Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
We hear in the second reading one of my favorite lines from Sacred Scripture, the one which I chose for my ordination card, “All things work for good for those who love God.” It may admittedly be difficult to see and feel the hand of God, working for good in our current perilous times, but our faith assures us that He is there. Indeed, we can see our loving God working for good in the members of our community who continue to worship together, to pray together, and to lift each other up.
It feels like we have been through all possible permutations of lockdown scenarios, though saying that may just be tempting fate to offer us a few more. When we first went under the Shelter in Place order in March, we pivoted quickly to develop our community online and continue to celebrate the Mass together virtually when we could not be together in person. As restrictions lifted somewhat and we were able to gather in the Basilica for Mass, albeit in a new fashion, we continued to offer the Mass online via a live-stream for those who are not able or did not feel ready to attend Mass in person. Last week, new restrictions took the Sunday Mass outdoors into our Courtyard, but as we learned on Sunday, technical difficulties prohibit the high-quality streaming Mass we wish to continue to offer for those who are joining us online. As such, we are returning to the streaming Mass model we developed during Shelter in Place, and this Mass will be available online via our website, carmelmission.org, early on Sunday morning. We will also continue to offer Mass outdoors in the Courtyard at 8:30am and 11am on Sunday. In these ways we hope to serve the needs of our diverse community and hope that you will be able to join us to worship each Sunday, either online or in person.
Our Parish Office remains closed at this time, but when we are able to re-open again to welcome you, it will be in a new location. It is no longer located in the rectory, but has moved to the school office building. All deliveries are being directed to this new location, and when the office is able to re-open again safely, we hope you will come and visit us there.
As the world navigates the Coronavirus crises, each turn in the road offers new challenges that must be negotiated and overcome. Here at Carmel Mission it is your support what allows us to continue to do so, serving our community and keeping our vital, essential ministries of service alive and in action.
In the first reading we hear the story of King Solomon, who asked God for an understanding heart, and whose wisdom and leadership became a thing of legend. Solomon was driven by a desire to serve God’s people. I know that this same desire for service drives our community of Carmel Mission, and so our request to God this week is like Solomon’s, “Grant your servant an understanding heart.”
I wish you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, renewed hope and great peace,
Fr. Paul
Please take a moment to read our Carmel Mission weekly bulletin.