Ministry post-COVID.

While I hate what COVID has done for us as a worshipping community, one good thing it has done is forced us to look at doing ministry in different ways.  There have been more “home visits” via ZOOM.  We have sent out lessons for Faith Formation.  We have done penance services from the parking lot.  We did a lot of Masses in the parking lot.  So we at least have an idea of what ministry might look like in the future.  But one thing all these new ways are not able to do is have us actually gather together as one family.  Sacraments cannot be done long distance or over the phone.  We don’t always to get see who is on the Zoom with us so we are still isolated in some ways.  What this absence has also shown us is how critical it is for us to gather regularly because we are one family.  A lot of costs have gone up this past year and in most cases, income has not gone up for people.  Our expenses have been down because some employees have left for other jobs and have not been yet replaced.  When we start gathering together again we are going to need your contributions to be able to pay these people a living wage.  I ask you to look into your pattern of giving.  Does it represent how thankful you are to God for your family, friends, work, home, and faith community?  Consider increasing your giving so we have adequate income to hire the people we need to provide the ministry we want.  Thank you.