It is strange to write this bulletin column knowing that almost no one will read it in print.  We’re about a week-and-a-half into our parish closure, and I think most of us would say that this is unlike anything we’ve experienced before.  For many of our parishioners who work in health care, they are working overtime at a breakneck pace.  For others, they are largely confined to their homes.  Either way, I doubt there are any of us who haven’t been seriously affected; every one of us certainly has an extra cross to carry this Lent.

And yet, even with all of the distress that the Cross carries, I’ve been in a privileged position to see this ordeal bring out a lot of good in us.  So many people have let me know how painful it is to be deprived of the Mass, and as painful as that is, it’s also been inspiring to see the deep love that so many of you have for the Mass and the Eucharist.  It’s a powerful reminder to me that when I’m praying my Mass in private each day, that I’m praying it with and for each of you who can’t join me in person.

I’ve also witnessed an awful lot of good in different exchanges I’ve had with parishioners who have dealt with this crisis in some powerful ways.  We have parishioners who have set routines of daily prayer with their spouse or family, far beyond what they’d ever done before.  We have parishioners who are reaching out to others who might be alone or anxious.  We have parishioners who’ve searched for creative ways to help other people, even with the restrictions we have on our movement.  We have […]

Greetings, Christ the King parishioners!  We hope you all are doing well as you adjust to this new routine.  Know that we miss you and pray for you daily.

Updates:  

Be careful!  There are “bad actors” (as our tech company likes to call them) out there who are using this crisis to send out spoof emails, hoping that you’ll be less watchful about clicking on harmful links.  Please be sure you trust the sender before clicking on any hyperlinks or attachments.  Any email from Christ the King will come from an address ending in christthekingonline.org.  If an email seems suspicious, email one of the clergy and we can tell you if it’s legitimate.
By popular demand, today we’ll start following our noon Angelus with Mass instead of just a Gospel reflection!

Parish Novena:  Our parish-wide novena continues!  Go to https://www.praymorenovenas.com/pandemic-novena and scroll down to Day 3.
Curious as to how other parish families are dealing with the shutdown?  Check out this message from the Gaspers:  https://youtu.be/MRC6jk9K-tw
Prayer Resource for the Day:  Our diocese’s Office of Family Life is keeping an updated posting of “quarantine resources” for families’ spiritual and practical wellbeing;  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Cancelled-Events—Quarantine-Resources–.html?soid=1118124188939&aid=kGPpAYAybgQ
Prayer Intention for the Day:  For our parishioners who are homebound or who live in assisted living or nursing homes.
Suggested Act of Kindness for the Day:  Thank someone for something you might have otherwise overlooked.

Have you missed previous videos or reflections?  Go to the Christ the King Youtube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqv918ak5sglBo-JlVUbBQ (or search for “Christ the King Parish – South Bend” on Youtube)

Let’s keep praying for one another until we can be together again.

Sincerely in Christ our King,
The Pastoral Team at Christ the King Parish