The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to do harm to our society in a myriad of ways, but there are some reasons to be hopeful. The crisis is causing parishes around the world to adapt and continue their ministry. No doubt you’ve learned a new skill in the past several months or done some extremely creative thinking in order to keep your parishioners connected to the Lord and the parish community. There are reasons for hope!
Your parishioners are more engaged than ever on social media, and your following has likely grown by leaps and bounds in the last six months or so. The sacramental life of the Church is continuing, albeit often through livestreamed Masses. And in the heart of every Catholic, there is a real hunger to return to Mass and gather around the altar. Not to mention your homebound parishioners are likely more connected with their fellow parishioners than ever before! All of these are successes – God is giving the strength, in the end. (And maybe now is time to start highlighting those parishioners.)
So now is not the time to despair about the state of the Church. Now is the time to continue utilizing modern communications tools to keep your community alive and worshipping God together. Even though the details may not always get back to you, saints are being made in your parish right now because of this pandemic. So keep posting, keep calling, keep livestreaming, keep staying in touch with your people, and be attentive. God is on the move in the midst of this strange time! There are so many reasons for hope!
