As we mark 12 months of challenge, Christ is here

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the coronavirus pandemic began to hit home in our archdiocese, in the U.S. and across the world. Sometimes people use the word “anniversary.” I would not suggest using that word. This month will be more of a “remembrance” of that time when one year ago, an unwelcome guest called COVID came and stayed far too long.

It was just last March that all of our Masses went “virtual” because of restrictions on how many people could attend. Celebrating Holy Week last year in a virtually empty St. Louis Cathedral was something I will never forget, nor will the priests in our parishes and shrines.

Our lives have changed in many ways. While the pandemic has perhaps provided opportunities for families to spend more time together and given us other positive moments, we have all experienced a great deal of anxiety and fear, and many people have suffered with serious illness, family tensions, unemployment and the death of a loved one.  

How we gather with other people has changed. We have had to remain socially distant and wear masks, even for Christmas. Despite this, I always remind myself and others that while we must maintain social distancing and wear face coverings, Jesus does not. He does not desire to hide from us, and he is never distant from us but is always living in our hearts and among us as his people.

Our experience of worship has changed. Masses have been livestreamed. When churches were not open, parishes celebrated virtual Masses and held eucharistic processions in their neighborhoods, and priests heard confessions outdoors. It was impressive to me to see the incredible number of parishes that have livestreamed their Masses and continue to do so. 

The creativity of priests, deacons and those who serve at liturgical ceremonies has been extraordinary. Let us not take for granted those people behind the livestream cameras. In particular, priests in parishes and those in specialized ministries have gone beyond the call of duty. I particularly want to thank the many hospital chaplains who have given of themselves, along with our first responders and health care workers, and at times have risked even their own lives.

Let us not forget the parish staffs and the principals, faculties and staffs of our elementary and high schools for the many ways in which they have adapted to new styles of teaching and learning. This also applies to parents, who took on new and unforeseen roles in the education of their children. Our Catholic school students have risen to the challenge and continue to excel in academics while continuing their faith formation. Students who are involved in our Parish Schools of Religion have continued to receive instruction in person and virtually.

I am deeply grateful to God for all of these people and for the many ways in which they have guided us through this unique time of the pandemic. I thank God for you and ask him to strengthen you.

We have many things scheduled for the next several months, particularly connected to the celebration of the Year of the Eucharist and St. Joseph. It is my hope that we can move forward with our plans, but as we have experienced with COVID, plans can change. But, we know that when we experience confusion and darkness, we await the light of Christ, who has promised to walk with us and shed his light on us.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].