Dear Parishioners,

As we begin our second week of Easter, Father Cezary and I continue to pray for all our parishioners daily at Mass and, like many of you, keep informed about the virus through the various media. Ever mindful of our patron saint, St. John the Baptist, we continue to prepare the way of the Lord prayerfully and with hope.  The virus has affected our parish in a number of ways: our inability to gather as a community for our Eucharistic celebrations; loss of the physical interaction of various groups of our parish; and interruption of the day to day flow of life at the Parish Office, School and Church.  Yet, the Lord is ever present in the tabernacle reminding us of His Love and His Mercy.

Since the stay-at-home directive, work has continued on the upgrade to our fire alarm system in the Gym and the Church. New strobe lights, pull stations and sensors are being installed.  This was necessitated because of demands from the County.  The workmen were and are deemed essential workers because of the safety issue.  The property continues to be maintained.  A number of individuals have visited and prayed at the shrines of St. John the Baptist, St. Francis and the Blessed Mother on both sides of our Church.  Some people have called on the emergency line to schedule Confession with one of the parish priests near the Marian shrines.  We are available for the Sacrament of Penance, just call the Rectory at 301-622-3935 or ring the Rectory doorbell.

I know that Father Cezary has communicated with the Confirmation Class. The sacrament was to have been administered by Bishop Dorsonville in April. It will have to be rescheduled.  I know that L.J. and I spoke earlier this week about the First Eucharist group Mass which also has been postponed.  There are many questions concerning both of these sacraments.  I do not know, yet, what the new guidelines will be regarding congregating in groups. There is still so much to consider.

For the time being, I urge you to continue to stay informed by our Governor, take advantage of all the resources available for the welfare of your family, share the stories of older members of the family with the younger generations, pray and share the story of the Lord Jesus especially in the Acts of the Apostles.  Notice how the early Christians gathered at home and did the same.  They drew strength from their hope in the Lord.  So will we. 

                                                                                            Fr. David