The Plan for Reopening
Dear Parish Family,
No doubt that you have heard about the different phases of Church re-openings throughout the state of Illinois. Please read the following documents:
Church Re-Openings Phase I and II
Letter from our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Pates
As you can see, not only is it very detailed, but it also involves a long and laborious process until our spiritual life at St. Thomas can return to some kind of normal. Just like all of you, I think it would be wonderful if we could all return like we did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it will take both time and patience before we are able to return to any kind of “normal” parish life.
I want to conclude with the following “Prayer During An Epidemic,” courtesy of Our Sunday Visitor.
Lord Jesus, hear our pleas, our good shepherd and divine physician. We implore your mercy in the wake of an outbreak of serious illness and disease.
Guide our efforts to prevent contagion and make preparations to care for those most vulnerable. Assist all professionals and volunteers who work to eradicate the epidemic now spreading. May our actions be marked by your steadfast love and selfless service and never by panic or fear.
Bestow your comfort and healing to the sick, sustain and strengthen them by your grace. May they know your closeness as they carry the cross of illness.
And may all you have called from this life come to worship you eternally with all the saints as you grant consolation and peace to their mourners. Amen.
Holy Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
St. Joseph, Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
St. Rocco, protector against epidemics, pray for us.
In the Word,
Fr. Danaher
