitary purposes.
• Please wait until everyone from the preceding Mass leaves the Church before entering.

Thank you for your consideration. Peace and Health.

Fr Bill