March 18, 2020
Dear Families,
During this unprecedented time of coronavirus spread prevention, please know you are all in our prayers as we all try to figure out our new reality for the next few weeks. It’s of course a great time to pray for the health and well being of all people affected by this fast moving virus.
In an effort to help you continue your faith journey, and perhaps include a time for religious reflection during your childrens’ day, consider the following resources for learning more about Lent and Holy Week. We believe at this time all masses have to be cancelled (although I’m personally hoping we can be allowed to celebrate somehow outside). There are live streaming of masses from different parishes from around the diocese included in the following list.
· Lenten Resource Guide from the Diocese of Buffalo. This has many links and resources. I especially like the Stations of the Cross for Teens and the Good Friday Video. Also there are YouTube videos introducing you to Father Mike Schmitz from Ascension Presents.
· Palm Sunday short informative video from Catholic Online
· Holy Thursday a reenactment style informative video also from Catholic Online
· Passover Learn about Jewish Passover and Seder Meal from Mayim Bialik as part of our fulfillment of the curriculum standard on Inter-Religious Dialogue in being a sign of unity in the world through knowledge of all faith traditions.
· Good Friday This is the link from the Diocese Lenten Resources from “The Skit Guys”, a dramatic retelling of Jesus' last day. Hear from six individuals who were close to Jesus before his death on the cross, Good Friday.
· Live streaming of masses:
o The Parish Community of St. Michael on Facebook – Father Mike from Warsaw
o The Diocese of Buffalo live streaming of masses page – pick from a variety of parishes
· Safe Environment Training Resources from the Diocese of Buffalo. This is a list of video links for a variety of safety topics grouped by age, including personal safety, internet safety and bullying topics.
As always, let us know your thoughts and wishes of anything we can do to help. I'm sure many are looking for how to get the kids out of the house - perhaps have them offer to 'scoop the poop' for a neighbor! I know my yard is needing some attention, so others probably do to!
Yours in Christ,
Maureen Gardner