WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – October 4th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY MESSAGE – October 4th
St. David’s will be re-opening its doors THIS Sunday, October 4, 2020 for both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. masses!  Weekday masses will resume on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Please note the guidelines below, which the Diocese is requiring to be followed for all in-person worship.
  • If you feel sick in any way or have any of the symptoms for COVID-19, please do not come to church.
  • All attendees must sign the register book – one family member can list all the members.
  • Those who live in the same household will be permitted to sit together in the same pew; but social distance from other attendees in alternate pews which will be set apart in advance.
  • Hand sanitizers will be available in the Narthex, and we ask that you use them, or your own, when you arrive at Church.
  • Facemasks must always be worn while in church.
  • There will be no physical sign of peace exchanged, at this time – except amongst family members.
  • The line for the reception of Holy Communion will follow appropriate distancing, as marked on the floor.
  • The Eucharist will be given in one kind in the hand only. We ask that you kindly keep your mask on as you receive Communion. Then step to the side, lift your mask, and consume the wafer before putting your mask back on and returning to your seat
  • Collection plates will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience – the plates will not be passed during Mass.
  • The Church building will be appropriately sanitized before and between Masses, as well as the restrooms.
RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Fr. Thomas.
This Sunday is the commemoration of Saint Francis; the Italian friar who left a life of fame, riches, and the comforts of home to preach and live among the poor and forgotten in the early 13th C.  For someone who never wrote a book, or held an official office in the Church (although he did receive deacon’s orders later in life,) his abiding influence has been enormous. He started life as a “swashbuckling” rich young man, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant in central Italy.  But after a near fatal disease, from which he recovered, he turned his life completely around, renouncing the distractions of the world and even stripping off his clothes in the public square before the bishop and all the towns folk.  Imagine Charlie Sheen or Tom Cruise doing that in Times Square to give their life over to the Lord.  (On second thought, before the pandemic, would anyone have noticed in Times Square?).
It seems that those who did the most for humanity have been those who seemingly had little to work with in the world’s eyes.  Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be servant of all.”  Do we see ourselves as servants or just “volunteers?” A servant serves no matter what; a volunteer does so when it’s convenient.
It’s important to remember, especially during these challenging times, that we all have something to give to God – no matter how small or insignificant we, or the world, may perceive it.  Remember the boy who offered two fish and five loaves of bread to Jesus who fed five thousand?  Even a little can be made great in the hands of God.  Francis’ love of God’s creation, in all its entirety, particularly nature and animals, may be an attractive feature of his life; but not everyone is called to a life of poverty or celibacy.  Yet, in our own ways, even when they seem unimportant, we can show love and reverence for all.  As St. Francis was fond of saying, “Preach the Gospel, in words if necessary.”
NOTICES:
This Wednesday, the first of the month, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 6:00 p.m.
Video Viewing Options – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.  See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at  www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
Sandwiches for St. George’s Outreach Project – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Thank you for your continued support!
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Charlotte, Donna, Eddie, Kim, Jeff, Jim, Joaquin, Joshua.
For birthday celebrations: Daniel Anzures, Diana Myrie, Gavin Elmquist, Julian Belden, Evelyn Bartley, Tim Sauerbier, Douglas Richardson, Carolyn Schmiedl, Ginny Elliott, Laurel Coore.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information