“We are family…I got all my sisters with me. We are family…all my brothers, sisters, and me…” You may remember that song by Sister Sledge (actually I paraphrased the last part a bit–sorry!) That song reminds me of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. We are, in so many ways, a parish family. Even if you are newer to this parish, I am sure that you have felt the sense of hospitality and welcome that our parish is known for. No one stays a stranger long when they join the St. Paul family. From the smiles, to the greetings, to the hugs, and conversations. We are happy to see each other when we come to Mass, as is evident with all of the conversations be-fore Mass begins. And that is one big reason why it was so difficult to be away from Church for so long! We missed the Eucharist, and we missed our Eucharistic family!

For many, our time of quarantine was not an easy one. Life continued, but we felt an aloneness in our days. Many, who were deemed essential workers, continued the day to day efforts of their jobs, not knowing if they would stay healthy or were in jeopardy (thank you so much for all you did for the rest of us–you are definitely appreciated!). But life continued. For some, it presented challenges that would be difficult to deal with. For some, it would present challenges that would change their families forever. We needed our parish family to lift us up…in prayer, in support, in community. Knowing that our parish prayer group continued to keep all of us in prayer was comforting. Yet we still needed the physical presence…the smiles, the hugs, the reassurances that all will be well eventually. We needed the encouragement to be strong and courageous.

We are finally able to be back at Church with each other. We are finally able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist again. We are finally able to again experience Jesus in the nearness and presence of our Eucharistic family. Yes, we are in masks, socially distanced, not physically hugging, following all of the guidelines to keep each other safe—but…we ARE together again! Let us count our blessings and see the sunshine. No life is not easy, but together, our parish family is strong. We have a loving Father who will not abandon us. He will see us through anything life throws our way because He has given us each other. God bless you and be with you! And remember…. We Are Family!