November 14, 2021

As many of you already know, I was quarantined for 10 days recently, having been tested positive for Covid-19. My symptoms were very similar to a minor cold, which normally would not have curtailed any daily activities. However, in the environment which we currently live, quarantining is what I needed to do to keep this parish at large safe. Being tested in the first place was done only because of all of you; I certainly did not feel ill enough to be tested but thought it would be in the best interest of each one of you.
Anyway, all of this gave me pause to reflect during this time on a lot of things and I’d like to share just a few of those thoughts with you. First, I am very grateful to God for my health and for Mary’s health as well. We all know of someone who has been very ill from Covid; I happen to know lots of people just because of my duties here. For neither of us to be ill speaks of three things to me: 1) Being reasonably healthy for our age, 2) being vaccinated and 3) most of all, trusting in God that IF we do the right things regarding this virus God will indeed take care of us. I have said this last point right from the onset of Covid last year and I continue to believe it with all my heart. We cannot shut out God from our lives, which also includes so intricately the reception of the Eucharist.
Second, I am so very blessed to be able to serve all of you here at Prince of Peace! In all my years of work, this has been the most labor-intensive job I’ve ever had, yet you have made it the greatest joy of my life! For that I am very grateful and blessed by our Lord!
Finally, although my frustration level was at an all-time high during that 10-day period (being stuck at home even though I felt fine), I am so very blessed to be a part of the wonderful group of employees and volunteers who serve you here at POP. There are lots of friendships we develop during our school/work years, but the friendships I have made here will most certainly be life-long!
May we all continue to pray for an end to this virus, and most of all have an unfailing trust in our God of the Universe!

- Deacon Jeff