+JMJ
Dear parishioners,
By now you have probably heard in the news that Ottawa Public Health is imposing the wearing of masks for those entering indoor public spaces throughout the Ottawa Area, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This mandatory policy includes places of worship. Ottawa Health expects the parish to inform parishioners of the policy with the view of fostering compliance; at the same time, the policy provides exemptions for certain people, such as those with pre-existing medical conditions such as, for example, “respiratory difficulties”. There are exemptions as well for those working in areas where the public are not supposed to have access (i.e. sacristy, sanctuary, choir loft). The policy is reported in this CTV News report:
After a grace period, the policy will be reviewed on July 15th by Ottawa City Council with the view of voting on amendments and/or bylaws regarding masks. If you live in the Ottawa area now would be the time to contact your city councillor to suggest any constructive modifications or amendments which may be on your mind :
https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/mayor-and-city-councillors
We have been through a lot in the past few months and for many of us our patience has been tried to the limit; at the same time we don’t want anyone to get ill with COVID-19, especially the most vulnerable, and so are asked to wear a mask. You will be facing a new challenge when going to the bank, grocery store, or any indoor space in the city. At the same time we should be grateful that our Church is open for Mass and, despite the social distancing requirements, that we have access to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Confession, and Holy Communion.
How are we to manage our emotions in unsettling times like these, when things seemed to be getting back to normal until, suddenly, we realize they are not? When news of this policy broke, I was advancing in my reading of a fine book published by Angelico Press called In Sinu Jesu – When Heart Speaks to Heart: The Journal of a Priest at Prayer which was written by a Benedictine Monk who founded the traditional Silverstream Priory in County Meath Ireland. It is a diary of sorts recording inspirations received during Eucharistic Adoration, and a book which encourages priests to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament every day in order to renew their love for Our Lord and build up their interior life. The book is highly recommended by His Eminence Cardinal Burke, former head of the Roman Rota and Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. On p. 69 this monk shares an inspiration from Our Lord:
“Trust Me with all the events of your life. I will not abandon you. You are Mine and I will not forsake you. The decisions of men are all in My hands. Nothing will befall you that I do not permit. I will give you My grace to accept the changing circumstances of your life. It is I who am behind all that happens to you. Nothing escapes My wisdom; nothing escapes My love; nothing escapes My omnipotence. Trust Me, and be at peace. I bless you with all the love of My Sacred Heart. Do not be afraid. Tell Me again and again that you trust in My merciful love for you.”
So as we try to process all these changes around us, and the inconveniences associated with them, let us all strive to supernaturalize them as best we can. Because, in the end, Our Lord is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Our life is in His hands. We have no better place to turn to than His Sacred Heart to help weather this storm and to be at peace within it. We should trust in Him.
You remain in my prayers.
In Corde Mariae,
Fr. Erik Deprey, FSSP
Pastor