Church of St. Therese

April 8, 2020

My dear friends,

        I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy. I hope that the warm weather has helped to brighten our spirits and keep us positive and optimistic during this Corona Virus pandemic.

         There are several important issues that I need to address at this time:

         First, it is my sincere hope that live-streaming our weekly liturgy will help us keep in touch. I miss all of you! I hope that you were able to see the Facebook post of the picture of the little girl reaching out to the I-pad as she was watching our liturgy last Sunday. It was so cute!

         Second, we will live-stream our services for the Triduum. To connect, please go to the St. Therese Facebook page or the website.  For the health and well-being of everyone, please do NOT try to come to Church for these liturgies! Remember that no more than 10 people can gather in one location.
         As you know the Triduum, the three holiest days of the year, centers on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. We are asking everyone who wants to celebrate the Easter Vigil to please go to the https://richmonddiocese.org/palm-sunday-to-easter-livestream-schedule/ and watch the live-stream with the Bishop at the Cathedral at 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 11th.
         The schedule for Holy Week is as follows: 
Holy Thursday (April 9th) at 6:00 P.M.
Good Friday (April 10th) at 3:00 P.M. 
Easter Vigil (April 11th) at 8:00 P.M. [please go to https://richmonddiocese.org/palm-sunday-to-easter-livestream-schedule/ and watch the live-stream from the Cathedral with Bishop Knestout]
Easter Sunday (April 12th) at 10:00 A.M. [Please note that the homily will also include a “dialogue” with the children about FROZEN 2 and its Easter message!]

        Third, this is just a reminder that we have turned the Social Hall into a place for private prayer. It is opened from 10-3 P.M. every day, except Sunday, which will be open from 11:00-3:00 P.M. because of liturgy at 10:00 A.M. Remember that no more than 10 people can be there at one time.
         However, please notice that the Blessed Sacrament will not be present during the day on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Notice also that the church and Parish Office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 13^th.
          If you would like to drop off food for OASIS, just ring the doorbell between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. and you can place the food in the grocery cart in the Commons. If you would like to drop off your church envelope, there will be a box marked for that as well. 

         Fourth, Sight and Sound theatres are streaming free the play “JESUS” April 10-12.  It can be seen in 3 ways:  * on TBN (Verizon channel 295) on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 P.M., * on the TBN app, or * on the following website:  https://watch.tbn.org/sight-sound-theatres-presents-jesus. I saw “Jesus” live in Lancaster, PA, and it was absolutely amazing. It was so good that they keep this play going for 2 years! They had live animals and the scene with Jesus walking on water and rescuing Peter was unforgettable. Please do not miss this! It will be a wonderful way to celebrate Holy Week and Easter!

         Fifth, please notice that no Baptisms or 1^st Eucharist will take place until this pandemic is over. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
      
          If there are any senior parishioners who need help getting groceries or medicine, we have a few volunteers who are willing to help.  Please call the office at 757-488-2553.  Please share this information with those who do not have email.  Reminder that all pastoral care to the sick has been suspended until further notice.

          Individual Reconciliation is by appointment only!
 
          Let this crisis bring the best out in us as we seek to help each other get through the social isolation and fear!
Let us pray for one another and for everyone in the world who is affected.
Let us pray for a swift end to the Corona Virus pandemic that afflicts our world, that God will heal the sick, strengthen those on the front lines who care for the sick, and help us all to persevere in faith.
May the Lord bring all of us comfort, strength, and hope!
May Jesus inspire and challenge us to be as positive and optimistic, as cautious and sensitive as possible!

          Please take care of yourself and STAY HOME! I miss you!

          The Parish Staff and I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Easter! God’s Blessings always!

Love,
Fr. Kevin