Dear Parishioners,

I pray you are all accepting the government’s orders to stay at home and have reconciled that with Jesus’s returning home to Nazareth to be obedient and to grow in wisdom, age and grace!

Father Ralph and I remain fine and in good health. The rectory personnel also in good health and primarily working from home, but, at their discretion or need, they do come in to the office and work following a social distancing life style. Their temperatures are recorded as they arrive.

Thank you for the many notes and emails from you during this time wondering how we are and offering to bring us food or whatever. Don’t be surprised if you receive a phone call from some of the rectory personnel checking up on you. Jen Ricard, Julie Bowling, Barb Riggins, and I have set up a group of parishioners to assist us in making these calls wondering if you are alright.

Many beautiful and satisfying comments have been made about our area parishes live streaming Mass and or parishioners watching the daily Mass through various websites. As difficult this is to say, as I love the Mass, I have chosen to not do this at IHM. Many of you may not know, but, I am at risk with both my age (64 years old!) and an underlying lung condition from double pneumonia several years ago which causes me to STAY HOME and not enjoy “ministry” as usual. I am advised only to minister to someone in an emergency that would bring death to them.

Make the best of your “at home” life style.

Many blessings,
Father Jim