It has been a week since I started my ministry here at Holy Spirit.  I would like to thank all of you for graciously welcoming me to the parish.

I have been able to meet some of you through the celebration of the Eucharist, Zoom meetings, phone calls, and emails. I also took the liberty of calling some members of our community who have asked us for our prayers, the sick and those who have lost their loved ones.  I assured them that we are all praying for them.  I also reached out to our fellow parishioners who are celebrating a milestone, celebrating 95 and 85 years of life.  I wished all of them a very Happy Birthday on your behalf.

Last week, I met with every staff member of our parish to get to know them and to ask how we could all work collaboratively in serving all of you. They were great meetings.  I am very pleased to say that we have a very strong staff.  I am confident that with their help we will be able to efficiently support and attend to your questions and needs.

Fr. Edgar and I are working closely with the Liturgy Committee as to how we can enhance and safely celebration the Mass.  I am sure that many of you have heard that the County has put out new directives allowing outdoor religious celebration of 60 people.  This is great news!  The staff are working diligently to ensure that we have a safe and conducive place for our “Pilgrim Masses.”  More details will be published on our website very soon.

During these unprecedented times, it will be quite challenging for me meet all of you, but it is not impossible given the patience that I have already sensed from many of you. In the meantime, please join me at our Sunday Live streamed mass or at our Pilgrim Masses.  Let us continue to hold each other in prayer.

God bless,
Fr. Ritche