Church of St. Therese

April 17, 2020

My dear friends,
        I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy. I hope that all of you are staying home and enjoying the warm weather and getting outside for a walk or play in the yard. We need to find ways to brighten our spirits and keep us positive and optimistic during this Corona Virus pandemic.
          First, we would like to remind everyone that we have turned the Social Hall into a place for private prayer. It is open 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.
          Second, 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. Of course, you may still use Online Giving where you can make recurring as well as one-time contributions to our various funds. I would really like to thank everyone for the food and the envelopes. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated.
          Third, please notice that no Baptisms or 1^st Eucharist will take place until this pandemic is over, except in case of an emergency.
          Fourth, please notice these announcements:
* We will live-stream a daily liturgy this Thursday, April 23^rd, at 11:00 A.M.
* The Blood drive scheduled for May 3^rd has been cancelled. If you are well and are able to donate, you are encouraged to donate elsewhere.  You can donate on 4/29 at the Community Church and still be able to donate at St. Therese July 5^th. Go to redcrossblood.org sponsor code: CC-COVID
* Henrietta Thibodeau died this past Monday. Johnnie Anonuevo died last week. Please keep them and their families in our prayers.
* Please be aware that while the conversion to solar panels is taking place, there may be times when we have to close the office for several hours. Please accept our sincerest apologies.
         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 and these resources 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 all those who are caring 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!

God’s Blessings always!

Love,
Fr. Kevin