I hope that you are home and safe in these trying times. For all of us "sheltering in place" is a new experience. As a nation we have not faced an epidemic of this magnitude since the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. No one is left that can remember those dark days. We can learn from the experience of our grandparents and great-grandparents. They took reasonable precautions and they also understood that the epidemic would eventually pass; and it did. We need to do the same: we need to take all reasonable precautions while remembering that there is an end to all of this and life will continue.
"Sheltering in place" is difficult for many people--we are accustomed to coming and going as we want. In these days when all but essential stores are closed and all entertainment venues are shuttered (movies, restaurants, coffee houses, gyms etc.) we become stir crazy. Gratefully we have the internet. There are many great websites that can be helpful as we pass time at home. First, I suggest that you look at our own website for St. Bartholomew Parish--stbartsfw.org. The parish bulletin along with updated information is listed. There are various links that will direct you to sites where you can learn more about the Catholic faith--I suggest Formed. (Look for it in the Faith Formation menu. Second, I suggest the website for the Diocese of Fort Worth: fwdioc.org--there you will find information concerning COVID-19 and Bishop Olson's response to the crisis. This is the place to find links to other important sites: especially the North Texas Catholic. There is also the website of the Holy See, the Vatican, w2.vatican.va--there you will find information about the Church and you will also find clips of Pope Francis celebrating Mass.
During the time that we are unable to come together for Mass many parishes and the Diocese of Fort Worth are able to stream video of Mass being celebrated. This past weekend, for the first time ever, we were able to stream video of the Mass being celebrated. The schedule of Masses is as follows:
Wednesday 6:30 pm English
Thursday 7:00 pm Spanish
Friday 8:30 am English
Sunday 11:00 am English 1:15 pm Spanish The opportunity to see and hear Mass when you are unable to be here is comforting. I am grateful to Sean Murphy (our IT person) and Michael Sawey for setting up the equipment necessary for live streaming. I intend to continue live streaming Mass even after the coronavirus shutdown--this will be good for people who cannot be here. We will determine the times later.
I have heard from several people in the last weeks, thank you for your prayers and support! A number of people have signed up for
WeShare. The information is found on the parish website: remember that the financial needs of the parish continue. Also thanks to all who have responded with your
email addresses--we would like an email address for all parishioners.
Know that you are in my prayers and intentions daily,