Our first Sunday "in"

Were we quarantined last Sunday? I don't even remember. I guess not, but we went to Vigil Mass so I think we stayed in even though we didn't have to. Oh well, hindsight and all of that.

So, today was a week since everything in our known universe was cancelled. Luckily it's also Laetare Sunday - we're halfway through Lent!

From the entrance antiphon:

“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

I know it seems like rejoicing is the last thing on peoples' minds. There is a rampant virus floating about, people are acting strangely (hoarding food and not really listening to mandates from the government), we are forced to watch Mass on our televisions instead of sitting in the pews. So, if you can't manage that level of "joy" right now, tuck it away until the day comes when this has all passed and we're back again to our regularly scheduled lives. 

That's in italics for a reason. The one thing that this week has been is unscheduled (except for the online classes - cue moaning from the kids involved). We have been floating somewhere between vacation and depression but definitely in a not-normal fog. The kids and I have been progressing through stomach flu, our washing machine has been broken, I haven't left the house in 6+ days, and in all of it I don't think I've raised my voice (except relating to one particular person and those of you with teens may be able to relate). Definitely not-normal. 

So, yesterday was Sunday and I've been reading about the fact that, not only should you be live-streaming Mass, you should also make an effort. In other words, don't just wander into the room and sit down; present yourself as you would (or even better than) you've been doing when attending Mass in person. So, we got up, had breakfast, then got dressed in Sunday clothes (this is a big deal after 6 days of sweats). 

pre-Mass instructions

I admit I've been enjoying the ability to just pop here and there for Mass each day. Today we're at a parish in our diocese, yesterday in Philadelphia...maybe Stockbridge or even Canada somewhere. It's going to fill my travel-void if this quarantine continues while we're supposed to be on pilgrimage!

Today we settled on our own St. Anthony's Chapel because, following the 11:30 Mass, they were going to have a procession and blessing with some special relics (St. Rocco!) to ask their intercession against COVID-19.

We went to St. Anthony's for Mass a few months ago and DH said, "this is definitely a Catholic's paradise - going to Mass among all of these Saints." He's right. It's so comforting to have them nearby, even via livestream, in the midst of life these days. 

The Mass was beautiful, with the Sanctus and Angus Dei, sung Gospel and a homily that included, "Usually the Lent that God gives us is much better than the one we choose for ourselves." Amen. The procession,  Litany, and prayers were a comfort to us who are currently fasting from the Eucharist. No matter where we find ourselves, we can remember that all we need do is invoke the Saints and angels and we are never alone.

After Mass the kids got to work. One of our dear priest-friends, who we met through our beloved Sisters of the Divine Redeemer, is celebrating his 60th anniversary of Ordination on Wednesday. What an amazing accomplishment. What a wonderful priest. He is old-school and not afraid to say what's what (he's also Slovak which makes that first part redundant). He calls me "Susan" in the most delightfully stern voice and always tells Gianni to "mind your mother and father". 

What do you give a priest who's had 59 years of Ordination anniversaries? We decided on prayer. A spiritual bouquet - more prayers for someone who has prayed for so many throughout his life. 

I totally reused a Valentine jar from years ago but it seemed to work. 

DH decorated the bag

For those who are worried...we called ahead, left the bag on the porch and rang the bell. As we were pulling away, Sister Ann opened the door and took the bag inside...

Let's pray for Fr. Ed and all of our priests. Those, like Fr. Ed, have worked hard their whole priesthood and now are at risk for the virus that is circulating. Those who are in active ministry are working and carrying the stress we're passing along to them. Pray for your priest by name today then pray for all the priests you've known and those you will never meet. Pray that Our Lady will keep them in her mantle and protect them. Ask that God open their hearts to be even more selfless during this time so that they might meet the needs of their flock and pray for them without ceasing.

We are blessed.