Last week, I wrote about a mysterious problem with livestreaming.  I blamed wireless access points or YouTube traffic.  When the buffering problem persisted, I checked the Task Manager and discovered a virus scanning process hogging 20% of the CPU.  Once I stopped it, livestreaming returned to normal.  I've learned even more since then.  Ahh, the joys of technology.

     I share this not only to update you but also to alert you to our new reality.  Some may wonder when we're going back to normal (pre-St. Patrick's Day).  I say, "Never".  Oh, I do see a day in late 2021 or early 2022 when we'll be able to go to ShopRite without wearing a mask.  However, I sure hope we continue to put Christ first and not revert to old selfish ways.

     With many of us experiencing disaster fatigue, I offer this suggestion.  Alcoholics really begin to make progress when they admit they have a problem.  Sinners begin a new life in Christ when we admit we have a problem and go to confession.  Likewise, if we can accept that things are not normal and won't be returning to normal anytime soon, then we'll stop wasting time lamenting all we can't do.  Rather, we'll be more open to figuring out what we can do.

     For my part, I'm getting back into genealogy and enjoying running.  My new adventure is to figure out how best to connect with my lay friends.  I'm enjoying a new phase in my relationship with my siblings now that we're orphans.

     Here at the parish, we can't do a lot of things the way we used to do them.  So, let's figure out new ways to meet, help our neighbor, and worship God.

     Today, October 13th, is the anniversary of the miracle of the sun.  A special Mass took place in Fatima.  You could watch the new Fatima movie at https://www.fatimathemovie.com/.  Another great Fatima movie is The 13th Day which is available on Formed at https://watch.formed.org/the-13th-day  And you could learn a lot more about Fatima by searching for Fatima at Formed.org.  Our parish subscribes to Formed.  It's easy to sign-up at Formed.org.

     Just as Our Lady of Fatima intercedes for us, let's intercede for one another.  Add your own requests by clicking on the Reply button.

1)  For parishioners currently in the hospital.

2)  For all those newly infected with COVID-19.

3)  That all candidates running for public office would embrace the truth, respect the beautiful, an do what is good.

4)  For protection from and conversion of cultural Marxists.

5)  For the respect of all human life from conception until natural death.

God love you,

Fr. Jim