CHURCH OPENS AFTER FIVE MONTHS OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

This is truly a weekend to celebrate! Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church will open her doors to the faithful for the first time since COVID-19 closed them five months ago. Many have managed to find a way around the mountain, attending online masses via Zoom or other media sites. We are

so grateful to God that our parish priests remained healthy during quarantine and continued to celebrate the Eucharist virtually for all who could listen. We have weathered the first part of this storm together, and now we are being called to take the next step.

The COVID-19 pandemic allowed the whole world some much needed time to “stop and think” about what is truly important in our lives. The ravages of the virus were similar worldwide, in varying degrees, but the experience for each human being was unique. Take a moment to reflect on what life lessons COVID-19 has taught you. It is important that we do not forget these.

For many, this has also been a time of great fear: What if I get sick? What if I die? What if I lose my job? What if I can’t see my far away family? What if my long awaited holiday gets cancelled? The question, “What if?” is legitimately posed in a world tossed by turmoil, but the answer that comes from a voice of Faith, one rooted in the hope of Heaven, is “So what?” Brothers and sisters, if we truly have faith in God’s ability to watch over us and provide whatever we need to help us earn our eternal salvation, then there is no need for fear. This is why we are called to move with faith into this next phase.

As the church doors open, many precautions are being taken to keep parishioners safe: Limited numbers in attendance, masks required, Green Etheraz screens, etc. Residents of Qatar follow these same procedures as they continue to visit grocery stores, malls, restaurants, city parks and banks. In all of this, one thing remains certain: Fear does not come from God. Just as Jesus was there with his disciples to calm the storm (Luke 8:22-25), He has been with us throughout the uncertainty of this pandemic. We are called to reflect, as did his disciples, when He says, “Where is your faith?” I encourage you to come to His banquet this weekend and break bread again with him, finally. You will be surprised by the strength and sustenance this gives you. God willing, it will help prepare you to face whatever else may come your way in the days ahead. 

Wishing you a week filled with the kind of peace and joy that only God can provide.

God Bless!