From Fr. Steven - August 2nd

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Recently on our facebook page we asked a question: SATURDAY SURVEY: Has this time during the pandemic deepened your faith? If yes, share how and/or what you have done differently. Here are some of the answers (permission has been given by the responders).

Myra Chisholm Hi. I had started going to 7:30 morning/daily mass before the Pandemic. At first it felt strange because I wasn’t used to it. I was getting to know the 7:30 crowd by sight. It became very meaningful for me to see this new community. And then suddenly, it seemed gone/lost due to the virus. I was like a fish out of water. Then live streamed masses started. I tuned in a lot and posted messages I started to feel the community close again But really wanted to see people. Finally, the morning masses started in the church again. It was better than ever. I had visited God in the church many times when it was open during the day and now I could make adoration a bigger part of my prayers. I also started making it earlier to participate in the rosary with others. I’m feeling very blessed for these opportunities. Also many people have come up to me and introduced themselves and others to me I’m so grateful for these friendships.

Debbie Morgan Claire It has drawn me to have more quiet time with the Lord reading the Bible.

Mary Fay Definitely- I became more cognizant of what really matters and gave up a lot of the little indulgences I used to think mattered. Definitely more prayerful. I also started asking God to give me the words for those individuals struggling with their faith and/or their situation. I was also tested to trust in the Lord more and it’s something I’m working on.

Cathy Gallant As I recently told some family members, I’ve always had a deep faith in God, but I’ve been feeling more spiritual during this pandemic. I also have more interest in reading more religious books, information, etc.

Lynn Verny The closure of the church had a two-fold effect for me. It made me realize how much it meant to go into the church and also to gather for mass with others. I have fallen in love with daily mass thanks to the live stream I can listen to while I work. I gained an appreciation for the Office of Readings when it was live streamed, since I wasn’t that familiar with it previously. I have recently started praying the rosary daily & discovered yesterday that I can now remember the mysteries without having something to reference while praying it �. I am getting ready to start the consecration to St Joseph on Monday and after that I want to do the 33 Days to Greater Glory which is the consecration to the Father through Jesus. So the pandemic has been tough in many ways for so many people, but I am growing closer to God, and for that I am so grateful. And I’m fairly new to IC Parish, but if you come to the 5pm Sunday mass, I’m the one helping with the seating, so come say hi.

Maureen Prendergast Roselli It has definitely been a time of change for me. I look at my faith in a whole new light now. I’ve found myself wanting more quiet time with the lord in prayer , novenas and wanting to have that special relationship with Jesus and Mary. To trust in him and know that everything happens for a reason and everything will work out. I’ve been tuning in to daily mass , participated in the Eucharistic talks and presented which was new to me. As a family we’ve found ourselves volunteering at the outdoor masses which we have enjoyed. I have recently been trying to say the Rosary.and reading the Bible a bit here and there . My whole outlook on everything has changed for the better.

Molly K Maguire-Conti Yes, our family has done a better job of praying together and trusting that the Lord is in control. During the months that my work was closed I was able to bring my children to the church for quiet prayer (they weren't always quiet but we will get there in time and we read through their children's Bible.

Kathy Halfpenny Definitely. I am more aware of how much I need God every minute of every day with everything going on around me in the world. I watch daily mass as often as possible (I am back working now). I read more (pertaining to my faith) and value prayer time and am more aware of the evil around us. I value my Bible study group ( zoom) and St Vincent De Paul Friends (zoom) for the support we give each other and my parish support.

Luis Lara My live was running too fast behind a job that was stressing me to the limit; before the quarantine I started to ask God for help and prayers to ask Him for a sign of what should I do. Many times in the morning there was something on the road - accidents, train blocking the road, etc. - like something or someone was trying to keep me away from going to do that job, it was really affecting my health- blood pressure was increasing, stress was very high, etc. Just before the quarantine I asked for a week of vacations just after that week quarantine started and I began to assist to the Mass every day - Virtually, and also morning and evening prayer and daily Rosary - it was for me like God answered my prayers and sent me home - this was the answer I was praying for - to be closer to Him. Ever since I try to go to Mass every day - my stress level is way down as well as the blood pressure. I feel like I growing in my faith and feel his presence every day, every minute of my live. “God is good all the time, all the time God is good!” (Fr Stevens) God is true Love!

Marie Jatsko Yes. Pray more

Jill Ishkanian Praying a lot more, and trusting in God more.

God bless,
​Fr. Steven