Our Lady of Guadalupe

"For there are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then pray—that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy."
— St. Faustina Kowalska

Dear parish family,

    I certainly hope this finds you healthy, safe, and assured that I have been praying for all of our parish households through this whole unprecedented time. I address you now as we continue to experience, for the first time in our lives, what it is to live, work, and worship in uncharted territory. Fortunately, while God set up a concrete Church, He can work outside the boundaries. I believe He has because I have seen the proof in you, in your perseverance, support, and deep faith.

    Now we cross together a new threshold during this time: re-opening. As the Governor and Archbishop have made certain allowances and set down guidelines, it is now my duty and burden to know them, adhere to them well, and determine how strictly they will be interpreted for our faith community. These decisions are not made lightly or without proper discernment and counsel. Ultimately, the decisions put forth were made to put my conscience, informed by sources of faith and reason, to rest. In other words, the attached guidelines came about from a deep love of our families and so that I can sleep at night.

    The protocols that follow this letter (listed below on OLOG website) were made based on a few theological and practical considerations. Firstly, that our Church has long taught that both faith and reason are means by which our God reveals His truth. Secondly, God can and does, in dire situations, work outside the Sacramental system which He instituted. His grace is thus available to us who “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” On the practical side I have considered that many of our lay ministers, who normally step up to help in many efforts and do so faithfully, are in the at-risk category because of age or other health related concerns. Either way one slices it, re-opening at any capacity means more work (i.e. Masses, cleaning) and thus volunteers, staff, and clergy working hard and decreasing their immunity by default.

    My dearest family, there is nothing I want more than to return to worship at full expression. Smiling faces, high-fiving your kids, hugs that abound, and passionate & reverent worship are all realities I miss with all of my heart. After all, why do you suppose that we priests are called “father?” It is a primarily relational term implying sacrifice, emotional investment, and love made visible. Until we meet again in a full and complete way, we will keep up using the means technology and innovation afford us. But our greatest connection will remain unchanged, unfettered, and unmasked: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When I say Mass, I ascend to God’s altar, as I was born to do, to take your hopes, dreams, and heartfelt petitions before the throne of Almighty God, merciful and true! There we are connected closely as no human efforts could ever achieve. Keep the Faith, beloved!
 
In His Paschal Joy,
 
Reverend Father Daniel James Gutierrez