Connected to Christ, filled with hope

Father Frank Almade understands the sadness many of his parishioners feel in not being able to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist during the pandemic. Two years ago following open heart surgery, he was unable to consume anything solid, including a communion host, for seven weeks.

“I vividly remember lying in bed with three intravenous lines in me and not being able to even get up,” he said. “I could only spiritually commune. It gives you a whole different perspective.”

With public Masses, confessions, baptisms, weddings, funerals and parish activities temporarily suspended or restricted, this is a critical time for clergy to keep connected with their parishioners. Father Almade and his pastoral team that serves seven parishes in the East Valley have been making phone calls, sending letters and finding creative ways to minister to their people.

It’s an effort that clergy are repeating across the diocese.

Deacon Herb Riley, Jr. used to lead a weekly prayer and worship service at an assisted living facility, visiting the sick and homebound and handling many other responsibilities. He finds his spirits uplifted by parishioners.

“I have been overwhelmed by the extremely positive conversations I have had,” Deacon Riley said. “While they desperately miss attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, they are grateful to know they have not been forgotten and are being prayed for every day.”

Parishioners are returning the prayers, according to Deacon Riley, with many asking how they can continue to make weekly contributions to their parish.

“One of the changes that I am personally struggling with the most is not being able to be with our faithful when one of their loved ones has died,” he said. “But, in place of physically being there, I reach out to them via telephone and video conference to extend my condolences and offer prayers.”

Father Almade said it’s important to be grateful for the things we once took for granted, and to be hopeful.

“We look forward to better days, and hope for what we don’t see,” he said. “That sense of hope is something to reflect on.”

 
Photo: Father Frank Almade.