Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
People have been discussing what the “new normal’ will be after our experience of COVID-19. As we move forward, out of our quarantines at home, what from this pandemic will still be with us?
On a deeper level, there will be experiences or things that “hit us” that have shined a light on how we want to live our lives, from now forward. I know people have found what they really value and enjoy in life during this time of pause, and they want to keep doing those things. I know I have felt that as well, but it was good that people shared that with me.
On the other hand, COVID-19‘s effects might very well change the way we sanitize our lives from now on. Like, how will we distance ourselves in the future? Will we keep at a distance? Will we always be carrying a bottle of sanitizer with us or in our cars? Will ZOOM become more of a standard practice for gatherings of people, such as family, parish meetings within our church commissions, or at our places of employment? Will ZOOM just be another “tool” in the “toolbox”? To what extent will people use masks? Will people go less to the checkout aisle and more to the “pickup” window or stations? Time will tell what sticks and what COVID lessons impact us in the future. Time will tell what becomes the “new normal.“
I can tell you one thing that truly sticks, no matter whether we are in a pandemic or not--a mother’s love. I have been blessed and I know all of you have been blessed with a mother's love, either through your own mother, a guardian, a grandmother, or someone that has been a motherly presence in your life. This weekend, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let's celebrate that love that is unique, and well, OK, not normal but special, that endures, nurtures us, supports us, and works to keep our family together physically, spiritually and emotionally. To honor mothers, we will have a blessing at our live-streamed Masses. Please make sure that you “tune in” with our mothers and make them feel loved, appreciated, and especially blessed on this very special day we honor them. We’re even having a Donut Sunday for Mother’s Day. Please drive through the back parking lot at St. Cecilia and receive your donuts at 11:30AM this Sunday, till there are no more. And as always, we will be honoring the Mother of God in a special way this month. There will be a live-streamed May Crowning Service on May 20 at 7PM.
Amen? Amen!
Fr. Jamie
1. Priesthood Ordination. Deacon Chris Komoroski, son of St. Cecilia parishioners Rich and Eva, will be ordained a priest next Saturday at the Cathedral. Deacon Chris will then celebrate his Mass of Thanksgiving at 10AM Sunday. We will of course be live-streaming the Mass on Sunday. If you would like to send a card, note or gift of congratulations, mail it to Fr. Chris Komoroski, 3600 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45237.
2. One More Year. Barring the resignation or death of a pastor in the Archdiocese, we will have Fr. Jacob another year. The decision was made this past Tuesday at the Priest Personnel Board Meeting. I and our parishioners in the region are very grateful that Fr. Jacob will be with us most likely till next June.
3. Congratulations. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was celebrated last Saturday afternoon at St. Cecilia, the 2nd of May. Please congratulate and lift up in prayer Mr. and Mrs. Riley and Katie Quinn. Though the wedding could only be attended by a few people because of COVID-19, a well-choreographed procession of family and friends, in their cars, paraded around the church expressing their joy for the couple by honking horns and holding up congratulatory signs as the couple looked on at the conclusion of the Mass from the front steps of the church.
4. Welcome, Child of God. On the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Joseph Pio, son of Jordan and Emily Adams was baptized. Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer presided. Please pray for Joseph and his family as he begins his life of grace in Jesus Christ.
5. Masks. Special thanks to all those that have made masks for us priests and seminarians. We all truly appreciate it. Pictured is one that was custom made for the priests of the region.
6. Registered First Family of Ohio. My mom and sisters are very much into genealogy. Through their research, I came to know that my ancestors came to Ohio in 1817. My ancestors' names were Edward and Mary McFadden. We later found out that if your ancestors came to Ohio before 1821 that you are recognized as one of the “First Families of Ohio.” After learning this, my mother encouraged our whole family to register ourselves with the Ohio Genealogical Society. Upon doing so, I received a certificate, a pin, and a number. There are over 4,000 registered people in the “First Family of Ohio.” Maybe you are one?
Not Pictured - Pentecost. The Solemnity of Pentecost is the target date for parishes to allow the public back to the celebration of the Eucharist. I know we are all looking forward to that day. We will also hold a special Mass on the Vigil of Pentecost for those entering into full communion with the Church. As you know, our candidates for full communion have had to wait because we did not have the Easter sacraments available to them.
