Monthly Newsletter Issue #93
Special Edition on the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic
NEWS FROM GRATIA PLENA
Special Newsletter
We don't usually pack so much into a newsletter, but then we don't usually have a new pandemic to deal with. There is a lot here in this newsletter to keep you interested and entertained. Take your time. You don't have to go through this in one day or one week. There are a number of items here that may cause you to reflect and be silent. In the stillness and silence we encounter the God who is fully present to us and in us. Feel free to share what you like with friends and family members.
Pandemics
A pandemic is a disease epidemic that spreads across a wide area, often to multiple continents, and sometimes can be worldwide. There are currently two pandemics: HIV/AIDS and of course the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). The HIV outbreak likely started at least 100 years ago in Africa, but came to attention in the 1980s and became a pandemic, which may surprise some people. Smallpox and tuberculosis are other examples of past pandemics. To see the full infographic of the image above, check out this website. The "Black Death" Plague in the 14th century was significant as perhaps the most infamous, as was the Spanish flu of 100 years ago. Leprosy was a pandemic that we hear about in the scriptures. You may recall that Jesus brought healing to lepers, reuniting them with the community when they had been kept separated in small communities outside of the cities. We can certainly relate in a way to that feeling.
Thankfully, our worldwide medical science is far advanced from the time of the Black Plague. We indeed are fortunate to live in a country with fantastic doctors, nurses, and researchers. We have a good medical, transportation, and commercial infrastructure. Those of us who live in the Houston area are especially blessed to be near one of the best medical centers in the world. Please pray for medical providers who are caring for the sick and seeking vaccines and effective treatments. Mary, Help of the Sick, pray for us!
Anxiety and Fear
A political candidate providing pandemic resources to the community asked Gratia Plena to write something about anxiety and fear. Here is the blog post.
Telehealth and Gratia Plena
Gratia Plena is still open for service during the pandemic! As a healthcare organization, we are exempt from the stay at home restrictions so that we can assist the community with mental and spiritual health care. We know that people with mental illness, addictions, or marriage and family problems before the pandemic may be under extra stress during this time. We know that some people who were managing life adequately without treatment before the pandemic, may suddenly be experiencing challenges that caught them off guard. People in recovery from addictions may be challenged to stay sober, and others may develop new addictions during this stressful time being stuck at home with such great change in the usual life routines.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, Gratia Plena was only minimally making use of video Telehealth to deliver mental and spiritual health services. As the number of cases was increasing on the East and West Coasts of the US, in the first week of March Gratia Plena quickly added the capability for all counselors and spiritual directors to use the video Telehealth technology that is embedded into our Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Because it is HIPAA compliant for medically secure privacy and confidentiality, this technology is superior to platforms such as Apple's FaceTime, Microsoft's Skype, and Zoom. After getting our staff up to speed, we have been transitioning nearly all of our services to video Telehealth during the pandemic, to help keep our guests and workers safe and healthy. We appreciate everyone's patience as we navigate the technical glitches and get the necessary consents signed.
In March we hired a new counselor and a new spiritual director, and will likely hire two additional bilingual service provides in early April. We are accepting new guests for service with quick appointments.
For College Students
Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH) President Fr. David Pivonka, TOR recorded a five minute touching video for his students who were disappointed at the early end of the school year, some having to return home from study abroad. This is a good video for all college students.
Expansion of the Thérèse Office
Last year Gratia Plena's main office in the Sugar Land and Stafford area was so busy that we became overcrowded. Our board approved an expansion of our space if we were able to negotiate a good deal with building management. We contacted our ACTS friend and brother Knight Keith Grothaus, who works for Caldwell Companies as a commercial real estate professional. He did a masterful job and got us an acceptable rate for the new lease. We weren't sure how we would furnish the additional rooms. Keith then contacted us, saying that a large business had moved to a new building and was giving away their old furniture. Praise the Lord! We took seven or eight pickup truck loads of desks, chairs, and other items for the new offices. We owe a great thanks to Keith, but also to Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ, and Associates (EHRA) engineering for the furniture. The Thérèse Office is our largest clinic, but also serves as our corporate headquarters.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Full Text of Pope Francis' "Urbi et Orbi" Message
Read here.
Spiritual Growth During a Pandemic
Many people are asking "Who caused the pandemic?" or "What do I do?" A wise spiritual director recently remarked that these are the wrong questions. Father suggested that the best question is from John 6:68: "To whom do we go?" which was asked by Simon Peter in response to the question of Jesus: "Are you going to leave me?"
When there is trouble, people usually wonder who to blame. Fear and frustration cause this useless blame game. That is happening right now: do we blame the Chinese, Pope Francis, President Trump, the teenagers on Spring Break, the partiers at Mardi Gras...and even God Himself? God draws us to Himself even now, especially now. We can find shelter under His powerful protection. There is no better place to go.
In this difficult time, we can work on a number of spiritual and character issues. We can focus on the humility of being powerless over the spread of the virus. We can reflect on the humility of being forced to work or stay at home. It would certainly be humbling to be furloughed, or to have our business severely damaged. Pride is one of our biggest struggles as humans, and humility is the antidote. Jesus showed us the way with His life, and especially in His death on the cross.
Obedience is another area to work on in this stressful time. We can be obedient in the new government rules and restrictions. We can practice being obedient to the recommendations of doctors and health experts in order to keep us, our families, and our co-workers healthy. The development and practice of obedience is also a work of humility.
We can resist the temptation of greed driven by fear, by not hoarding items from the stores. This allows others to share in the resources. We are reminded of the parable of Jesus (Luke 12: 16-21) regarding the "rich fool" storing up groceries, building bigger and bigger warehouses (see Rembrandt's painting above).
Stuck at home and under stress, loneliness, boredom, and fear, we may be tempted with two natural desires of the flesh: food and sex. We can strive for eating in moderation and with good nutrition, to avoid gluttony and pandemic weight gain from blind snacking. We can also strive for purity and chastity, and avoid the temptations of pornography, the new drug. Parents must be particularly vigilant with children and teens and college students in the home relying more on technology for entertainment and education. It is important to have good monitors and filters on technology, such as Covenant Eyes.
We can also work on laziness in the midst of chaos, replacing it with diligence. Our normal routines may be completely thrown out with this shelter at home dilemma. Many people are struggling with getting into a new life rhythm and finding something productive to do. The best approach may be to make a schedule for each day, and then keep to it as best you can. Be sure to include some prayer, some fun, something intellectual, and something physical.
A huge challenge may be to stay in close quarters with a spouse or family member with whom we are having difficulty. Anger and resentment are poisons. Forgiveness, patience, and consideration are essential. Being forced together might cause people to attend to a long-standing problem and seek some resolution. Remember how mom used to say: "you two kids go to your room and work it out!" Put pride aside and reach across with a hand of mercy and love.
Jesus, Only Hope in the Storm
Great song by Fernando Ortega for this pandemic.
Divine Mercy Image on the Door
Fr. Mark Goring, CC from Canada, previously director of the Houston Catholic Charismatic Center.
Another Image for the Door
Exact source of this image is unknown. It is in Italian with English translation on the back. It is meant to be printed front/back and affixed to the door of the home or office for protection. The placing of holy images, icons, and statues is not magic. These items are not worshiped. They are meant to point us toward God, and His protection and to deepen our faith. They are reminders and calls to prayer.
Uniting Our Suffering with Christ
Enjoy this podcast by Msgr. Esseff
COVID, Lent, and the Spiritual Battle
Enjoy this article by Passionist Fr. Joe Barbieri who is Director of Ministry at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston.
Ten Spiritual Counsels
Facebook List by Fr. Tim Gallagher, OMV
Daily Online Prayer
Fr. Burke from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois.
Receiving the Sacraments During a Pandemic
During the pandemic, many of the faithful are rightfully concerned especially about not being able to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Having some sadness or anxiety about this is understandable and might even be a little appropriate, but the situation can allow us to develop a greater hunger and thirst for the sacraments so to be drawn to them when they become more available again. Keep in mind that many of our priests are working very hard during the pandemic, and so let's try to be respectful of the stress and isolation that they may be under during this difficult time.
Public Masses have been temporarily suspended in the United States to avoid spreading the contagious virus. Many parishes have begun televising live Mass or are taping and broadcasting daily Mass. You can attend Mass every day by video, and make a spiritual communion. Go to YouTube and search "Catholic Mass March 30, 2020" and see what you might find. You can attend Mass in spirit and receive a spiritual communion from various churches around the world, and that is quite amazing and interesting. Invite a friend or family member to watch Mass with you, either in person or at a distance. Wouldn't it be a miracle if this pandemic allowed many to return to Mass or to discover the beauty of Mass by the offerings on YouTube or parish websites, and be converted to the Catholic faith? Some parishes are having limited access to Adoration, so check with your parish for details.
Some parishes are still offering some face to face (at a safe distance) Confessions. If you are not able to find this, consider the following from Pope Francis. During his homily for Mass on Friday, March 20th, Pope Francis said: "I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father…I can’t leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’ Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the Catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand." You can pray an Act of Contrition any time, not just during Confession. Our book of the month for March has to do with Confession (see below).
If there is a need for Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites, contact your parish just as you did before. Parishes and medical facilities are handling this in different ways. See the parish website about other sacraments such as Baptism and Confirmation, to see what they might be doing. We all are called to be flexible and understanding during this difficult time.
This last bit is REALLY important! If you were accustomed to putting your tithe in the collection plate during Sunday Mass, please try to send your tithe online via your parish website or mail a check in to the church office. Electronic is better. It costs a lot of money to keep a parish operating, and they desperately need our tithes now more than ever because collections are not being taken on Sundays and the parish bills still need to be paid just like our bills at home must still need to be paid during the pandemic. This is REALLY important and we do have an obligation to tithe with a cheerful spirit and grateful heart (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and Luke 10:29-37. Thank you!
RAISING AWARENESS
Into the Breach
Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix published a superb apostolic exhortation to men called "Into the Breach." The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has produced an excellent 12-part series to complement and expand on the bishop's letter. It is free at the K of C website. Fathers can watch with sons to learn about topics such as masculinity, brotherhood, leadership, and fatherhood.
Amazon Opens Up
Realizing that kids are homebound, Amazon has granted access to kids' shows. Parents would be wise to carefully monitor what kids are watching. There may be inappropriate content mixed in with children's selections on some streaming options like Amazon. Here are some other options for families:
Home Study
Have you ever wanted to study something, but couldn't get to school? Learn something will at home. Try a free course.
The Seminarians Overtake The Priests
In one of the last events of community fun before the pandemic shutdown, the annual Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game was held Friday, March 6 at the Delmar Fieldhouse. There was a great turnout. The pregame warmup included each team running through drills in black cassocks, such a bizarre but enjoyable sight! The Seminarians ran up a big lead at halftime, but the Priests came out of the locker room on fire to make it interesting early in the second half. The Seminarians won in the end, but St. Mary's Seminary was the benefactor of this great fundraiser. The crowd had a fun time cheering just about anything that was happening. During timeouts, there were Catholic advertisements such as for Adoration and Holy Hour at a local parish. You don't get that at the Toyota Center! Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston seminarian Houston Okonma was the MVP. Be sure to get tickets next year! Thank you to the Scanland Foundation and Guadalupe Radio for supporting this event.
Online Twelve Step Meetings
Don't take a vacation from recovery during the pandemic. Keep workin' it!
Sexaholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous
RESEARCH
Myth Busters
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a page that offers facts vs. myths. If you know an older person or person with cognitive disabilities who may not fully understand what is happening, see if you can love and support the person by providing factual information and calming his or her fears. This is a great work of mercy and compassion. The news can be overwhelming intellectually and emotionally.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Upcoming Events of Interest
- Wednesday, March 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
- Monday, March 30: National Doctors' Day (pray for physicians!)
- Saturday, April 4: Feast of St. Isidore, Bishop and Doctor
- Sunday, April 5: Palm Sunday
- Thursday, April 9: Holy Thursday
- Friday, April 10: Good Friday
- Sunday, April 12: Easter Sunday
- Tuesday, April 21: Feast of St. Anselm, Bishop and Doctor
JOIN OUR MISSION OF MERCY!
There is good news and bad news. Which do you want first? The bad news is that small businesses, especially nonprofits, may potentially be threatened with the financial downturn from the pandemic. The good news is that the US government recognizes this and has included special benefits for these businesses in the new stimulus package called the "CARES Act." Individuals are now able to take an ABOVE THE LINE TAX DEDUCTION for up to $300 given to 501(c)(3) organizations like Gratia Plena. For those who itemize deductions, the write-off for charitable deductions has been increased to 100% of one's adjusted gross income. Please support us with any size donation, large or small, to help us get through this difficult time so that we can continue providing badly needed mental and spiritual health services to the community. Some people that we serve are not able to pay very much for their fees, and so your donation specifically helps them to receive the services that they need. Most people pay something for their services at Gratia Plena. When you contribute to Gratia Plena, you become part of our mission of mercy. You can mail us a check or donate via credit card through our website. Thank you!
MONTHLY RECOMMENDATION
Book of the Month
When something is taken away from us, we may desire it even more. The Seven Secrets of Confession by Vinny Flynn, author of the best-seller, 7 Secrets of the Eucharist (200,000 copies sold), presents a similar approach to the Sacrament of Confession in this new book that reveals 7 key secrets or hidden truths about the great spiritual beauty, power and depth of Confession.The understanding that many Catholics have of the Sacrament of Confession is so limited and narrow in its focus that it keeps them from discovering the real beauty and value of this Sacrament -- beauty and value that even a young child can understand if it's presented properly. For too many Catholics, Confession is just a means to an end: cleaning us up from sin so we can receive Communion. But, as Pope Francis tells us, Confession is much more than going to the dry cleaner. It's an encounter with Jesus, who waits for us as we are.In his years of speaking all over North America, Flynn saw that many Catholics have this limited appreciation of Confession, and the urgent need for clear teaching about this great Sacrament. If you have not yet experienced Confession as a wonderful, personal encounter with Christ; if you do not yet look forward to going to Confession with the same eagerness and expectation with which you receive Holy Communion, this book is for you. It will be a whole new way of going to Confession, inviting you to begin an exciting personal journey to healing and holiness. It may change your life. Some parish priests are still offering Confessions.
As always, if you purchase books or movies on Amazon, be sure to log in to "AmazonSmile" with your charity set to “Gratia Plena” and we will receive a portion of the sale as a donation. Thank you!
Disclaimer: Gratia Plena and its staff do not receive any compensation or earthly benefits from recommending books, movies, music, websites, blogs, apps, et cetera...
