Currently, we have 14 votes for passing the basket, 93 votes for keeping them at the entrances, and 82 votes for either way.  Two basic reasons were given for passing the basket:  to get back to normal and inspire people to donate more money.  One reason was given for keeping baskets at the entrances:  it won't interrupt the Mass.  I can also imagine that parishioners want to lower the chances for transmission of germs.

     So, we'll keep the baskets at the entrances.  To make it easier for people to recognize the baskets, I added tables at the other two entrances.  We'll try to put big baskets at each of the three entrances.

     We also have parishioners dropping off donations in our drop box (next to our mailbox) outside the parish center.  Some parishioners mail in contributions.  Others donate electronically at https://www.stjohnlakehurst.com/donations.

     The new missallettes arrived and are in the pews.  We have the hymnals and missallettes stored horizontally with the spines up in order to preserve them better.

     Russ served at today's funeral Mass and sat up in the sanctuary.  We're looking forward to having altar servers at several Masses this weekend.  We're looking for more altar servers.  Call the office to volunteer.

     We received two new requests for Bereavement Support.  Each session is for six weeks.  The current session is already under way.  I await dates from Anna and Barbara for the next six week session.  They try to keep the groups at five to seven people.

     Joe and Gina remembered about the offertory sign-up book.  Some people like to bring up the gifts when the Mass intention is for their loved one.  We'll keep the sign-up book on the offertory table during the weekend and in the main office during the week.  Feel free to call the office or see an usher about bringing up the gifts at Mass.

     I wonder if extroverts are thrilled about more opportunities to socialize.  Being an introvert, I've been purposefully working on it.  I attended a St. Vincent de Paul Society dinner, my first time at such a dinner since the lockdown.  I ran two laps at the Manasquan Reservoir and saw many people walking, running, and cycling.  I'm looking for running races during the summer that aren't on Saturday or Sunday.

     I'm not a scientist, but I wonder if the coronavirus numbers will be at the lowest during July and August.  This summer may be an excellent time to reconnect with family and friends in person.  I plan to take vacation days in order to visit family and friends.

     It's so important to be with people in person that I've been gradually working on it while taking reasonable precautions to keep others and myself safe.  Change is hard.  We've been making lots of changes quickly at St. John's.  It's not fast enough for some and too fast for others.  I encourage everyone to pray for courage, discern what you can safely do, and then gradually make progress.  We'll try to continue to make space for those who need a little more time adapting to our new pandemic protocols.

     This weekend we celebrate Corpus Christi, the feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  If it's important to be with other people, it's even more important to be with Jesus and to receive Him in Holy Communion.  That's our primary focus as we make these changes at St. John's:  how can we connect more and more people with Jesus.

God love you,

Fr. Jim