Friday is a day for the Sorrowful Mysteries.  It's a good day to be sorry for our sins.

     I've adjusted the cones in the parking lot as you can see in the picture above.  The two large cones by the rectory window show where I sit for confessions.  If there is a line, please do stand far enough back so you can't hear the penitent going to confession.

     I'm sorry for my reaction to the chaotic and overwhelming situation we had before Wednesday's funeral.  I especially ask forgiveness from those who just didn't know what was going on.

     I shared my experience on Flocknote primarily to ask for your prayers.  Thank you to all who have prayed for me and for your supportive responses.

     Secondarily, I want to keep you informed about what's happening at St. John's so that you can make prudent decisions about when to come.  Unfortunately, Wednesday's funeral was more dangerous than going to ShopRite.  Most funerals are not so crowded.

     Third, in sharing my limits and the limits of our staff and volunteers, I hope you'll understand that we can get overwhelmed when multiple problems arise all at once.

     I'm no statistician, but I'm concerned about the numbers of Manchester residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and died from it.  You can see the latest numbers at the APP website here.  Of the 22 new cases in Ocean County yesterday, six were in Manchester pushing Manchester up to 802.  There were also three deaths in Ocean County, all seemingly from Manchester which is now tied with Toms River at 137.  Manchester has the highest death rate in Ocean County at 17.08%.

     While the increases are small.  It seems that Manchester's new cases and deaths are greater than any other Ocean County town.  I pray and hope that we don't experience a surge.  I encourage everyone to remain vigilant in wearing a mask when going inside somewhere or getting within six feet of someone.

God love you,

Fr. Jim