Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hopefully, you were able to read my letter to the parish in the bulletin (also posted on our parish Facebook page) outlining the most recent changes to our virus-related protocols. Here is a quick summary in case you missed it:

St. Francis de Sales: “What a dignity to be the guardian of our Lord, and, not only that, but to be even his reputed father, to be the husband of his most holy Mother!”

St. Madeline Sophie Barat: “The two greatest personages who ever lived on this earth subjected themselves to [St. Joseph].”

Something to think about: We sometimes have a hard time doing what we are asked – especially when we think we have a better idea on how to do things. We also have a hard time being corrected. Jesus “was obedient to” Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51), even as he grew up!

St. Francis de Sales: “What a dignity to be the guardian of our Lord, and, not only that, but to be even his reputed father, to be the husband of his most holy Mother!”

To think about: Sometimes we feel burdened by our vocation in life, by our mission. Today, think about how the Lord has honored us by asking us to participate in the salvation of others (and of the world). He is relying on us! Like the apostles he had honored us by using us to spread the Gospel in our own little circle. Praise God! Today we celebrate Pentecost, the great event that emboldened the apostles to preach fearlessly. Let’s share the joy of the Gospel with those we meet this week.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since the bulletin must go to print by Tuesday morning (sometimes earlier), my weekly column may not reflect news and information that comes to light later in the week. By the time this week’s column goes to print, we will certainly have more guidance from our Bishop on face coverings/masks for parishes in our Diocese. I will communicate any new information via our website and Facebook page. Thank you again for your wonderful patience and understanding. We have such a great parish!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With the recent alterations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding guidance for wearing masks for those fully vaccinated for COVID-19, please note the changes below to virus-related restrictions for our parish.

As always, your safety continues to be my utmost priority. At the beginning of and during the pandemic, we adhered to CDC guidelines based on the best science known then about how the virus spreads. Now, we are continuing to adhere to the best science from the CDC in lifting certain restrictions.

Blessed Gabriele Allegra: “St. Joseph sweetly and continuously stimulates us to love, serve, and imitate the Queen of his heart, the Immaculate Mother of Jesus.”

To think about: Fr. Benedict Groeschel used to say that it must have been hard for St. Joseph to live with the Son of God and a sinless woman – if there was ever a disagreement he would be wrong, and this may be why in scripture he didn’t say a word. In truth, Joseph probably did follow Mary’s lead in many things. We should also love Mary and imitate her in her love of Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On May 6, the City of Aiken rescinded its mandatory requirement for masks in retail and commercial establishments, while not prohibit individual businesses from requiring them. Churches, as religious institutions, have been exempt; however, we have followed the lead of our Bishop, who has strongly encouraged many things for parishes, including especially face coverings since we gather a great number of people under one roof.

St. Teresa of Avila was a great advocate of devotion to St. Joseph. “I do not know how one can meditate on the care which the Blessed Virgin took of the Divine Child, without thanking St. Joseph for the care he likewise took of both the mother and the Child.”

To think about: Joseph protected and cared for Jesus Christ and Mary. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the care of children we forget about the care of the parents. When you are praying for the children in your life, remember to also pray for the mutual support of the parents and an increase in their ability to work together on parenting issues.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!

The great season of Easter continues for fifty days, giving us the vital opportunity to contemplate the radical meaning of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for each and every one of us. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. … If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). These words of St. Paul, written soon after Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, say it all. Eye-witnesses have passed on their personal testimony to us. We cannot remain unchanged.

Venerable Pope Pius XII wrote “If Joseph was so engaged, heart and soul, in protecting and providing for that little family at Nazareth, don’t you think that now in Heaven he is the same loving father and guardian of the whole Church, of all its members, as he was of its Head on earth?”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Traditionally, this Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday. We need a guide in our troubled world. May we, as His sheep, always open our hearts and minds to the true paths laid out by our Good Shepherd.

St. Joseph Marello wrote “St. Joseph did not do extraordinary things, but rather by the constant practice of the ordinary and common virtue, he attained that sanctity which elevates him above all other saints.”

To think about: This is certainly doable in our own lives: the constant practice of ordinary and common virtues. Are we diligent with this? How can we become more diligent? How can we encourage other along the path?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! Alleluia! We continue the great season of Easter. Forty days of fast has given way to fifty days of feast. This celebration of the Resurrection of Christ will continue through Pentecost on May 23.

I wanted to briefly recap some of the major points of my recent letter regarding some changes to our virus-related protocols. (You can read the full letter on the homepage of our website.) First, please continue to wear your mask/ face covering while inside the body of the church. It should cover both your nose and mouth at the same time.

- Holy water is back! In a report released Feb. 21: The “CDC is not aware of any scientific reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, or other treated aquatic venues.” Making the Sign of the Cross with holy water at the doors of our churches is a very long tradition, reminding us of our Baptism. A good prayer to say while doing it: “I have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (Of course, if you are still uncomfortable, recall that it is not strictly necessary to exercise this devotion.)

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade wrote: “St. Joseph was not a passive instrument in the great work of our salvation; he played a very active role.”

To think about: Do we actively step out in faith to do the Lord’s work? Or are we more passive, waiting to be asked to do something? Don’t wait for someone to ask … visit your neighbor who lives alone, call your relative, invite a friend to a parish event, or start a conversation.

St. Josemaría Escrivá: Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus’ realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine – all this reflects his childhood and influence of Joseph.

To think about: Are we good examples to those around us? Do we represent Christ as we should to our family, those with whom we work, or employees in businesses we frequent? Intentional disciples of Christ are called to model the Christian life everywhere.

I don’t say this lightly: Everything hinges on the fact of what we celebrate today. Everything.

In Jesus Christ, the eternal, Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity – God who is without beginning, without end – took human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, was born in time, was scourged, died a horrible death in front of hundreds of onlookers, and was buried. Humanly speaking, that should’ve been the end.

Pope Francis: I have a great love for St. Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table, I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church! Yes! We know he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph, so that he can dream about it! In other words, I tell him: “Pray for this problem!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As more of our fellow parishioners become vaccinated and are starting to return to Mass, the Bishop has altered previous restrictions. Your safety is my utmost priority. At the same time, we are making it possible for people to safely attend the various liturgies of the Church in order to receive the life-giving Sacraments, most especially the sacred Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Holy Mass.

Here is a quick summary of the changes: