Dear St. Perpetua Parishioners,
It seems that we are often “given” our Lent, and this is one of those times. Now that our typically busy calendars have cleared, even if not by our choosing, this may be an extraordinary Spirit-filled opportunity to build family or individual prayer, reflection, and enrichment into our days. The disruption of ordinary life is creating isolation and profound hardship for many who have few resources to draw on. The bright side for us, as individuals and families, may be having time and motivation to deepen our spiritual practice and to explore creative ways to reach out to others. Some of these may develop in habits to sustain us after this crisis wanes. If you, or someone you know, is stranded or needs a vital errand run, please email The Women's Ministry at [email protected] and they will do what they can to assist. We hope the following resources will be helpful as you navigate the world as we find it now. PRAYER IN TIME OF PANDEMIC Almighty and merciful God, Lover of all you have made, we come before you imploring a speedy end to the corona virus now ravaging our world. Hear our prayer for everyone everywhere affected by the virus: give healing to the sick; strength and protection to their families; courage to those in isolation; eternal life to the dead; consolation to the bereaved. We pray for those on the front lines of the battle against the virus: for researchers seeking remedies to prevent and contain its spread; for health care workers everywhere; and for those in public service making decisions for our welfare. Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our failings. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 7 Last Words of Christ: A Lenten Reflection Stations of the Cross for Self-Reflection Stations of the Cross for Self-Reflection with Music Video Message by Pope Francis Eucharist As we watch this crisis unfold on a scale we haven’t experienced in generations, being deprived of the Body of Christ in and around us is a great loss. America Magazine offers a worthwhile reflection for our consideration: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/17/how-can-we-be-body-christ-when-coronavirus-closes-our-churches A treasure trove of resources here, Eucharistic celebrations and much more can be found at: https://catholiccurrent.org/covid19/?mc_cid=653133a134&mc_eid=901d781957 https://www.stjohns-creighton.org/mass Click on “St. John’s Live.” St. John’s is the Jesuit parish associated with Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Live-streamed masses daily at noon and also Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m., all of them archived on Youtube for viewing at any time at St.Johns Church/Creighton University Live Stream - YouTube |
Spirituality Websites |
http://www.prayingeachday.org/ |
https://info.franciscanmedia.org/ |
https://www.joanchittister.org/ |
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ |
https://www.sacredspace.ie/ |
In the absence of our usual parish Lenten activities, you may find the following free booklet helpful for deepen your relationship with the Lord in this holy season: Getting More Out of Lent, by Deacon Keith Strohm and Mark Hart: https://bookstore.wau.org/faithseries.aspx?utm_source=email&utm_medium=JeffEmail2&utm_campaign=covid19 |
For children and families, see the Faith@Home eResource Bundle: http://products.pastoral.center/b/b320/1/download-s97q/index.html |
Resources for Parents and Children |
The National Association of School Psychologists offers general guidelines on talking about covid-19 with children of different ages at: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource |
Coronavirus Tips & Resources for Parents, Children & Others |
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/03/17/coronavirus-looks-different-kids-than-adults/ |
https://www.pbs.org/parents/ |
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