Dear Friends,
 
Peace be with you! We are indeed living in unprecedented times. The rapid developments related to the COVID-19 crisis in the past few weeks have had a whiplash effect on many people and are a cause of concern for all of us. I write to share my solidarity with you and to offer some ways for us to embrace these times with hope for the future. 
 
It is important that we all take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and the communities where we live safe. Social distancing helps to reduce the spread of the virus, and the more we comply with local and national directives, the better off all of us will be.

Social distancing is absolutely critical these days, but it does not mean social disengagement. If anything, the need for prayer and action is greater than ever. I encourage you to stay connected with the Spiritans and with each other, and to nourish your faith. For example, many parishes and dioceses are using this opportunity to live-stream Mass and pray the Rosary as well as the Stations of Cross online. I have shared information on these and other resources below.
  
These are challenging times, but I firmly believe that this is an opportunity for us to become stronger in our faith and work more closely together in deepening our relationship with God and with one another. Let us lift each other up with the Gospel message of faith and hope. 

Please be assured that we are united in prayer and in spirit.                        

Fr. Jeffrey Duaime, C.S.Sp.