The sound of children’s voices, even slightly muffled behind their respective masks, echoing down the school hallways was a surprisingly wonderful sound after nearly 21 weeks or 4.5 months of silence! There were certainly a few anxieties, a few first day tears, and lots of smiles and ‘glad to see you’ after so long apart. Parents are typically ready to send their children back to school after summer break, but even with justified concerns after having had a stint at home-schooling, they seemed to be more than ready to entrust their children over to those called by God to do the important work. There was/is a learning curve for all as the new safety protocols are embraced. There were a few hiccups and areas where we might need to rethink things, but overall, students, teachers, and staff are doing well – all considered. Certainly, the situation will continue to be monitored and adjustments made as needed. I think I speak for all those at Holy Family School & Preschool, we are glad to have the first day behind us and to do what we do best – educate children in the Truths of Christ and the Church for life in the world and the Glory of God.
Thank you to those who have done so much to get us off to a good, safe start. Prayers & Blessings.
+
Fr Gries will host a no commitment, come-and-see, information session regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is for persons who are interested in learning more and prayerfully considering becoming Catholic. Whether you were Baptized Christian in another denomination and now feel called to become Catholic or have never been Baptized, this is a great place for you. The first night, I will answer preliminary questions, talk about the overall process, and give out information. There is no cost. We will meet at 6p on Wednesday 19 August 2020 in the Parish Office Conference Room. Please bring a mask, your questions, and an open heart.
+
Events and Gatherings here at Holy Family Parish and School are slowly beginning to take place once again. I and the parish & school staff are doing all we can to facilitate safe gatherings. We are striving to follow best practices with regard to cleaning, sanitizing, social distancing, and masks. We are also intentionally taking things slow. When the staff met in early July to plan and look at the calendar for the coming year, it was a lot emptier than in years past. This is both intentional and a fact of current realities. We want members of the parish to feel welcome and safe. We want members of the parish to have opportunities to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. We want members of the parish to have opportunities to serve Christ in our neighbors. We want members of the parish to be engaged and enlivened as disciples of Christ. We also know we need to emphasis safety and slow intentional efforts. If you have a parish group that has not met in a while but are considering it, please email or call Fr Gries so we can discuss if, when, and how it might be done safely. And while Parish & School life will continue on, it will continue to look different than what we were used to for some time to come.
+
Next Saturday, August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. It is a Holy Day, but not a day of mandatory Mass obligation this year, since it falls on Saturday. The parish will have its normal 8a Mass on Saturday morning to honor God’s great work in bringing Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Body and Soul into the Heavenly Kingdom.
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries