Dear family of faith,

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Dt 31:6)

These words from God, spoken to Israel as she prepared to enter into the unknown adversities of the Holy Land, might touch our own hearts as well as we confront the coronavirus which is presently coursing through our communities. But for those who love God, we know that all things work to the good. (Rm 8:28) We have confidence in a God who is good, who never forsakes us even as we face disease and death, and who himself entered into human suffering, pain and death itself to show us that fear does not have the last word.

As you may know, the state of Maryland has issued an injunction against large gatherings. As a result, the Archdiocese of Washington has decided to suspend normal Masses and parish activities until the coronavirus has run its course. Weddings and funerals will continue to be held, but with a limited number of persons in attendance.

In this time of adversity, without benefit of sacraments, how can we enter deeply into the spiritual life?

1. It hardly needs to be said, but PRAY. Times like this remind us of our vulnerability, and can help us run more eagerly into the hands of a Father who is "strong to save".
2. Know that I will continue to offer Mass privately each day for our two parishes and for all their members. I am exploring if there might be a way to have small groups of parishioners join me occasionally - I'll keep you posted.
3. Remember that the Shrine offers a televised Mass each Sunday on TV and Youtube.
4. In the absence of Mass, remember that we as Catholics have many devotions we can turn to. The Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the daily Mass readings can all be fruitful sources of prayer.
5. Please remember health care workers in your daily prayers, who will be exposed to the virus as they tend to those who are sick. You might also remember your priests and others who will be in that situation.

1. Everyone should take care to wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into the elbow (not the hands),  and avoid touching the face or ears.
2. Postpone any non-essential social gatherings.
3. Those with even the slightest signs of sickness should self-quarantine, remaining at home for two weeks until signs have subsided.
4. Those of advanced age or fragile health should avoid all social gatherings and be particularly cautious. Coronavirus is highly contagious even before any symptoms begin to show.

This is "unknown territory" for us all, just as for the Israelites. But we know that our God goes before us and never abandons us. Let us keep one another close in prayer, and may this temporary suspension of the sacraments increase our hunger all the more for Jesus, and for the life-giving sustenance of the Eucharist that he offers to the world.=

Yours in faith,
Fr. Q

• The Archdiocesan website has a page with informational resources on coronavirus: https://adw.org/coronavirus/. 
• The Archdiocesan website has resources on how to receive spiritual communion: https://adw.org/coronavirus-dispensation-and-prayers/. 
• Take time to read and reflect upon the readings from Sunday Mass. You can find the readings at usccb.org and a Sunday Gospel reflection on our YouTube channel. 
• The Archdiocesan website has audio and written Stations of the Cross: https://adw.org/coronavirus-dispensation-and-prayers/.
• Our archdiocesan Sunday TV Mass is available online:  https://adw.org/parishes-masses/sunday-tv-mass/.
• Here is a prayer by Pope Francis to Mary during the coronavirus pandemic: https://adw.org/text-of-popes-prayer-to-mary-during-coronavirus-pandemic/.