Daily update/reflection from Fr. Gratton (20 MAR 2020):

Happy 3rd Friday in Lent, Everyone!

N.B. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered today for all of you and the Holy Souls in Purgatory+ (by Donna Copeland)

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I have a lot to get to today, but first off a reflection on today's daily Mass readings (http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032020.cfm):
As I celebrated Mass today the Responsorial Psalm (psalm 81) jumped out at me, especially verses 6-7, "I relieved his shoulder of the burden, his hands were freed from the basket. In distress you called, and I rescued you." That verse struck me as something we all need to hear from our God these days, and it also reminded me about something I said in last Sunday's homily: Are we taking time to hear His voice in silence? I don't know about you, but I have been very good (TOO Good, really...) about researching everything there is to know about COVID-19; how the Administration is handling the crisis; how our health workers are going to rise to the challenge; and every other commentator's opinion you can think of on any given subject out there. I have allowed my brain and my heart to be inundated with noise from all of the storms around us. But I was reminded in Psalm 81 today that God is speaking to me always, and He expects me to hear his voice in the silence: "I am the Lord your God; hear my voice." It is a good reminder that we need to step away from the noise quite a bit these days. Check in with family, yes. Get the daily update on the world, yes. But do not be consumed by the noise of the storm. Make sure you are taking care of yourself, and that begins, first, with taking care of your soul. Step away from the computer and the TV, and sit in silence for 10-15 minutes, just letting God speak to you. Take a deep breath and write down all of the blessings that God has given you in your life. Stop and pray the Rosary with Our Lady for 20 minutes. Start reading a spiritual book, or journal your relationship with God, or write a letter to a friend. Take these moments of silence as pure gift. They calm the storm in our hearts, and they remind us that Our God is always speaking to us. He speaks directly to our fears. He speaks deep within where the noise cannot go. He says the words that we all need to hear, "I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket. In distress you called, and I rescued you." The question is: will we take the time to hear Him?

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Next, piggybacking on the daily reflection: I have some great news! Beginning tomorrow (Saturday, 21 MARCH 2020) we are going to have all of our churches open during the day, so that people can step away from their chaotic lives and go visit with the Lord in front of the Tabernacle whenever they need to find some peace. The following hours for our three churches are as follows:
St. Anthony (Bethel) - Open 24/7

St. Elizabeth (Rochester) - Open daily, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Our Lady of the Angels (Randolph) -
Mon - Fri: 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat/Sun: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

I hope this open door policy can remain for some time (if not, forever!), and I hope it brings some much needed respite for those who are truly craving the Presence of the Eucharist. Please be vigilant if you do pray in the church, however. As always, continue to follow the Administration's COVID-19 Task Force Guidelines on hygiene by washing your hands frequently and not touching your face, especially during and after visiting the church.

I will have more for you, tomorrow. Until then, make sure you find some quiet time with the Lord, and as always, know of my love and prayers for all of you!

In Christ's Abundant Peace,

Fr. Gratton