Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
Dear St. Charles Family:
As stated in Monday's flocknote, we will resume in-person Masses in the Church this weekend. Details regarding the dates and times are included below.
This is certainly exciting news, and I greatly look forward to your presence in the church, but it is also worrisome at this particular time. That's because the supreme court's decision was not made with your safety in mind...
Although reports of new cases of COVID-19 have dropped recently, there are three factors that may cause the number of cases to rise again soon: 1.) Superbowl parties, and other recent gatherings where we may have let our guard down. 2.) New COVID-19 variants are spreading more rapidly than the original strain. 3.) Newly vaccinated persons may symptomlessly contract the virus and spread it to others. This is not to mention that large and lengthy indoor gatherings are not particularly safe, and so many other churches are also beginning to hold their services indoors.
Therefore, I strongly advise the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to refrain from attending church in-person until 14 days after receiving the second dose of vaccination. Otherwise, it would be devastating to lose the life of anyone in our church family - particularly if one of our own members has spread COVID-19 to that person. Think about it: How would you feel if you were the person who spread the virus and bore the responsibility for the death of one or more of your fellow human beings?
Remember, the Bishop's dispensation from your Sunday Mass obligation is still in effect. You can continue to participate by viewing our Masses online, and pray the Spiritual Prayer of Communion with us. And, although we can thank God that the new vaccines have provided us with "a light at the end of the tunnel", that light is a useless mirage unless we keep ourselves safe until we completely pass through the tunnel.
Therefore, as we open up the church, we will be more closely adhering to COVID-19 protocols. As before, this includes taking the temperature of each person upon arrival, and the frequent use of hand sanitizers. The wearing of masks continues to be mandatory, and there will be no congregational singing.
Therefore, as we open up the church, we will be more closely adhering to COVID-19 protocols. As before, this includes taking the temperature of each person upon arrival, and the frequent use of hand sanitizers. The wearing of masks continues to be mandatory, and there will be no congregational singing.
Although we are allowed to open up to 25% capacity, we are limiting church attendance to 100 persons and compensating by offering three in-person Mass times on weekends, plus 9:00 am weekday Masses on Tuesdays through Fridays.
This time it is more critical for you to sign-up for reservations online, 24 hours in advance, as opposed to arriving without a reservation. Signing up captures your e-mail address so that we can quickly notify you during a COVID-19 contact tracing event.
Although signing up online also quickens your check-in, please arrive 15 minutes before Mass for the check-in process.
Blessings, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read and contemplate the seriousness of this message.
-- Fr. Kwame
Sign Up for Your Reservations
At Least 24 Hours In Advance
Option 2: February 14th at 11:30 am - SIGN UP
SUNDAY Communion Distribution in the Church - (RSVP not required)
SUNDAY Communion Distribution in the Church - (RSVP not required)
Arrive between 10:30 am and 11:00 am < New Time!
WEEKDAY In-person Mass in the Church:
ASH WEDNESDAY In-person Mass in the Church:
Morning Mass will include live music and be live-streamed
Option 2: February 17th at 6:00 pm - SIGN UP
Option 2: February 17th at 6:00 pm - SIGN UP
Evening Mass will not include music or be live-streamed
Additional DISTRIBUTION of ASHES - Outdoors at 3:00 pm
Feb
11
Thursday Evening Adult Bible Study on Zoom
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
Thursday Evening at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Topic:
The Gospels, Part VI.3
1.) Download the HANDOUT
2.) Join Zoom Meeting at 7:00 pm:
Meeting ID: 878 0186 1803
Passcode: D3vFq8
Phones can dial:
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 878 0186 1803
Passcode: 521988
View Videos of Previous
Bible Study Sessions
Bible Study Sessions
Jesus Boost Podcast
Listen to this podcast episode for
strategies to develop a more
Be inspired and empowered each week! Jesus Boost invites you to connect with and tap into the infinite strength and unconditional love of God, available to everyone. There is so much beauty, joy, and power in knowing you are never alone and that Jesus is by your side on this journey. Jesus Boost is your reminder with honest, insightful commentary about modern-day situations, supported by scripture and words of wisdom from renowned leaders. Come away with a fresh perspective, a smile, and a wonderful, unique spiritual lift to help you greet life with renewed hope and strength.
Feb
15
Monday Evening - WALKING WITH PURPOSE on Zoom
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH
BLOOD PRESSURE FACTS
By Joanne Berven, RN
The Health Ministry will be featuring topics in February and March on how to keep your heart healthy! This first topic is about blood pressure, and how it affects the heart. Our heart, which is part of the cardiovascular system, sits in our chest and pumps away without us ever being aware of it. But we need to be aware of it! Knowing your blood pressure is essential to maintaining good health.
We take care of our bodies – they are temples of the Holy Spirit – so we need to be aware of our heart health. That starts with taking our blood pressure which measures how well our heart is working. The upper number – the systolic – measures the pressure coming from our heart when our heart contracts. This number is an indication of how hard the heart has to pump in order to circulate blood throughout our body. This number can fluctuate depending on whether we are sitting still, standing, or exercising. Even stress and worry can affect our blood pressure. The more energy we expend the more blood we need to serve our bodies, which in turn raises our systolic blood pressure.
On the other hand, the lower number, the diastolic pressure, indicates how much pressure is against the heart at rest. The higher this number, the more work the heart has to do to circulate blood in our body. This puts an added stress on our heart and in some cases causes the heart muscle to enlarge. The heart muscle can only enlarge so much before it is unable to adequately pump blood throughout our body. When this happens, we develop a condition called congestive heart failure (CHF). There is no cure, but lifestyle changes and medications can help manage CHF. It is in our best interest to stay on top of how our heart is working and what our blood pressure is. If we don’t stay on top of how our heart is doing and we can develop high blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 (diastolic)/80 (diastolic). High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a silent killer. There are no big warning signs or symptoms that let us know our BP is elevated. All of a sudden something bad happens, such as cardiac arrest or stroke. (We will address these topics in subsequent weeks.)
Pre-COVID19, the Health Ministry offered BP checks after Mass one weekend a month. Now, it is up to each of us to be aware of our BP. There are blood pressure units on the market that can be used at home. The Health Ministry does not recommend any particular product but encourages the use of a blood pressure machine especially if you are at risk for high blood pressure. What are the risks for high blood pressure? Controllable risk factors include diabetes (how you manage it), unhealthy diet, decreased physical activity (walking around the block daily constitutes a reasonable activity), obesity, too much alcohol and/or tobacco use, and chronic stress. We also have uncontrollable characteristics; things like family history, age, sex, race, or ethnicity that we really can’t do much about except to be aware of how these affect us and take the necessary precautions.
It is important to keep your “temple of the Holy Spirit” healthy in mind, body, and soul. Make it a point to get your blood pressure checked regularly, and to visit your health care provider for your routine checkup.
Links for more information can be found at:
and
Los Angeles Religious Education
RE CONGRESS 2021
“Proclaim the Promise” is the theme for the 2021 RE Congress experience. The virtual 4-day event begins Thursday, February 18 with the opening ceremony at 6:00 pm and continues through Sunday, February 21, 2021, with the closing liturgy ending at 10:30 am. Events will be both “Live” and “On Demand” and if you can’t attend a live event it will be recorded to watch later “On Demand.”
For a registration fee of $35, you will have access to all event content through March 21, 2021. You will experience liturgies, keynote speakers, dynamic workshops, concerts, intercultural prayer experiences, sacred space, the youth track, and a virtual exhibit hall. Don't miss this amazing Catholic experience from the comfort of your home!
Register online now:
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
