April 15, 2020
Dear Parishioners and friends,
Happy Easter to you and your friends. Even we couldn’t and can’t be together in Church, please know that I remembered you in my celebration of Mass on Easter Sunday. In case you don’t know, I celebrate Mass privately every day for the intention booked for that particular Mass, and I always include a remembrance for all of you. Since many parishioners take the same seat week after week, I sort of have a picture in my mind remembering you when I pray. I hope you don’t change your seats to confuse me once we are able to return to Church!
The Staff at HNJ joins me in sending these Easter greetings to you. While the office is closed, they continue their responsibilities. Thanks to Ryan, these emails are sent to you. He’s also working on Church records to get them on the computer so that it will be easier in the future to look up records of baptism, First Holy Communion etc. Lorelei (aka Bullet) is paying the bills as they come in and thanks to many of you, we have some funds to pay them. Among other responsibilities, she faithfully records your gifts so that you’ll have an accurate record for your 2020 taxes. Sandra does the shopping and preparing of meals (so I only have to microwave a meal and not cook from scratch). She also is making sure that the rectory is clean and safe. Sal is kept busy spraying down the pews, handrails etc. that parishioners and visitors use when they come to Church for quiet prayer. He’s trying to make sure the Church is as clean and healthy as possible. When he has some extra time, he’s outside working on the grounds for a little Spring cleanup.
Bishop Barres issued a letter for Divine Mercy Sunday which we celebrate this coming Sunday. You can find it by clicking here.
Please continue to pray for all those who care for and assist the sick and the dying, for those whom God has called home, for our parishioners who contracted or currently have the virus, for those who have lost loved ones, those who go to work every day to make sure we have our food, medicine, and other necessities. Let us also pray for Bishop Barres as he leads the faithful on Long Island, for our President and our Governor that God grant them wisdom for the difficult decisions they will have to make, and let’s not forget to ask God that He will inspire someone soon to discover a vaccine that will work for all God’s people.
Looking forward to that day when we can be together in Church, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Fr Bauhoff
