As we reflect on the past year, we see so much of what the pandemic did to hinder us in our day to day activities. It is sometimes easy to find ourselves feeling depressed and isolated.

We watched as our churches were closed to no more than 10 people, our Holy Water fonts emptied, our books taken from the pews and learning to navigate Mass online - yearning for the time to recieve Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Then the churches slowly started to open with ropes on the pews and Confession outside. We learned to carry Holy Water along with our hand sanitizer.

We learned a temporary "new normal" that includes the phrase "social distancing". We accepted face coverings so that we could gather. We gave up our hugs and hand shakes.

Hope is always on the horizon. 

This Lent may we reflect on what has happened and what is to come. In this time, remember the passion and death of our Lord and that healing comes from the belief in the Resurrection.