Twenty-four people visited Jesus today.  Private prayer is going very well.  I just ask that you be mindful of what you touch and try to touch very little.  Use your elbow to press the button to open the doors.

     We had 39 cars today.  It seems that word is spreading not just around our parish but also around SEAS in Whiting and St. Joe's in Toms River.  Since we have visitors who probably aren't reading these Flocknote messages, I ask you to set a good example for them.  We're going to ask the parking lot ushers to be more diligent in making sure people have their windows up and stay in their cars.

     I ask you to use your reason and try to understand why we have the rules we have.  For example, car windows need to be closed if you're less than six feet from someone.  If you don't have a car next to you, you could open your window.  I would also think that opening a window a crack for ventilation would be ok.  However, opening your window more than a crack so you can hear is not ok.

     If you have your cell phone connected to your car stereo system, please keep the volume reasonable so that it isn't heard by everyone else.

     For the distribution of Holy Communion, please leave your car off until it's clear that you should move.  If you're uncertain, then wait for the parking lot usher to invite you forward.  It takes 10 to 15 minutes to distribute Holy Communion after daily Mass.  It will likely take 30 minutes on Sunday.  There's no sense in running your car for that long.

     I've included a picture taken by Karen Gartlan.  To me, it just doesn't capture the event so well.  I get to see people's faces in their cars and for Holy Communion.  I continue to be amazed by how devoted you are.  Together, we're really entering into the sacred mysteries.  Mass is definitely much better in person - even in a parking lot.

     Let's continue working on the little things so that more people can participate in Mass and receive our Lord in Holy Communion.  I found the outdoor torches and plan to use them in place of the regular candles tomorrow.  I also plan to try the USB extension cables.  Little by little, we'll open St. John's more and more.

     I just talked with Fr. Pat, pastor of SEAS in Whiting.  We talked about our parishes and imagined what parishes without rainy day funds are doing.  We both think we're just a few weeks away from being able to invite people inside our churches for Mass.  Please pray that new COVID-19 cases continue to decline so that we can do more in public.

God love you,

Fr. Jim