Message from Director of Faith Life and Religious Education

Good morning all,

I know that there has been much uncertainty and anxiety in this entire situation the world is facing.  These are times when we instinctively turn to our faith for support, guidance and comfort; however, some may also be wondering where God is in all of this.  Do not worry; God has promised that he is with us always!  He draws near to us in times of fear, anxiety, and worry.  With masses cancelled across the Archdiocese, it is important not to abandon our faith practices but to find new and alternate ways to pray together and be strengthened by God's Word.  There will be general faith resources for your use on our STAR Catholic Resource Support Site, but I wanted to share a few specific resources with you now.

Our Archbishop has released a message for all on this crisis; I highly recommend you watch it.  Archbishop Smith COVID-19 Message

The Archdiocese has also released a letter that outlines why the decision to cancel masses was made, what other gatherings and sacraments have been affected, and how the Archbishop asks us to respond to the crisis.  You can read that letter HERE.  Please be aware that Parishes that regularly were opened during the day are retaining this practice.  Contact your parish and see if they will be open any time during the week.  If you are well, consider going to your parish to sit in God's presence and pray for all those affected by this pandemic.  If your Parish is offering Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, consider going and spending time adoring our Lord (again, only if you are feeling well).  Maintain social distancing measures if you do go visit your parish during this time.
Because attending mass in person is not possible at this time, consider attending remotely!  There are a few options:

• Tune in to daily mass on Salt+Light TV or Vision TV, or online at dailytvmass.com/daily-tv-mass.
• The Archdiocese will be live-streaming Sunday mass from St. Joseph's Basilica at 10:30am   
• Bishop Barron and his Word on Fire ministry are also live-streaming daily and Sunday Mass at  https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/

Make sure you are taking time for daily prayer and reflection.  There are many ministries that offer daily reflections.  If you haven't signed up for any, you might consider one of the following:

• 3  Minute Retreat- Loyola Press
• Daily Reflections with Bishop Barron
• Best Lent Ever- Dynamic Catholic 

I also recommend finding comfort in the Word of God.  A good way to do this is simply to take time to read the daily liturgical readings.  You can access those readings through an app like the "Living With Christ" (free app), but you can also find them on our liturgical calendar or on the Living With Christ website (https://livingwithchrist.ca/)

It is during these times that we are reminded how blessed we are that our faith can be an important part of our work lives.  Pray together as a staff, rely on each other, and continue to share our faith with your students.  Contact us if you need any help or support and know that we are praying for all of you as well.

May God continue to bless us and keep us,
Clare Ganton