Next Wednesday we will be celebrating a whole school mass with Father Yoseph. Father Yoseph (or Father Joe as he likes to be called) is really looking forward to getting to know the children and families in our school community. As well as celebrating Mass with us, he plans to visit the children in their classrooms and do some teaching related to our Religious Education units.

The K/1/2 children will be presenting the readings and prayers at the mass next week. Father Joe and K/1/2 would really like you to join them at 10 o’clock for this mass if you can.

Covid 19 has changed our whole world in so many unforeseen ways. Eighteen months ago, I would have described the world as quite small because I could (when it was financially feasible) visit my family in Canada whenever I liked. Now, I am left wondering when I might ever be able to go there again.

This week my chosen prayer goes out to all people around the world who are suffering with, or caring for someone with, or dealing with any issues related to Covid 19.

A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who are just carrying on with our normal routines remember those who have lost their jobs.

May we who have colleagues, family or friends to help us get through the challenges remember those who are suffering with anxiety, depression and loneliness.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and paying their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have had to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who may have lost some money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settled in for a quarantine period at home remember those who have no home.

As fear of the severity of the pandemic continues to wreak havoc in countries around the world, let us choose hope for the future.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbours.  Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

retrieved and adapted from https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/coronavirus-prayers