Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist April 25, 2020

Dear People of God at St. Paul’s by-the-Lake,

I write this just a few days after Governor Pritzker has extended the “shelter in place” order for the State of Illinois through May 30. This means, of course, that the suspension of public services and the temporary closure of our building will continue at least this long, and likely longer. Indeed, a month ago I had hoped we might be back to some level of normalcy by now, but that is not the case.

As this far-from-normal situation continues, it can easily feel tiring, draining, and discouraging. We face feelings of isolation and uncertainty, financial hardships, and possibly even illness and death. In the midst of this, it is all the more important that we find ways to reach out and support one another, as well as our neighbors around us, even if it must be from a distance. I encourage you to check in with one another by phone, email, etc. and to continue to “attend” our online worship at 10:30 am on Sundays.

Unfortunately, the extension of the Governor’s order means that I must now officially cancel the Confirmation Mass that we had been planning for Ascension Day, May 21. I will be in communication with both Bishop Martins and the confirmands to find a date to reschedule, probably not until late summer or fall. We will, however, do a live-streamed Mass for the Ascension on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 pm.

Once again, please continue to pray for a quick end to this pandemic, and for all who are being affected, directly or indirectly, by the disease. By the grace of God, may this time of uncertainty be an occasion for deepening our faith in Christ, and being conformed more and more to his image.

Faithfully, Fr. Kemp+