Letter from the Pastor
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September 20, 2020
You may have heard the Romans proverb: “Repetitio mater studiorum,” (“repetition is the mother of learning”).
So permit me to repeat some of the protocols of safety in Church. A few weeks ago there was another TV special about the coronavirus. A doctor was asked what advice he give to his patients. He stated there are three things one must do to avoid the virus: wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, wear a mask and keep a safe distance. If you do these three things, there is no need to worry.
I must say, for the most part, our parishioners are wearing masks at Mass and they are trying to keep a safe distance. However, there are a few people who are refusing to wear a mask, so I am asking; please if anyone is near you (in front of, behind or next to you) please wear the mask. It’s not about you, or your opinions or even your politics; it is about your neighbor. You may be as healthy as a horse, but your neighbor might not be; it is for their sake we wear a mask. It certainly helps as a barrier to keep human vapor from spreading. I know how annoying, even uncomfortable it can be to wear a mask, but I am asking you please, to do so.
This past weekend we had over 410 people attend Mass. It is wonderful to see more and more people returning to Mass. The largest attended Mass was the 4:30 PM with 86 people. It became a bit crowded; we had to open a few extra pews and ask the people to sit in the middle of those pews.
Starting last week, we re-instituted the 5:45 PM Mass every Saturday evening, with 36 people present. If at all possible, could some of you attend the 5:45 PM and relieve the numbers from the 4:30 PM.
It would be greatly appreciated, and we will then be able to keep a safe distance.
The other Masses are well attended, but not over crowded. Again, if you are not feeling well, or uncomfortable, please stay home and watch the Mass on TV or livestream from the computer.
Some have asked about the music at Mass and why we can’t sing hymns. The CDC as well as the Archdiocese has asked us not to sing, because of the volume of vapors that comes from the mouth while singing. So as not to tempt you to sing, we are instead using a Cantor to chant what is known as the Propers of the Mass. Each Mass has a verse from Scripture, usually from the Psalms to accompany the actions of the Mass: the Entrance Antiphon, the Offertory, the Communion. The psalm verses chosen correspond to the Readings at Mass.
Before Vatican II there were, particularly in France what is known as “organ Masses” when the organ alone played during the actions of the Mass. The Mass parts written are very beautiful and meditative. As the Mass concluded, the organ would play what was known as the “sortie” (exit), music to uplift and to send us forth. The organ is known as the “king of Instruments”, it is a symphony of sound, and it can invoke tears as well as fire in the soul. The sortie is usually a rousing piece of music that inspires us to leave God’s House grateful for what we received and what we just witnessed. The time will come, when we will sing once more. Until then, please let your heart and soul do the singing!
On another note: School is going well, the faculty and students are adjusting to their new way of teaching and learning. It is wonderful to hear the kids’ voices and laughter once again here at St. Margaret’s. Our Pre-K students are enjoying their new home in Toner Hall and enjoying their new playground, the rectory’s backyard; they get to share it with Bailey.
Autumn begins at 9:31 AM on Tuesday, September 22nd, one of my favorite seasons of the year. Enjoy the weather, the color of the leaves, and of course, the baked goods (cinnamon donuts, all things pumpkin, and apple cider, etc.…).
