What’s up at St. Vincent de Paul Parish

Dear Parish Family,

I am hoping that each of you is doing well and praying for your safety and good feelings. I wanted to wish each of you good things and to update each of you on what’s new at your parish.

Not everyone has been connected with our on-line communications and I wanted to hook-up with each of you in this traditional letter. We have been printing a weekly bulletins online and they have been available in the church entry, along with a weekly letter from me. It was important to me that each of you be updated.

We are now celebrating mass with as many as 50 people. We are asking that you call the parish office 801-272-9216 to schedule your choice. We don’t want to turn anyone away. We are being very safe. Wear a mask if you wish. There is plenty of room in our parish church for easy distancing. We maintain the required distance when receiving communion. Communion is received on the hand only. There is no distribution from the cups. We are disinfecting the church after each service. In this warm weather, we are even leaving the doors propped open to eliminate everyone touching the handles. We are doing everything possible to have the safest environment for attending mass. We are back to our regular daily and weekend mass schedule. Confessions are still by appointment with either Fr. Norman or Msgr. Mannion. Remember that the dispensation from Sunday obligation is still in effect for all Catholics.

We all look forward to the time when our parish events can be held and enjoyed. Let us continue to pray for those who are still isolated in care centers, rehabs and retirement centers. Also in our prayers are those unable to travel to visit family and friends, especially at times of illness or even death.

With great affection,

The Rev. John E. Norman
Pastor, Saint Vincent DePaul Parish

A Coronavirus Prayer

Kerry Weber, American Magazine 3/2/20

Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity

and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Jesus Christ, heal us. Amen.