Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us. Southeast Florida leads the State in the numbers of people infected; and, to be sure, all of us are affected. I pray that your greatest challenge will be only how to cope with some boredom and perhaps cabin fever because of the need for “social distancing.”
Yet, as people of faith, we trust in the power of prayer and in the providence of our loving God; as a people of hope, we know that God will never abandon us; as a people of charity, despite our own fears and anxieties, we must stand in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters who are infected or affected by this pandemic.
On Palm Sunday, I ask that you join me in placing a palm frond on your door (most yards in South Florida have some type of palm in them). This would help us, despite the social distancing, to be connected as we enter into the Holiest of Weeks. We may be physically isolated, but not separated. We are united as the body of Christ.
I invite you to continue to visit our website, www.miamiarch.org, for up-to- date information, live-streaming of liturgies, and other resources. Later this week, information will be posted about Holy Week services at the Cathedral which will be live-streamed.
It is my hope that you are able to continue your weekly offertory support through the use of online giving on your parish website or through this Universal Online Offertory Page. These funds are critical for the continued operation of your parish. Your parish does so much more than offer Sunday Mass, and they depend on you! I understand that many of you may not be able to contribute given the economic impact this pandemic is having on your personal finances; however, I hope that those who are able to continue to support their parishes are doing so.
Many are suffering financially due to this pandemic. In times of need, people turn to the Church for help, and if we come together, we can try to assist those in need. If you are able to make a donation to the Coronavirus Emergency Fund, please do so now. We must unite to help support our brothers and sisters who are negatively impacted by this ongoing pandemic. Let us look to the future with hope.
Our Lent has become for us a true desert experience as we necessarily impose on ourselves some “social distancing.” These days find us all more than a bit anxious and fearful. But, if the Lord takes us to it, He will bring us through it.
Please continue to pray for each other, as I continue to pray for you and your loved.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski
Archbishop of Miami