Where do we go from here?

For more than six weeks we have been adjusting to a rapidly shifting landscape brought about by the spread of COVID-19. This dangerous virus has affected virtually every aspect of our lives, including the way we work and worship, the way we teach and learn, and the way we socialize.
 
Life goes on, however. We have learned new jargon and adopted new practices to “flatten the curve” and “slow the spread” of this highly contagious virus for which there is still no vaccine or cure.
 
I have been inspired by the generosity of our health care workers and front-line responders who have continued to serve, often at great cost to themselves and their families. The effects of the contagion have been devastating in terms of lives lost, jobs lost, growing economic insecurity and a sense of fear and isolation.
 
Our pastoral life has certainly been affected as well. I have been inspired by the creativity of so many of our pastors and lay leaders who have found ways to connect with their parishioners and fellow Catholics through live-streamed Masses, Zoom meetings and even drive up Masses and confessions.
 
I applaud the hidden heroism of our priests who continue to offer Mass in empty churches for the salvation of the world and for an end to this pandemic. I suppose it will only be in retrospect that we will be able to assess accurately what we have learned and how we have grown through these trials. We will come to recognize more clearly how God has been with us through it all, often in and through the least of our brothers and sisters.
 
The challenges have been significant. But, we have shown remarkable resilience. In terms of the practice of our faith, I have a strong sense that a hunger for the Eucharist among the faithful has been deepening because of this prolonged Eucharistic fast. I pray this produces a renewed appreciation for the Mass and all of the sacraments as we begin to return to a more normal liturgical, pastoral and sacramental life within our parishes in the weeks and months ahead.
 
Due to some early trends indicating that in certain areas it might soon be safe to lift some social restrictions, conversations have begun about the proper timing for opening the economy while preserving the gains we have made in terms of public health. Similar conversations are underway to develop a plan to transition back to a more normal life within our parishes.
 
While the changes in parish life were sudden, once we recognized the dangers posed by the spread of the virus and received guidance from medical and civil authorities, it will not be possible to return to “normal” as quickly. Overnight, there were no more public Masses. Access to Holy Communion was suspended immediately. That was shocking for all of us.
 
Going forward, we will have to consult and plan for a gradual opening of our churches, taking necessary precautions to limit spread of the virus and maintaining social distances appropriate to the changing conditions. The governor has indicated that as of May 3 worship services may resume in Oklahoma. However, given the nature of Catholic Mass and the personal and physical contact involved in the sacraments, that will not be the case for us. I am consulting with the Priests Council and with medical and civil authorities as well as bishops in other parts of the country.
 
There is no playbook for how to do this. I ask for your prayers that the Holy Spirit will give wisdom and counsel as to the best way to proceed. Christ is Risen! Indeed, he is risen! Alleluia!