bishop_warfels_memo.pdf
Please read the memo above regarding our guidelines.
Please read the memo above regarding our guidelines.
A NOTE FROM FR. BOB
As we prepare to enter Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan we may find ourselves asking, in the words of the psalmist, “How long, O Lord” It seems so long since things were “normal” and, for that matter, so long before they will become normal, whatever that may mean in the future. Even now, the need for social distancing and for those in high risk groups to shelter in place has not changed, which means that we cannot totally relax our vigilance. The uncertainty and anxiety the coronavirus pandemic caused will not soon disappear. All these factors can lead to increased stress, tension, and frustration as we face an uncertain future. After all, in contemplating our vocations, probably none of us listed “hermit” and yet, in many ways that is how it can seem we have to live.
For those for whom the weekly celebration of the Eucharist has been an integral part of the practice of their faith, being compelled to absent themselves from the Mass and Holy Communion, even with a dispensation, can leave a feeling of emptiness or incompletion in their week, a feeling that observing the Mass online or on television cannot alleviate. Not being able to gather deprives us of an essential part of being Christian, members of the Body of Christ called to be a community of believers.
What, then, can we do to find the good in all this?
Since we have been celebrating the great feast of Easter for most of this uncertain time, a feast of hope and of promise, we have the Lord’s assurance that out of death new life will arise. Even these difficult days can lead us to a growth in faith, and into an even greater realization of our need for Eucharist and community worship. And it can challenge us to unite ourselves with those Catholics around the world for whom Mass and Communion are rarely, if ever, even possible—those in refugee camps, in prisons, in missionary areas like the Amazon, and in countries where there are few priests to serve the people who desire Eucharist. The Lord’s promise that he is with us all days until the end of the age has not been withdrawn, so we have to find him within ourselves, our world, and the people who try to help us weather the storm in which we find ourselves.
Finally, a word to all those who have served in ministry to the parish over this past year until the present hiatus: Thank you. We had planned an ice cream social for this month to express our thanks and enable you to get together, but, clearly, that is no longer possible. Know, however, that we appreciate all you do and hope that this “time off” becomes a source of renewed energy and commitment for when we return to whatever “normal” turns out to be.
As we prepare to enter Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan we may find ourselves asking, in the words of the psalmist, “How long, O Lord” It seems so long since things were “normal” and, for that matter, so long before they will become normal, whatever that may mean in the future. Even now, the need for social distancing and for those in high risk groups to shelter in place has not changed, which means that we cannot totally relax our vigilance. The uncertainty and anxiety the coronavirus pandemic caused will not soon disappear. All these factors can lead to increased stress, tension, and frustration as we face an uncertain future. After all, in contemplating our vocations, probably none of us listed “hermit” and yet, in many ways that is how it can seem we have to live.
For those for whom the weekly celebration of the Eucharist has been an integral part of the practice of their faith, being compelled to absent themselves from the Mass and Holy Communion, even with a dispensation, can leave a feeling of emptiness or incompletion in their week, a feeling that observing the Mass online or on television cannot alleviate. Not being able to gather deprives us of an essential part of being Christian, members of the Body of Christ called to be a community of believers.
What, then, can we do to find the good in all this?
Since we have been celebrating the great feast of Easter for most of this uncertain time, a feast of hope and of promise, we have the Lord’s assurance that out of death new life will arise. Even these difficult days can lead us to a growth in faith, and into an even greater realization of our need for Eucharist and community worship. And it can challenge us to unite ourselves with those Catholics around the world for whom Mass and Communion are rarely, if ever, even possible—those in refugee camps, in prisons, in missionary areas like the Amazon, and in countries where there are few priests to serve the people who desire Eucharist. The Lord’s promise that he is with us all days until the end of the age has not been withdrawn, so we have to find him within ourselves, our world, and the people who try to help us weather the storm in which we find ourselves.
Finally, a word to all those who have served in ministry to the parish over this past year until the present hiatus: Thank you. We had planned an ice cream social for this month to express our thanks and enable you to get together, but, clearly, that is no longer possible. Know, however, that we appreciate all you do and hope that this “time off” becomes a source of renewed energy and commitment for when we return to whatever “normal” turns out to be.
Attention all Fourth Dayers!
The Cum Christo Renewal is September 25-27, at St Bernard's in billings. With inspiring talks, meditations, spiritual direction, music, and time for personal reflection the Renewal weekend will fill your heart and soul with that deep love that only God can provide. The shortened version (Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon), is coed and allows you to sleep at home. Applications an information are available at http;//www.bigskycumchristo.org/Billings.htm or contact one of the following: Mary Strauss - 208-7881 birdmds@aol.com or Lucy Melugin 208-2340 lucile53@gmail.com
The Cum Christo Renewal is September 25-27, at St Bernard's in billings. With inspiring talks, meditations, spiritual direction, music, and time for personal reflection the Renewal weekend will fill your heart and soul with that deep love that only God can provide. The shortened version (Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon), is coed and allows you to sleep at home. Applications an information are available at http;//www.bigskycumchristo.org/Billings.htm or contact one of the following: Mary Strauss - 208-7881 birdmds@aol.com or Lucy Melugin 208-2340 lucile53@gmail.com
St. Vincent de Paul;
St. Vincent de Paul is continuing assistance to families for rent and utilities, managing funds for the vulnerable, and serving food to all who come through our doors daily. We are in an unprecedented time. This is where your continued prayers and generosity go a long way. We can always use your gifts of fresh fruit, bottled water, Ziploc bags and a monetary donations. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we continue to navigate these challenging times. God Bless!
St. Vincent de Paul is continuing assistance to families for rent and utilities, managing funds for the vulnerable, and serving food to all who come through our doors daily. We are in an unprecedented time. This is where your continued prayers and generosity go a long way. We can always use your gifts of fresh fruit, bottled water, Ziploc bags and a monetary donations. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we continue to navigate these challenging times. God Bless!
Mayfair 2020 Online Auction
Mayfair 2020 was postponed, but we are excited to announce a new event supporting the Billings Catholic Schools! Many generous donors made contributions to Mayfair before the decision was made to postpone, and since that time additional donors have come forward. Numerous wonderful items will be placed in the Mayfair 2020 Online Auction. The auction will be open to everyone Monday, May 25th through Tuesday, June 9th. To access the auction beginning May 25th, interested bidders can click ‘Support Us’ on the home page of the BCS website, or
https://billingscatholicschools.org/support-bcs/mayfair-2020-online-auction-may-25th-june-9/
Billings Catholic Schools and the BCS Foundation are so grateful for the continued support of our parents and students, generous donors and supporters, our parishes and Catholic Community, and our amazing volunteers and staff members during these uncertain times. Never has Faith, Family Spirit, and Academic Excellence been more apparent - or more important - than in the past eight weeks. We will continue to work alongside all of you to ensure the future of our Billings Catholic Schools. Thank you, from the BCS Foundation Staff, BCS Foundation Board Members, and Mayfair Chairs and Volunteers. Visit billingscatholicschools.org or call 406.252.0252
Billings Central Catholic High School Livestream Graduation Events
While BCCHS will be practicing social distancing protocols in celebrating the graduates in the Class of 2020, both the Senior Farewell Mass with Bishop Warfel and the Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed. You can see the events at the time and links below:
BCCHS Class of 2020 Farewell Mass
Friday, May 22, 4:30pm
https://youtu.be/3cSci9FTOaM
BCCHS Class of 2020 Graduation
Sunday, May 24, 6:00pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JjfLSkD6-4&feature=youtu.be
Mayfair 2020 was postponed, but we are excited to announce a new event supporting the Billings Catholic Schools! Many generous donors made contributions to Mayfair before the decision was made to postpone, and since that time additional donors have come forward. Numerous wonderful items will be placed in the Mayfair 2020 Online Auction. The auction will be open to everyone Monday, May 25th through Tuesday, June 9th. To access the auction beginning May 25th, interested bidders can click ‘Support Us’ on the home page of the BCS website, or
https://billingscatholicschools.org/support-bcs/mayfair-2020-online-auction-may-25th-june-9/
Billings Catholic Schools and the BCS Foundation are so grateful for the continued support of our parents and students, generous donors and supporters, our parishes and Catholic Community, and our amazing volunteers and staff members during these uncertain times. Never has Faith, Family Spirit, and Academic Excellence been more apparent - or more important - than in the past eight weeks. We will continue to work alongside all of you to ensure the future of our Billings Catholic Schools. Thank you, from the BCS Foundation Staff, BCS Foundation Board Members, and Mayfair Chairs and Volunteers. Visit billingscatholicschools.org or call 406.252.0252
Billings Central Catholic High School Livestream Graduation Events
While BCCHS will be practicing social distancing protocols in celebrating the graduates in the Class of 2020, both the Senior Farewell Mass with Bishop Warfel and the Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed. You can see the events at the time and links below:
BCCHS Class of 2020 Farewell Mass
Friday, May 22, 4:30pm
https://youtu.be/3cSci9FTOaM
BCCHS Class of 2020 Graduation
Sunday, May 24, 6:00pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JjfLSkD6-4&feature=youtu.be
2020 Mexican Fiesta
The leadership committee of Mary Queen of Peace 67th Annual Mexican Fiesta and the 24th Annual Fiesta Car Show at South Park met this past weekend via Zoom to discuss our options considering the COVID-19 situation. It was decided that it would be best to cancel the July 18, 2020 Fiesta and begin working on 2021.
We want to thank everyone who has supported us through the years with advertising, donations and attendance and look forward to being together again next year.
For more information about the Fiesta call: Bill Contreraz (406) 839-0904, and for the Car Show call: Jay Krug (406) 855-4353
The leadership committee of Mary Queen of Peace 67th Annual Mexican Fiesta and the 24th Annual Fiesta Car Show at South Park met this past weekend via Zoom to discuss our options considering the COVID-19 situation. It was decided that it would be best to cancel the July 18, 2020 Fiesta and begin working on 2021.
We want to thank everyone who has supported us through the years with advertising, donations and attendance and look forward to being together again next year.
For more information about the Fiesta call: Bill Contreraz (406) 839-0904, and for the Car Show call: Jay Krug (406) 855-4353
CRS Rice Bowls:
If you are coming to Mass this weekend, please bring your Rice Bowls. There will be a container in the gathering space for them. Thank you!
If you are coming to Mass this weekend, please bring your Rice Bowls. There will be a container in the gathering space for them. Thank you!
Holy Cross Cemetery:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Holy Cross Cemetery will NOT be celebrating Memorial Day Mass at St. Ann's Chapel this year. The cemetery will be open as usual during Memorial Day weekend, we just ask that everyone please be respectful of social distancing. Angela will be at the cemetery that weekend to offer any assistance anyone may need. We are very sorry for not being able to celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, and pray that we may be able to celebrate Mass next year on Memorial Day.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Holy Cross Cemetery will NOT be celebrating Memorial Day Mass at St. Ann's Chapel this year. The cemetery will be open as usual during Memorial Day weekend, we just ask that everyone please be respectful of social distancing. Angela will be at the cemetery that weekend to offer any assistance anyone may need. We are very sorry for not being able to celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, and pray that we may be able to celebrate Mass next year on Memorial Day.
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St. Patrick Co-Cathedral - Billings, MT
215 N. 31st Street Billings, MT 59101 406-259-3389 Weekend Schedule Reconciliation, Saturday: 3:00pm Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Sunday: 10:30am |
