Dear People of St. Catherine’s,
Just when we thought we were free and clear, the COVID virus has continued to bedevil us. On the news last night, it was reported that in Florida there has been a 4000% increase in cases! If you have not received your COVID vaccine, I urge you to get it. It is a no-brainer! We get vaccinated for polio, measles, chickenpox, flu – everything under the sun. I do not understand the reluctance to receive the vaccine that would surely control the spread of this menacing virus.
No doubt, there is a political calculation at play here. We are so partisan as a nation now that even common-sense public health solutions get twisted all out of shape. Complaints about not trusting the government, arguments that my “freedom” is abridged by requiring me to get a vaccine, etc. – those are hogwash in my humble opinion. I have told you that my wife and I have been vaccinated. Please do so, for your own
protection, but just as much for the protection of your brothers and sisters.
Just yesterday, Bishop Smith issued new guidelines for our in-person gatherings, for worship and other gatherings. Given the surge in new COVID cases in Florida and the new CDC guidelines for the use of masks, the bishop has reinstated the requirement that masks be worn by all persons for in-person gatherings.
Nevertheless, on August 8 we celebrate “Back to Church Sunday.” Please join us, there is room for all of you. It will be an exciting day. We will celebrate the sacrament of baptism, we will bless backpacks and commission our teachers, we will commission the search committee, and we will register children and young people in church school. Given the new guidelines, we must cancel our fiesta after church. But, what a great day. Please be there with us.
I’m happy to report that with the good skill of my ophthalmologist, my cataract surgery went well. I can now see clearly and all the colors of the world appear brighter and sharper. And I can see you better. 🙂
As we shift from summer back to school year, please keep the newly appointed search committee in your prayers. Applications are being received from priests, and the committee will do their diligent work of prayer, discernment, interviewing, etc. Somewhere out there is the priest God has chosen to be your next rector. The committee will keep you informed as they go along; but understand that the details of their work must be kept confidential. Please respect that confidentiality and do not press them to divulge names, etc.
This is an exciting time for St. Catherine’s Church. I am here with you until your new rector is called. Let’s have a good beginning to the new program year. See you on August 8: “Back to Church Sunday.” 🙂
Yours in Christ,
Allen W. Farabee, Interim Rector
Posted in Newsletter