St. Raphael Parish

Dear Friends in Christ [St. Raphael, Queen of Angels, Holy Family and St. Albert]
Bishop Michael Warfel has enacted the following regulations for the diocese of Great Falls-Billings which will be in effect until further notice:
• Parish Office will be closed as of March 28, 2020
• All public Masses are suspended until further notice. The general dispensation for all the faithful from the obligation to participate at Mass on Sunday remains in place until notification to lift the restriction is made.
• I celebrate Mass privately for your intentions, for the sick, care givers, first responders and those who work to contain the spread of Covid19
• Holy Week Liturgies are cancelled
• Confirmation and First Communion celebration with the Bishop is cancelled. Bishop grants pastors the faculties and delegation to confirm and provide First Communion once the restriction on public Mass is lifted
• Funerals may be postponed. If held, there should be no vigil or luncheon; services are limited to immediate family
• You can contact me at 406-228-2962
The Bishop's letter is linked at the end of this message.

Some suggestions to make stay-home time spiritually enriching [also refer to previous emails]:
• Change the vocabulary: we are not experiencing isolation but solitude. Solitude is time for spiritual growth and creativity, just as Jesus spent his time in the wilderness.
We are having an extended Lent time, a long retreat! Certain amount of solitude is good for mental health.
• Read books on spirituality, classical novels, watch classical movies
• For women who have skills-knitting, embroidery, tapestry [learn these online]
• Spring gardening
• Check on friends and neighbors on the phone
• Do a prayer walk
• Use St. Raphael Parish App and Website resources
You have been generous in your sacrificial giving to support the temporal needs of your parish [pay bills, salaries, etc.]. During this time of distress, please continue to support your parish as much as you can, by mailing your gifts or giving online. I encourage online giving for those who are able to do so!
I pray that God’s mercy and the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and prayers of St. Raphael [God’s healing presence] may help us, our nation, and the whole world to defeat the invasion of this virus.
May God assist the scientists to find treatments and vaccines to overcome this coronavirus threat and heal all who are affected by the virus.
May God protect all healthcare workers, public officials and all who are involved in taking care of the needs of the people; may He keep us all safe!

Wishing you abundant peace,
Father Jose [Pastor]

Read the Bishop's 3/27/2020 letter here.