Tips to Nourish our Spirit in Times of Social Distancing

Greetings!
 
While I do not intend to belabor the seemingly incessant newsfeed of the current COVID-19 outbreak, I do think it helpful to express a few tips as to how to continue to nourish our spirit of prayer and devotion during this time of social distancing.  Here are a few practical tips for y'all to consider:

1.  Set up a simple, noble oratory space within your home. In other words, designate a particular table top or space within your home during this time that includes articles of devotion: statue of our Lord or a particular Saint, a candle or appropriate light, photos or mementos of loved ones, written prayer intentions held within a small booklet or basket that you can add-to daily, and any sacramentals such as a rosary or scapular or holy water.  Being intentional about setting up an oratory within your home certainly enlivens the embers of prayer.
2. Take this opportunity to better acquaint yourself with FORMED. The parish provides this excellent multimedia service for FREE.  Simply visit the parish website homepage (scroll to the bottom) to register and access the Catholic material on FORMED. If you are having difficulty registering or using FORMED, please email us at the parish office, and we will help troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing!
3. If you are looking to enliven your understanding of Sacred Scripture but desire a little boost in "decoding" the facets of Scripture, I personally highly encourage surfing the different webisodes on the YouTube by "Bible Project." The authors are not Catholic; however, the authors are exceedingly knowledgeable and talented.  One is a Scripture scholar, and the other is a multimedia expert.
4. Finally, I do ask you to be attentive to the needs and concerns of others.  If there is anyone you know who is fearful of going to the store or pharmacy - yet are needing supplies - please reach-out and offer practical assistance.  While social distancing is being advocated by our government and health officials, we at Saint Bonaventure definitely do NOT want anyone to experience social isolation, for this could have a myriad of sad effects on someone's well-being.   

Friends, though we may be encouraged to distance ourselves socially for a time-being, my sincere hope is that we do not distance ourselves spiritually.  Please consider what you yourself can do during this season of Lent to further deepen your Christian experience of prayer.  
 
With great pastoral affection,
 
Friar Bryan