Happily, these days seem a little less frenetic! Work in the church sanctuary continues on pace; we’ve done more work clearing out odd corners that haven’t seen light in many years; and, we continue our planning for a still somewhat hard to anticipate September schedule.
Though not surprised, we were disappointed to learn that most of the undergraduates and graduates will not be returning in the fall. This is a great sadness for us at the Harvard Catholic Center, the parish, and for all the students involved. We continue to pivot in our plans for reaching out to those in our care as lovingly and effectively as we can. The Choir School, happily, is a leader in preparations for a return in September. We have recently hired a new faculty member, and creative approaches to a “new normal” are in place. (Some folks have offered financial assistance for the AC and air filtration units that we will have to install. If you could also help in that way, it would be a great comfort to the boys, their families, and all the staff.)
Last week, I sent out a video which speaks to the importance of financial support of our parish. Parishioners have been very kind, but we could use a little more help in several simple ways. Online giving, easily set up on the parish website, is critical to our stability. If you would consider increasing your weekly contribution by five or ten dollars, that would help us with the anticipated shortfall of $30,000 in next year’s budget. Without that boost, more serious steps will have to be taken. I also encourage you to take advantage of a second invitation to join the 90 Days Now Initiative, pledging a few dollars a day for 90 days. (I am renewing my pledge of $1.25 a day for 90 Days.) An anonymous donor has offered an additional gift when we reach our goal. Thank you!
The work of the volunteer ushers and cleaners has been invaluable. That said, many are moving on to other parts of the world or even a well-deserved vacation or two! If you can help with one of these support roles, please contact Nancy in the main office. Once again, without a full team of cleaners and ushers for each Mass, we are not permitted to celebrate the Mass.
We are happy to continue our Tuesday night Confessions in the church sacristy from 7:00pm to 8:00pm and by appointment. Daily Mass at 12:10pm continues to be a prayerful and blessed time.