August 26, 2020

August 26, 2020

Dear Holy Name Parishioner,           

This has been an unprecedented year.  For the first time in the 112 year history of Holy Name our Church was closed for several months; our Holy Week and Easter celebrations were broadcast on Facebook Live; we had outdoor Masses in the church parking lot;  Funeral Masses and weddings were suspended; and people were encouraged NOT to go to Mass.  Even in the midst of this pandemic, we understand:

JESUS CHRIST OFFERS US HOPE! AND OUR CHURCH OFFERS US JESUS!

Especially in times like these, when the world seems to be in a state of anxiety and turmoil, we must remember that Jesus does not abandon us; in fact, He remains closer to us than ever.

Since March, when the Church was closed, I’ve been extraordinarily grateful to be a part of Holy Name Parish.  Over and over again, our parishioners called to ask, “Father, how can I help?” Our weekly collection was almost 85% of the previous fiscal year, despite the fact that there was no Sunday collection for almost three months, and attendance was very low the first several weeks back. 

I want to personally thank all of you who continued to be generous to the parish by signing up for Faith Direct, and those who have dropped off your weekly offering or mailed it in.  Now, as we begin to bounce back from this epidemic, our attendance at Sunday Mass has been slowly creeping back up.  I want to assure all of our parishioners that we welcome you back to Holy Name for Mass whenever you feel comfortable returning and you feel that the risks are not too great. 

For those who have chosen to continue participating via webcast, we are praying for the time when we are past this epidemic and you can rejoin us; and of course, you continue to remain in our prayers.  Please know that Archbishop Thompson has extended the dispensation from Sunday Mass attendance through November 1^st.  Meanwhile, if anyone would like to receive the Eucharist from an extraordinary minister, or to receive a visit from myself or Fr. Binu, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office.

Once again thank you for your commitment to Holy Name of Jesus and our mission to make Christ present in the world; and please know that I am so grateful to be your pastor.  As always, you are in my prayers!

In His Holy Name,



Rev. Robert J. Robeson
Pastor