Friday, June 26, 2020

Staying Connected with scripture this summer, and returning to mass...

Hello all, and happy Friday! Last week of June, hard to believe. But right now, I have to admit that while I don't want to wish my life away, getting past each month seems like a victory and a step towards (more of) a sense of normalcy. It's not totally normal, that's for sure, and I'm doing my best with it, as I'm sure you all are too.

One of the changes I'm having to navigate right now is returning to mass. Depending on where you live, you may have already experienced this, or you may be in a situation wherein you cannot yet physically return to mass despite your parish re-opening. It's going to be different for everybody here coming up, depending on your health and life circumstances. Our parish isn't re-opening until next weekend, and we just received the letter detailing all of the new changes to accommodate for the state restrictions. It's daunting to say the least, and I think this is how it is everywhere right now. Even though I completely understand why these changes need to be made, it's going to make our worship experience feel a lot different then we are used to. I'm wondering if perhaps daily mass might be more manageable for us right now, since Sunday will be more in demand? I'll have to see. But I haven't received the Eucharist since March, and I'm definitely feeling it! Have any of you returned physically to mass since your re-opening began? How is it going?

In other news, the Stay Connected Journals series has some new additions, and Our Sunday Visitor is having a sale right now, so I wanted to give you all the scoop! There are 3 new additions since the original three books debuted last year (my efforts being Exploring the Catholic Classics *halo*):

Becoming Holy, One Virtue at a Time: A Guide to Living the Theological and Cardinal Virtues (vol. 4)

Seeking Peace: A Spiritual Journey from Worry to Trust (vol. 5)

Make Every Day Blessed: Living the Liturgical Year (vol. 6)

I'm interested in all three of these, but especially the liturgical year volume! Right now, with code GOOD25, you can receive 25% off your order, and there is always free shipping from their website! I'm placing my order today, and can't wait to dive in! I'm thinking this is a nice way to keep up with my budding scripture reading this summer. Each journal provides relevant and relatable commentary, scripture assignments, study questions, and space for you to write your reflections and answers.

*heart*

Are you doing any scripture study this summer? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

4 comments:

  1. I've not been back although our churches opened a few weeks ago (our archbishop decreed that we don't need to go back right now). I feel an incredible sense of malaise when I think about returning although like you I've felt the lack of the Eucharist.

    I'm thinking about going to the 4:00 pm tonight (Saturday). I should just do it. Not sure where this reluctance is coming from other than the sadness of wearing a mask and social distancing.

    Thanks for discussing this topic; it's important, I think.

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    1. Yes, Amy, I completely understand. *virtual hug* The behavioral changes that are most effective in curbing the spread of this virus, and are keeping our friends safe, are the most uncomfortable for us, for sure. They are important, but indeed, although I'm so glad that there are things we can do to keep others safer, it makes me feel sad to feel disconnected physically from other humans. I *like* being around other people, I miss that feeling of closeness so much! A screen does not replace a person. It's hard right now. I keep trying to tell myself to be patient, and that better things are on the horizon (eventually)!

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    2. ooo, also, great point about the vigil mass. That was always less attended than the Sunday late morning mass, so I should try that too.

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  2. Update: I went to the vigil Mass. It was sort of sad; everyone seemed dispirited and rather stressed about the new rules. We don't have air conditioning in the church, and the mask was pretty hot.

    That said, I was so grateful to be back. I cried and luckily nobody noticed because we were all sitting so far apart :)

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