A Message from Father Val

I’m checking in with you, St. Pat’s!

Things are much better.  This Sunday, the message of the Epiphany will come very close to St. Patrick’s.  I hope you’ll be part of it, by means of the “streamed” Mass this Sunday at 11:00 a.m, and the Masses at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Indeed, as we’ll sing, “Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Lead Us to Thy Perfect Light!”
I’m feeling much better now, and my strength is returning.  This Friday night I will have completed ten days of strict isolation, because I had symptoms in the beginning when I was diagnosed with COVID on December 21st. I’ve stayed in close contact with my physician, Dr. Robert Kraus.  Dr. Kraus told me today that I can return and preside at Masses, starting this weekend.
You may also have heard that our Music Director, Angelica Rendek also had COVID. She, too, is well now.  
During such a beautiful–and very busy–Christmas week, neither Angelica nor I were around.  Our Pastoral Assistant, Shannon Curtis, with a group of volunteers kept everything going smoothly throughout the liturgical celebrations.  In the name of thewhole parish, and mine personally, I deeply thank Shannon and  these volunteers for their loving service during our Christmas week at St. Patrick’s!
On this Saturday, January 1st, we’ll celebrate 10:00 a.m. Mass for the celebration of the Motherhood of Mary, a Holyday during this Christmas Season (although, this year, not one of obligation).
Finally, I am deeply grateful for all your thoughtful expressions of care during my illness.  I was touched by each note, by meal deliveries, and by your getting medicine and other needed items.  I really gave attention to resting during these days. Your many messages really lifted me up.  Thank you.
One parishioner, Oneata Windler, said this in her note to me: “This must be the strangest Christmas you have spent in all your years as a Priest…I found myself wondering why this happened to you.  You have so much to do and so many that depend on you. This may be silly on my part, but in my own mind, I kind of believe He has taken you aside for Himself, that He can spend time alone with you.  Who knows the Great Present of His Presence more than one who is alone?  I like Contemplative Prayer myself.”
Friends:  It really has been a unique Christmas for sure, but Oneata was onto something.  I rested much, but I also enjoyed quiet and solitude in prayer.  I have been surprised at the joy which I’ve experienced, even in this Christmas Season! And, surprisingly, I have felt very close to all of you.  I rarely have celebrated Mass by myself over the years, except during those weeks of complete shutdown at the start of the pandemic. This week, in the rectory, I’ve celebrated Mass by myself and, during it, lifted all of you up in prayer, that Jesus sustain you, keep you in health, and wrap you in joy.  I really felt joined with you, and I look forward to our being together again.
In my homily on Sunday, December 19th, I quoted from a poem which St. John of the Cross wrote in the 16th century.  A few days earlier Shannon shared it with me.  I can’t tell you how much this poem has deepened the Christmas mystery for me this year–
If
you want,                                                                                                                
the Virgin will come walking down the road
pregnant with the holy Word,
and say,                                                                                                                      
‘I  need shelter for the night,
please take me inside your heart,
my time is so close.’

Then, under the roof of your soul,
you will witness the sublime intimacy,
the divine, the Christ                                                                          
taking birth
forever,

as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us                                       is the midwife of God, each of us.

Yet there, under the dome of your being
does creation come into existence eternally
through your womb— dear pilgrim
the sacred womb in your soul,

as God grasps our arms for help; for each of us is
His beloved servant
never far.

If you want, the Virgin will come walking
down the street pregnant
with Light
and sing

As we continue this Christmas Season–such a strange, chaotic one, especially due to the pandemic– St. Patrick’s, may we take Mary’s hand and be with her as “the Christ takes birth forever.”
Christmas joy and peace!Father Val