The epidemic situation, as I believe, allows us to look forward to the coming weeks with cautious optimism. Nevertheless, I think that it is appropriate to remain vigilant, which wisely accounts for the real strength of this "invisible enemy." After all, we have experienced this strength several times during the autumn, winter, and spring months, and many of us have felt it ourselves... I would like to thank you all very much for the past months. Especially for the way you collaborated on managing the epidemic situation in our parish: for using protective equipment, filling out reservation forms, and adhering to the rules. Of course, the government, church leaders, and I dare say — none of us — have avoided mistakes, after all, to be honest, no one knows the right plan for the functioning of society (or the parish) in such an exceptional situation as the pandemic. We have gone through moments of discomfort and sometimes moments of anxiety and feelings of threat or futility. I have felt this among us as well. We managed it together, but let us continue to be cautious; prevention may be uncomfortable, but it is a smaller price than putting out an open fire. I believe that from all that we have experienced, we can emerge strengthened if we continue to support each other and behave with mutual consideration. Bishops have encouraged us in recent days to once again invite all of you to participate regularly in Sunday Mass. Personally, I consider this invitation important, but I also regard it as equally important to respect your possibilities and strengths. Therefore, if you are already regularly attending Sunday Mass, you have my thanks, and I am glad to meet with you again. And for the rest of you who do not yet feel ready for this, I understand and look forward to the time when you decide to return so we can meet again.
Next week, we have the Taizé prayer at St. Family Church on Tuesday at 19:30. Attention! The Taizé prayer will be the following week, i.e. on June 22! Additionally, there will be an online Bible class on Wednesday at 20:30. The preparation of children for First Holy Communion is nearing its end. Therefore, I kindly ask you to remember in your prayers the children who are preparing to meet Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
I wish you a peaceful following week.
Gregory J. Žáček.
