COVID-19 Pandemic Reflections: Barbara Sweeney :: Holy Trinity Catholic Parish

“Pandemic Thoughts”

The pandemic, the restrictions, hardships and loss of life is a period of time we will never forget. However, something that has become so evident to me is that through it all: I knew Our Dear Lord was talking to us. We found the time to listen and talk to Him through our prayers on a more regular basis. The seriousness of what was happening drew us to pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novenas—asking for God and Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and peace. Attending online Masses and Adoration took some getting used to, but thank God for the technology making this possible. Without this connection, I know I would have really felt lost.

We were able to concentrate on what was important in our lives – faith, family, health, and how we easily can take all of these for granted. Sure, we missed our family gatherings—especially during Easter, Christmas, celebrating the Sacraments and birthdays—but we were able to take a backseat on the commercialism and busyness of it all and communicate our love and best wishes through Zoom, FaceTime phone calls, drive by greetings and prayer.

Even though we wore masks and kept our distance, it was so great to become familiar with many of the Holy Trinity parishioners through volunteering and ushering at Mass. We had the opportunity to greet each other and sometimes catch up with each other’s lives. I feel very blessed to have made some wonderful friendships.

Something I’ve always known and seen is the strong spiritual guidance of Father Rafal, our Pastor. This was more than evident throughout this difficult period of time as he continued to lead us in the daily and weekend Masses, Confessions and Devotions. He truly tried to keep us hopeful and connected with our faith as we rode this storm together. Holy Trinity Parish is blessed with his leadership and spiritual direction.

The most important reflection that came to me through it all was Jesus’ words to His Sorrowful Mother on the Way of the Cross during the Passion – “I make all things new.” I know He was with us through it all, showing us a way to handle our crosses, and that our faith and trust in Him is bound to bring us to a clearer insight on His Will in our lives. I cherish the habits I have formed in my prayer life, and look forward to all the blessings God has in store.

About the Author

Barbara Sweeney SWEENEY, Barbara.jpg has served Holy Trinity Catholic Parish as the Coordinator of Parish Logistics and Parishioner Involvement since 2020, right after she joined the parish. She also volunteers at Mass as a greeter.