Beloved in the Lord,

It is a very sad time for me and for all who strive to live the faith of the Church.

We cannot be together for Masses or Services. It is very strange and odd to say Mass without you. Many have said already that they feel lonely or isolated.  

It was not the intention of the Lord that the Liturgy should be offered without some of the faithful present. After all, we know that our Lord, at the supper on the night before he died gathered with his disciples, he called them to be the first "parish," the first congregation.

In extraordinary times and circumstances like these priests must offer the Mass without the faithful.  Private Masses are still grace filled participation in the Sacrifice of Golgatha. Yet you, the people of Holy Family are missing.  Yes, the angels and the saints gather mystically around the altar to share in the Liturgy. But you, my people and my friends, you who are the Church on earth, in this time and place are absent.

The Lord gave himself "for you and for many."  By uniting yourself to Christ and to the Mass through prayer the grace of God descends and you can be filled with God's life. Below is a prayer to make a "Spiritual Communion", a prayer asking for Christ to give himself to you since you cannot receive him in Holy Communion.

*Please know that at the private Mass I offer each day every member of the parish is remembered; the parish roster (list of names) is placed under the altar so you are spiritually part of the Sacrifice.  Your health and intentions are prayed for during all Masses.

God willing, and technology working, beginning tomorrow daily Mass, Friday Stations of the Cross and other Services will be live-streamed and can be found on Youtube.  Tomorrow we will send out the link for the Holy Family, Lawton Station.

Interceding before the Lord for you,

fondly,

Fr. Phil

Spiritual Act of Communion

O Lord, I believe and profess that you are truly Christ, 
the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners,
of whom I am the first.  
I cannot approach your life giving Body and precious Blood at this time.  
But I desire in my heart to receive you spiritually for the remission of my sins, 
for holiness and healing and for strength to live according to the Gospel.  
I ask you Lord Jesus that my body may be made one with your body, 
and my soul be washed with your most precious blood, 
and that I may evermore dwell in you, and you in me.  Amen.