My brothers and sister,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you and your family are surviving our new reality. I would like to update you on a number of happenings at the parishes.

First, I ask you to continue praying for an end to the pandemic. It appears that it has finally reached Cactus and Stratford. May God send His angels to guard over each of us. If you know of anyone in need of prayers or assistance from the church or from me, please call me and I will do all that I can.

Thank you for your continued financial support of the parishes. I have cut out expenses as much as possible and the diocese is helping the parishes as much as they can. With your help we are ok for now; please continue helping the parishes as much as you can.

Bishop Zurek has informed us that all parishes are to remain closed until further notice. We assume this means that the parishes will remain closed beyond the May 10 date that he mentioned in his original decree. I will keep you informed as more news is available.

Regarding the sacraments, the Bishop has postponed all confirmations until further notice and due to the uncertainty of a return to normal masses, I am also postponing first communion and the Easter sacraments at both parishes until further notice. I will pass along more information when I receive it. As for other sacramental needs, please call me to discuss them.

The Bishop has given parishes permission to stream masses over the internet during the pandemic. We are still dispensed from the Sunday obligation and masses will still be broadcast from the Cathedral however, I encourage you to participate in the Masses that I will be streaming on Sundays. Even though we still cannot gather for mass I hope this will help us to maintain a sense of community. English Mass will be Sundays at 10 AM and Spanish Mass will be at 11 AM. I will be using the same Zoom link for both Masses:

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83172675147).

I will also record the Masses and post them on the parish web site. Due to the lack of participation, I will no longer offer morning prayer online. We will continue to offer evening prayer.

Finally, I leave you with the traditional Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Christopher