“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” …the Holy Spirit, though perhaps seemingly hidden, is very present to us in this extraordinary situation. The Lord has promised to be with always. May we all continue to pray, and to trust, and to serve those entrusted to our care the best way we can.
It is important that all of us continue to join with our neighbors across the State of Michigan and beyond in observing measures to address the spread of COVID-19. We must continue to follow the directives that were issued in Governor Whitmer’s “Stay At Home” Executive Order of March 23, 2020, knowing that they were extended and in place through April 2020. That may be extended with the peak of this virus being estimated around that time to mid-May.
Following these most recent guidelines to extend the time period for social distancing, the liturgical directives and the directives regarding confession and general absolution, both issued on March 24, 2020, are to remain in place through April 30, 2020 for now.
Be assured of my prayers for you in a special way as we enter into Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. As we will all experience, it is very different this year not having the Body of Christ to personally celebrate with us. This deeply saddens me as we approach the Triduum liturgies. But we know that the grace of God is still working in our midst.
Many thanks for all that you continue to do for your people. They need you and depend upon you at this difficult time. As I said before, these are extraordinary times in the life of our local Church. But the Lord, in the mystery of His love, care and concern for us, offers beautiful graces to help us in this time of need. May we stay united, watchful in prayer, seeking healing especially for those who have contracted the coronavirus. Please pray for me. Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us. ..Bishop Robert Gruss
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