We received messages this morning (Friday, May 14th) from both the Ohio Conference of Catholic Bishops and Bishop Monforton regarding changes in restrictions due to COVID-19. At this point, the plan is for “restoring” the obligation to attend Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 5th/6th. We will be receiving information by next Wednesday, May 19thabout other changes in restrictions.
In light of the CDC statements regarding people who have been vaccinated, at this point we will continue to have masks and disinfecting wipes available at our Christ Our Light Parish church buildings for those who would prefer to wear them while attending Mass and other in-church prayer events and gatherings. We will likewise maintain the distancing ropes between the pews until we receive the green light to remove them.
Deacon Jeremiah has completed his seminary studies and is closing in on the priesthood ordination this upcoming Friday, May 21st. He has scheduled two Masses of Thanksgiving here at Christ Our Light Parish: Thursday, May 27th at 8:35 a.m. and Sunday, June 6th at 10:30 a.m. Please keep him in prayer throughout this week!
I’m looking forward to next Sunday afternoon’s trek of the Holy Hikers. I’m planning for the “family friendly” Morgan’s Knob Trail (#11 on the Salt Fork Trail Maps), which also has the option of the additional Pine Crest Loop. You could either meet at 2:30 p.m. at the Gomber Avenue parking lot, to caravan or carpool, or ~3:00 p.m. at that trail’s parking lot, which is on the righthand side of the road toward Salt Fork Lodge.
Please pause at some time during the day on Monday, May 17th and offer at least a decade of the Rosary to participate in the Marathon of Prayer called for by Pope Francis for the complete end of the pandemic. If you’d like to participate further, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., has been chosen to lead the worldwide recitation of the Rosary that day at 12 noon ET/6pm Rome time. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, will lead the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Go to usccb.org for online links to that event.
May the Lord help us to experience the transforming power of God’s love and mercy! May we all experience continued Easter Season blessings!