The first line of today's first reading in Acts 12:24 states, "The word of God continued to spread and grow."  Our parish is growing as the pandemic winds down.

     For the last four days, Ocean County has had under 100 new cases each day.  It changed from red to orange at COVIDActNow.org.  Ocean County has the 4th lowest number of new cases per capita among the 21 NJ counties.  New Jersey has dropped to 3rd highest number of new cases.  Many states are seeing lower numbers.  If this keeps up, we'll have hardly any new cases within weeks.

     Read this Patch article about the new CDC mask guidelines.  Once Governor Murphy updates NJ rules, I wonder what our bishop will do.  As far as I can tell, it would only affect small groups of parishioners meeting.  If everyone is vaccinated in the group, then masks and distancing wouldn't be needed.  I'll be fully vaccinated as of May 20th.

     I hope that the pandemic continues to wind down so that even more restrictions can be lifted.  It sure seems like we're getting closer to something like normal.

     You may have noticed the new shed going up in the parking lot.  Cub Scout Pack 44 is building it.  It still needs a door and siding.

     Boy Scout Troup 441 was going to campout last weekend, but the threat of rain and cold temperatures prompted them to stay on campus for only four hours.  They cleaned up ten years of litter in just over half of our woods.  They're eager to make a campground and to improve the prayer garden.  Wouldn't it be great if parishioners could enjoy walking in our trails and pray in the prayer garden?

God love you,

Fr. Jim