Dear Parishioners,
Mass Attendance
We had fewer people this weekend than last.
Mass Inside Outside
4 PM 130 8
6 PM 81 3
8 AM 66 4
10 AM 91 10
12 PM 65 3
2 PM 55 0
Total 488 28
We have plenty of room at all Masses. However, we ran out of handicapped seating at the 4 PM Mass. I'm thinking of designating even more seats for the handicapped. Yet, I also invite 4 o'clockers (especially those who have difficulty walking) to attend one of the other Masses.
Getting Into Shape
My right shoulder physical therapy is going well. I'm eager to get both of my arms into better shape than ever before. It'll help with my 5K training. (Marathon training will need to wait.) This morning, my workout 5K pace was 7:33 per mile. The last time I ran that fast was November 22nd at 7:32 per mile. The last time I went under 7:20 per mile was three times in May 2019 with my personal record of 6:52 per mile at St. Mary's 5K in Medford.
With this morning's run, I feel like I'm getting back into running shape. My leg muscles are growing and getting stronger. My heart and lungs are increasing in capacity. With stronger arms, I hope to sprint faster. It feels good to get into shape.
Analogously, I'm eager for our parish to get back into spiritual shape. We've been making gradual progress as more people return to Mass and more activities happen on campus. I'm also seeing new life. That is, we're beginning to do things we didn't do before the pandemic. I hope and pray that our parish won't just return to where we were. Rather, I'd like to see each and every one of us spiritually stronger than ever before. By the grace of God and our cooperation, it is possible. The pandemic could serve as a wake-up call for us to trust ever more fervently in the Lord Jesus. He is eager to save us and give us life to the full.
God love you,
Fr. Jim