Fr. Bill's 'SPACE ON THE WEB'

BISHOP KMIEC LIFTS THE BAN
The word "ban" sounds stronger than what it actually was....a pastoral recommendation during the outbreak of the H1N1 Flu, to refrain from communion under both species and be careful in our Sign of Peace. Last week, the Bishop announced that parishes may continue these practices again. Of course, it comes during a time of year when the illnesses of Winter like colds and other flu-like sicknesses are still around. So, the "pastoral" practice asks that people use their common sense when deciding whether to partake in Communion under the form of the Precious Blood or the sign of peace by handshake or the like. It's actually been your choice all along. There are a number of people in our parish with auto-immune deficiencies who cannot shake just anybody's hand because their system is weak. Others have arthritis inflammation in the joints of the hand...a LOT of joints, and a lot of pain if someone squeezes too hard. They know that a "shout of ouch" would disrupt the "peace" time, so choose to smile, nod, etc. And that's certainly acceptable, for sure!

DOGS GET SICK, TOO
Pets can get ill, too, as I found out last week with my 10-month old puppy, Benny. Some sort of stomach distress led the veterinarian to order him to a 24-hour fast from solid food...water only...to calm down his digestive tract. Unfortunately, a well-meaning person in the neighborhood or parishioner....we don't know who... threw a few dog treats over the back yard fence that day. And in one gulp, Ben got some solid food. It was very upsetting, and leads me to ask that no one give my dog any treats unless you ask my permission. He is so darn cute, and a talented beggar, so let it be known that I am probably already way too generous with the treats I buy. While the one he got (a quick dive saved him from eating the other one!) did not bring back the vomiting, it brought this matter to my attention. I'm delighted that our people enjoy my dog, and he's quite the social creature (where did he pick THAT up from???) but I must insist that his nutrition be left to the residents of the rectory. You know, the ones who pay the vet bills from the pastor's salary. When one vet visit costs half a week of my pay, I take others' intervention very seriously.

TWO WEEKS AND A TASTE AWAY
This weekend's TASTE OF MISSION events are meant to be an invitation of sorts to potential participants for this week of renewal, which is now two week away (Feb. 13-20.) I understand that some school systems are off that week, and that might make this a great chance for some of our teenagers to sign up. High school Seniors especially are facing major changes in their lives in the next year. Some time with the Lord, some deeper relationships with other adults in the parish could be a wonderful blessing. New parishioners, long-time members, engaged couples, widows and widowers, young married people with no children; all are invited. The Lord gives each person who participates a special gift, often something you have been desiring and praying for. Even for the experience of the beautiful prayer services, it's definitely worth your consideration. But there's much more to "taste" and "see" in the goodness of the Lord. Ask yourself "what can I lose?" And... in your spiritual life, "what do I need to gain?"