(The following submission is from Kathaleen Dodson, a parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Church, who updates us on how she and her family are doing!  Thank you for your story!)

Hello Father Daniele and Parish Family,

This COVID-19 experience still seems surreal some days.  I hope that everyone is doing fine?  My family and I are safe, well and physical distancing.  We are so grateful for many things in our lives.  The technology to keep in touch and see each other virtually is truly a gift!

I miss seeing you each week.  I miss my small responsibilities at our church.  You are each a part of my church family.  I am so grateful for the broadcast of our weekly Mass.  To see our church and hear Fr. Daniele is such a comfort.  Thank you so much. 

I am engaged in many spiritual activities.  “Formed” is a great resource!  Thank you so much for making it so easy to join up.  I am following Chris Bray online after meeting him at our Parish Lenten Mission.  I am reading my Bible daily.  Some days it is slow going and difficult to comprehend without having Fr. Daniele unpack it for me!  Other readings are so familiar and comforting.  I follow along with the weekly liturgical readings and really enjoy our parish bulletin.  Of course I pray for the end to COVID-19 and ask for God’s mercy and grace for all of those afflicted with it.

I reflect a lot.  Part of my belief system is that everything happens for a reason, whether I like it or understand it.  So I reflect on my perceived lessons of COVID-19 and try to find the meaning for my life, my family’s life and our world.  My husband, brother, sister and I have some very interesting and spirited discussions!  I talk to God about it a lot too.

I send lots of love to all of you.  May you find the patience, strength, courage and wisdom to deal with your lot in life and how this virus is impacting on each of you. Please know that you are in my prayers daily.  I long for the day that we can be together again.  Until then may God bless you all and keep you in His constant care.

(Share your story with us and we will feature you or your family on our parish website and social media to keep us connected to one another and to encourage each other in prayer! Get the kids involved too! Send us a photo of you/your family to go with your story!)

Email your submissions to: [email protected]