Spring is such a happy time in our parish as our young people complete their initiation into the Christian community with the Sacrament of Confirmation and other young people continue it by receiving First Holy Communion.

 

Before calamity struck, I was able to celebrate special Masses for you, the candidates for both sacraments. At those Masses we looked forward to these happy celebrations and how each sacrament brought us closer to Jesus and strengthened us to follow his example.

 

Unfortunately, very soon after the Mass for our Confirmation candidates, the COVID-19 crisis postponed Confirmation which was set for March 26. First Holy Communions were scheduled for the beginning of May. Now we know that the mandated pause for schools and businesses has been extended until mid-May which means First Communions also must be postponed.

 

I want to assure you that I am looking forward to the day that these sacraments will be celebrated. Jesus and his Holy Spirit await the special union with you that comes with these sacraments.

 

But even as you experience these delays in celebrating them, Jesus and the Spirit are with you to comfort  you with their love and console you with the trust that the time will come when you will surely celebrate these sacraments together with your families and also with your parish family which loves you and keeps you in our hearts.

 

God bless and may you and your families stay well.