Saint Mary of the Assumption
Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman
Dear Parishioners,
A blessed Ascension Day to all. One of the interesting points of today’s liturgy is that the Gospel reading is taken from the end of the Gospel According to Matthew, chapter 28 verses 16-20 and the first reading is taken from the beginning of the Act of the Apostles, chapter 1 verses 1-11. Even more interesting is that both readings describe the same event, the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven. How one understands the Ascension is all about perspective. Is it the end or beginning of something? The most significant events in life can be seen from this vantage point, graduations, weddings, and retirements are all endings and beginnings. We refer to these as threshold events. Our Lord’s Ascension ends his physical presence on earth and at the same time it inaugurates the presence of human beings in heaven.
Next week we will experience a threshold event. The prohibition of public Mass will come to an end, and we will be able to gather for the celebration of the Eucharist for the first time in ten weeks. Before we do so, I want to make sure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision if you should or should not return to Mass at this time and what to expect on your return. There will be some significant changes. This information will be emailed to you in the next two days. It will also be available on the parish Website and it will be disseminated on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Gathering for Mass will increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 for all who are present. It will take the cooperation of everyone who enters the church to keep that risk to a minimum. Those with existing health issues and those over the age of 70 are still being urged by health experts to avoid being around other people and should not attend Mass. Bishop Brennan has dispensed the Catholic Faithful who reside in the Diocese of Columbus from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass until September 13, 2020. The Sunday 11:15 AM Mass and daily Masses Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 AM and Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM will continue to be live-streamed.
I greatly appreciate those who are able to continue to fulfill their commitment to support the parish. Through the Diocese of Columbus, we are now offering online giving, it is simple and safe. Just go to the parish website click on the button “Please continue your financial support of our Parish via online giving” and follow the instructions. You can make a one-time gift or create an account and enroll in recurring e-Giving.
My prayer for you is the same as St Paul’s which we hear in today’s second reading from his letter to the Ephesians. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe.
Let us continue to pray for each other.
Fr. Eilerman
Pastor