Striking how the readings of our Lenten liturgies tie so closely to the experience of today’s modern world. This Sunday we hear Jesus say to his disciples, “Night is coming when no one can work.” Indeed, with so many of our brothers and sisters now out of work, it feels as if night has come. Yet, rather than despair, the Lord immediately encourages his disciples with the words, “while I am in the world, I am the light of the world”. As long as we have Jesus in our world, in our lives, we have no reason for fear or despair. Darkness may grow, times may be hard, but the light of Jesus Christ will never fade. It is in historical moments such as this that we must now turn back to the Lord, and with trust exclaim, “Jesus, be my light and my salvation!”  

Now, you may say to yourself, “how do we turn to Him when Masses are not being offered at the Parish?” A good question, one that we at St. Anne’s are seeking to remedy. During these initial days of “shelter- in- place” we have made available on our website several “live-stream” Masses, Bishop Barron chief among them. We are also highlighting on the website various other resources that can help us to stay connected to the Parish, one another, our Faith and our Lord. Please check out our website for these and other wonderful resources available to you during these challenging days.

Another difficult update to share with you is the reality that our Church and Chapel will no longer be open for public use. This saddens us all, but at the same time provides for us an opportunity to spend a little bit more time in our beautiful Plaza. The parish Plaza is filled with the signs and symbols of our Faith, all of which can help to focus our attention on the Lord. Please feel free to walk the Plaza, with appropriate social distancing, any time throughout the day.  

We are all “off-balance” with this new “shelter-in-place” order, but we know that it will, in the long run, help to ease the sufferings of others who may be susceptible to the COVID – 19 virus. We therefore offer this time as a sacrifice, knowing that the Lord sees our hearts and is pleased with the depth of our love for Him.

Please stay connected to us via the website. We hope to provide for our community new resources and activities throughout the coming weeks…maybe even a “live-stream” Mass from St. Anne’s at some point.

You are all in my heart and prayers as I offer Mass for St. Anne’s each and every day.

Christ’s Peace,

Fr. Brandon