It's been about a month since Fr. Spisak had his hip replacement surgery. I continue to talk with him each week about what's happening at the parish, letting him know we are praying for him, and he updates me on his progress. He wanted to share with you that he continues to receive occupational and physical therapy at home, and he has another review near the end of this month with his doctor. He is currently on track to be back with us in mid-March, just a little over a month. Thank you for your prayers and support for him in this time!

Synod Listening Sessions: Remember to register for the Synod Listening Sessions taking place this week! In addition to being a monumental moment for our universal Church inviting Catholics to share the blessings and challenges of our faith with one another, this is also a pivotal time for us. We come together as a parish community to continue discerning how the themes of our November Listening Sessions will direct and shape our parish mission, vision, and values going forward. This is an exciting time for us as a Church! Despite all the negativity and vitriol in our culture, we have this exciting opportunity to portray Christ's light, healing, joy, and peace to one another. An invitation to RSVP to a Listening Session can be found in today's bulletin. As you prepare to come to one of the Listening Sessions, please prayerfully reflect on our parish themes from November:

Community (History, Civic Pride, Parish Family): It is not surprising to me that people frequently commented on their interest of life together as a Christian community here at the parish. Pride in our parish history, delight in our civic community, and concern for us as a parish family are all aspects of community that many shared with one another in their table discussions.

Worship (Prayerful Environment, Music, Traditions): With Jesus Christ as our Shepherd and Savior, considerations about worship are a priority for many. The importance of a prayerful environment was raised, as well as music to foster that prayer. Because of our rich Catholic heritage, various traditions were also mentioned as being of great value.

Participation (Events, Involvement, Stewardship): Our faith is one that requires conscious and active participation, so this theme is a cherished one in our Catholic way of life. Various events, seeking the involvement of more parishioners, and practicing good stewardship are categories in this theme that were commonly mentioned.

Welcome (Environment, Newcomers, The Disengaged): With a growing concern for shrinking numbers of people practicing their faith, the theme of welcome was highlighted. Comments were made regarding enhancements to our environment that could help in this area, and identifying ways to reach out to newcomers as well as those who have become disengaged in the parish and in their faith.

Faith Formation (Adult Education, School, Youth Formation): Friendship with and in Jesus Christ leads us to thirst to know Him better. That kind of knowledge will require activity in our efforts of adult education, our school, and our efforts in reaching all the youth in their various walks of life.

Leadership (Shepherding, Collaboration, Presence): Hopes and dreams lead to vision – and vision leads to action. For that action to be well planned and well-orchestrated, leadership is important. Identified as being integral to the type of leadership needed in parish life are the qualities of shepherding, collaboration, and presence.

Pandemic Updates and Reminders: Now that the holiday surge is over with the pandemic, I wanted to share a few updates and reminders on that front. I'm grateful for the reverence and respect you all show to our Lord and to one another at Mass. Remember that we continue to use mitigation measures out of prudence, love and respect for our neighbor.

• The Mass obligation continues to be lifted under certain conditions. Our diocese reminds us that "those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immune-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety about contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons are not obliged to attend Mass". This dispensation from the Mass obligation would also apply to those of us in quarantine. I invite those who cannot come to Mass in-person at this time to access the St. Mary Sunday 8:00 a.m. livestream and recorded Mass available at stmarychardon.org.


• Masks are still strongly encouraged. Bishop Malesic kindly asked us a few months ago to wear masks while gathering for Mass and events at the parish. Masks and hand sanitizer are readily available at the church entrance. You may also consider bringing your own mask and hand sanitizer when you come for Mass or events to use as needed.


• Reception of Communion: Ministers of communion will continue to sanitize their hands and wear a mask during distribution. We will continue to have the table with sanitizer between the priest and deacon line. It will be at the discretion of the clergy whether or not to use the sanitizer. If you would prefer for the clergy you receive from to sanitize his hands before giving you communion, simply ask us when you approach for communion and we will be happy to assist you.


• The presider and deacon may receive from the chalice. It will be at the discretion of the presider to offer the chalice to the deacon. Please know that the priest and deacon receive from opposite sides of the cup.