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Dear Parishioners of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
When I first arrived at Blessed Sacrament, almost 3 months ago, I remarked that speaking to you all over the live stream was not how I thought that I would be starting my summer assignment. Very few things have been the way that we expected since this pandemic began in March; none of us expected to start our summer still unable to attend Mass or receive the sacraments, that graduates would have to have virtual or drive through graduations, or that we would once again be confronted with our short-comings in loving our brothers and sisters of different races. However, this does not mean that God has abandoned us, or that his grace is no longer present in the world. Rather, as St. Paul said in the second reading a few weeks ago, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). I know that it is often hard to see the good that comes from our struggles, especially when we are still mired in it, but in reflecting on my summer with you, it is hard to miss the good that has come from it.
Because of the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to be here with you this summer. I got to participate in, and present to, a Bible study group that persisted in meeting through Zoom when they could no longer meet in person. I attended Blessed Sacrament School’s drive-thru graduation and witness the undaunted joy of the graduates at there accomplishments. I was given the opportunity to learn how live-streaming works and ensure that you were still able to participate in Mass, even if you could not be present. I helped in the parish office and attended staff meetings. I had the opportunity to sit in on the auditions for the new music director. I was even blessed with a great community life in the rectory, in which we lived, prayed, and cooked many meals together. Most of all, I was able to be united with each and every one of you in daily prayer. I knew coming into this summer that I would miss the opportunity of meeting and interacting with most of you in person; therefore, I brought you all with me into my daily prayer so that we might be together despite our social distancing requirements.
This summer has been a blessing for me in so many ways, but most of all because this summer was the will of God in our lives. I will always cherish the time that I have spent with all of you this summer and I look forward to being able to come back in the future, when I can see the church full and not have to worry about social distancing or spreading a deadly virus. Please keep me, and all of my brother seminarians, in your prayers as we continue to discern God’s will in our lives and study to be the priests that you and the rest of the Archdiocese need. Also, know that you will continue to be in my prayers as we live through the challenges in our lives and grow closer to God.
Sincerely yours,
Nathaniel Roberts