Dear brothers and sisters, members and friends of Holy Family,
Greetings go to all of you, especially in this time, where the sufferings and consequences of the unprecedented and never imagined before, Coronavirus time, are coming to an end, hopefully. All our families stayed and were staying home for safety and caution, just like the first generation Church when Christians would stay enclosed at home fearing horrible persecutions. You transformed a corner in each of your homes to become a part of the church, where you placed an altar with a cross or an icon, and lit a candle as you gathered every weekend attending Liturgy virtually, participating in the songs, responses and spiritual Communion.
During the last month of May, Holy Family celebrated Mother’s Day. The MYO distributed flowers and we prayed for all mothers and ladies of the parish, acknowledging our appreciation and recognition of their great contribution to the community.
On Thursday, May 13, we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension. Thank you to Fr. Tony for celebrating the Liturgy.
On Sunday, May 15, Holy Family celebrated First Holy Communion for two of our beautiful children. Despite the Coronavirus, the Faith Formation team didn’t stop working. Teachers organized weekly zoom classes. I thank the teachers and parents for encouraging their children in attending these online virtual classes with their teachers. They even liked the classes and looked forward to them. These children and their families are very dedicated and committed members of Holy Family. Holy Family takes this opportunity to thank the Faith Formation team, led by Gary Schwery and his team, Regina George and AnneMarie Thomas, for preparing the parish children ages 6 to 12. We also thank Nikki Abbot and John Corey for leading the MYO youth age 13 and up, and performed their roles with dedication and commitment.
On Sunday, May 23, the church celebrated the Holy Feast of Pentecost.
During the month of May, the Festival of Nations was transformed to a take out style, similar to the Lenten dinners and previous takeout events, due to the Coronavirus. Thank you to everyone, parishioners and friends, who continue to support our fund raising events and keep supporting our parish and its programs. I also thank on your behalf, again and again, the altar staff, lay deacons and readers, choir members and organists who showed dedication and commitment despite these unprecedented times kept serving the Liturgy. Weekday and weekend liturgies were celebrated as usual, including being live-streamed several times a week. Thank you again to our broadcasting team, Gary Kloncz and Stephen Abbott, for their efforts. Thank you all for your generosity, support, participation, dedication and commitment to your church and may the Lord grant you always health, peace and joy. Your participation and support makes a difference and will never go unnoticed or forgotten. Your support is appreciated now more than ever. God bless you and your families and children and keep you safe and healthy. Please pray for the sick and suffering of our community.
Due to the renewal of my US residency, I had to fly to Canada before the expiration of my residency. Canada imposes at least 14 days of quarantine to all passengers coming from outside Canada, where the pandemic situation is horrible with total lock down and stay home order. After over 20 days of quarantine I received the news of the approval of my residency last week. But it needed 2 to 3 weeks to be issued, which caused the delay of my return. Hopefully by the time you receive this bulletin, I will be already back serving the church again. Thank you all for your support, concerns and prayers.
Yours in Christ Jesus
Abouna Emmanuel Nakhle-Ghorr +
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