12 August 2021

Just when we thought we might have some new freedoms, we now must endure greater restrictions again. Due to the Delta variant and the ensuing havoc, we are being directed to place some new restrictions upon our worship.

Beginning this Sunday, August 15, all singing is suspended, even by choirs or a cantor.
Aloha Hours have been suspended again, even if outdoors.

I know this is frustrating, and I share your frustration. We continue to be cautious as a church, but unfortunately there are other churches that have been freewheeling as reported in the press. Thankfully almost the entire congregation has been vaccinated. I continue to pray for the gift of patience for myself, and I encourage you to do the same. Due to these most recent restrictions, our masses on Sundays in the near future will be simpler. On Sundays, the 8:30 am mass will not have music, and the 10:30 am mass will only have organ. The Saturday evening mass continues as before without music. Daily case counts and hospitalization rates will determine when these restrictions will be relaxed.

This Sunday we have the happy feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We had planned some particularly beautiful worship offerings, but sadly that has all been scrapped. Nevertheless, the Assumption is essentially a resurrection feast, and it is a particularly ancient celebration of the church. The blessings that Mary receives from Christ are the blessings that are available to all of us if we are faithful to Jesus Christ. Regardless of these new restrictions, we worship this Sunday to celebrate our new life in Christ, and we give thanks for Mary’y excellent example as the Queen of Saints, the Mother of the Church, and the one who shows us how to always answer “yes” to Christ’s will for us.

Father Paul Lillie +