Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity reminds us of the profound revelation that Jesus revealed to us about God. God is not a distant God but rather a God who comes to us as Father, Son, and Spirit, one God experienced by us as three persons. The mystery of this unity pulls us to experience the creative, redemptive, and sanctifying persona of God who is Love. “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 234)
Being Baptized in the name of the Trinity recalls our participation in the revelation of this fundamental truth. God, through the life of the sacraments, makes himself fully present to us and us to God. We come to the Trinity broken, beaten, and scared by sin. God comes to us as healer, forgiver, and provides strength for our faith journey. In the sacraments the grace needed for us to witness to the love of God is given in abundance. We are reminded of this grace every time we make the sign of the cross, a simple gesture that affirms this great mystery is active in our lives. May we always sign ourselves with reverence as an outward expression of our unity to the Divine Trinity.
I extend my deepest appreciation for the way that both parish communities have handled the regulations over the past year regarding Mass participation. It’s truly been a blessing to journey this challenging time with you. Seeing your love for the Lord and your respect for others is a sign to the life of the Trinity active in our communities.
On June 2nd, with direction from Bishop Malesic, we will transition back to our ordinary form of worship. Although some of our practices will take some time to reintroduce, many will begin immediately. No longer will masks or social distancing be required. Those that are not yet vaccinated are welcome and encouraged to continue this practice for one’s safety. The church building will be fully open, all pews available for use, and all entrance and exit doors will be available for use during liturgical celebrations. The “Sign of Peace” will be restored with the encouragement to express peace in a non-physical manner. Holy Water founts will be filled and the missalettes will be returned to the pews to help the faithful participate in the Mass.
Although some liturgical ministries will be restored later this summer, help is needed to take up the collection. I am grateful for the ushers who have overseen the collection baskets these past few months. We will begin again having ushers walk up and down the aisles, taking up the general collection. At Saint Clement, we will restore the second collection for the Saint Augustine Hunger Center on the first weekend of the month beginning June 5-6. Please be willing to help this be done in a timely and secure manner.
It is my goal to restore and encourage lay liturgical participation throughout the summer. Servers, lectors, extra ordinary ministers of Communion, greeters, and choir members are areas of liturgical need that help us engage with full, active, and conscious participation during worship. Please prayerfully consider volunteering to help us have a welcoming and spiritual home to praise our loving God.
As we move into the month of June let us keep in prayer all of our graduates. May they use their knowledge to build and elevate the Church and our community.
Memorial Day Gratitude!!
Fr. Workman