Initial Blog Post

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Social networks, as well as being a means of evangelization, can also be a factor in human development. As an example, in some geographical and cultural contexts where Christians feel isolated, social networks can reinforce their sense of real unity with the worldwide community of believers.

As we enter into the first days of responding to the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, COVID-19, I am taking up one of those projects that has been on my mind for a while – to do some blogging!  I hope to use this medium as a way of informally communicating with my parishioners (as well as anyone else interested in what I have to write about).  Many priests are posting videos and live streaming in midst of the coronavirus restrictions, I hope this can be a nice alternative and effective way of reaching out to others.  (I will attempt to make these blog posts simple enough to print without formatting issues, in case you want to pass it along to a fellow parishioner who is not able to access the internet.)  So, as I have been pondering this idea of blogging some years, I begin with a quote from Pope Benedict XVI’s Message for the 47 ^th World Communications Day as a reminder of why social networking is important for evangelization and when as we are feeling isolated.

In just the past week, the changes and new responses to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the United States have ushered in what I can only describe as ‘strange times.’  What was considered normal and consistent has suddenly been postponed, suspended, or cancelled as we all strive to adapt and follow the best information available.  Fear of what is unknown has swept through our nation, communities, and homes and it has heightened our stress, anxiety, and concerns.  Even going to the grocery store has become a source of angst for so many, afraid of illness by merely inadvertently touching their face after picking up a few items from the shelf.  It is a most surreal time of restrictions, cautions, and advisories.  A time that needs some prayerful reflection.  That said, I am doing my best to keep a disciplined schedule… so it is time for me to pray Midafternoon Prayer.

So this is a first blog post, hopefully all will actually work and I will be able to offer more reflections soon.  I appreciate your patience, and your understanding, as I being this long-awaited project and make this new attempt to connect with parishioners during times when we are separated.