IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY TIME,
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP GOING?

 Imagine the Face 

By Alice Connelly Nagle 

There is a distant
and constant whining of sirens, blocks
or miles away. Now 

a whirring of helicopters, blades that thump
and fade into the
dark of a new kind of 

prison. I am locked in
my small kitchen world, caught in its fragrance of salmon, sweat, and 

disinfectant.
There it is again,
the crying of distressed police cars. Some pines 

have been cut and
the black air is open from the yard to the Bay,
not far from lights where 

terror bristles. The birds
must be asleep, asleep or hiding, 

waiting for the relief of morning. Suddenly a burst of firecrackers, or guns,
a grey light like fog 

or gas, though no-one is seen
in the neighborhood. No children’s voices, just crackling sounds
and the silent restraint of 

unopened flowers. George Floyd is so dead. Imagine the face
of someone you love pasted onto his body. Imagine 

a public and torturous death.
It makes me think of the Christ of my childhood, a nailed man we were asked to study, hanging 

from a cross. Imagine
so that we would understand him as God, but also
human. A son. 

ALICE CONNELLY NAGLE

My grandpa watches virtual masses in all sorts of languages throughout each day, and it inspires me when I see him follow through all the responses, even though he does not speak all the languages. This shows me how the beauty of the Catholic Mass truly reaches beyond the barriers of the world!

ANON

Newman Hall Holy Spirit Parish is dear to my heart.  I feel a sense of community with my fellow parishioners.  I am grateful for the liturgical teachings that my kids are receiving from the faith formation teachers, including Ms. Frances, Mr. Michael and Ms. Grace.  I love the music.  Our Cantor Rob is wonderful. I miss your performances on the piano (organ too) and the choir.

ROLANDO PINTRO

What keeps me going? I’ve been singing it all my life: “All will be well.” (Julian of Norwich). Simple as that.

HOWARD FISCHER

During these times, it's been a blessing to be involved in the COVID response by working to ensure that the needs of vulnerable kids are being met.  I'm blessed to have my family in good health and with the ability to connect with them so regularly.  Also very grateful for being able to connect spiritually with Newmanites on the YouTube streams.

ANON

I am following three different approaches to keep me sane during this shelter-in-place experience. The first is staying in touch with family, friends and exercise instructors through video conferencing. Second, I have been exploring different trails in Tilden Park, which is only 3 blocks from our house. I smell the fresh air, listen to the birds and see the foliage changing from week to week. The few people I've encountered are courteous while still observing social distancing and wearing masks. Lastly, I've found the communal experience of Newman's online Sunday Mass very rewarding, especially the Easter Mass.

For Peter and me, we look forward to working together to make dinner every night, based on new recipes we've found. I'm the chef and he's the invaluable sous chef.

CHRISTINA CROWLEY AND PETER HOBE

I am good; keeping busy trying to look busy. Grace is everywhere. 

ALFREDO DE LA ROSA

We read, pray, enjoy family, and stay connected,

we also strive to learn how to help in this present stage and how to act to make a difference.

ANON

What inspires both Sandra and I is bearing witness to the personal sacrifice so many seem willing to make each and every day.

DAVE GLEASON

Appreciating more things than those you feel sad about. These are tough times and there is always something to be grateful for.  Appreciating people like you. So many wonderful people and yet each so uniquely special gratitudes for each.

ANON

Highly recommend GoodNewsNetwork.org.  Full of only good news.   All news may be informative but regular network or cable news is mostly negative or sensational.  It's nice to have a fact-based good news; only place to go to renew spirits.

PERRY RIANI

I do believe this time is filled with precious and unexpected gifts from our God.

For me, it is a sacred time to relax with God and minister to myself while holding close

our tragic, suffering world deep in my heart. 

SR. MAUREEN-THERESE McGRODDY

…Thank you for your message.  It comes at a particularly difficult moment in our collective lives and I am very grateful for it.  Newman's online masses and some inspired homilies are a source of deep comfort: there's no papering over the root causes of so much suffering.  The gospel reading of the Beatitudes came at a particularly critical moment, and I'm trying to reflect on them one by one--following the model of the novena to the holy spirit-- to keep me going.  Thank you for all you do.

ANON

I have started taking longer walks, and am spending a fair amount of time walking in the Berkeley hills (I live in the flats). There are some interesting little streets, some amazing views.  But, I struggle with staying busy; pre-pandemic I did a fair amount of volunteering with St Mary's Center and tutoring elementary students - both those are no longer available to me.  Gardening is getting old! For the most part, I'm hanging in there just fine.

LINDA SAFARIK-TONG

In these tough times I learn to walk slowly, to observe the gorgeous plants and flowers that are all over our beautiful neighbor’s gardens, to think more clearly, and to be less stressed over small things. With my husband and son we have been enjoying very much spending more time together, biking, watching silly movies and shows on TV. We are happy to still be alive and healthy under this glorious sun.

MICHELA M

1. I’ve developed a closer relationship with my husband, which has been helpful...when the simple act of hugging a grandchild or shaking hands or patting someone on the back can be fatal (!), it’s nice to have someone you can touch! 

2. Being able to take walks with my husband and explore new areas of Berkeley made the SIP days pass more quickly. Now that golf is open again it’s been a great way to socialize, too.  And the flowers and air quality have seemed so much better than previously that they inspire me to give thanks. 

3. Having both my children, their wives, and my 4 grandchildren in Oakland, and a set of co-grandparents nearby, made it easier too. We may have had to meet on Zoom or wear masks and stay 6 feet apart, but families are just such a pleasure!

ANON

We’re doing OK. We’re passing the time gardening, trying new recipes, going for drives. We’re encouraged by the Holy Spirit Sunday masses and my prayer group. We’re looking forward to participating in the Critical Conversations. We stay in touch with our family through shopping drop-offs and phone calls. We’re certainly tired of all the Covid issues but so far things have gone well for us and we’ve stayed healthy.

NANCY & JIM PHELAN

How to cope with this strange forced isolation: family; friends; zoom; craft projects: paper making, tie dye, cheese making; breadmaking; gardening; cooking; serious card playing and less serious jigsaw puzzle solving; exercise and sit and be fit; prayer; reflection.  In all seriousness, having my Mom here with us has helped us focus on what matters: making everyone feel happy and safe. My mother was absolutely terrified by the time she decided to come to us and nothing has expanded my heart quite so much during this time as seeing how everyone has pulled together to support her and calm her. 

Of course, we miss you all but there are untold spiritual riches on the internet. I believe I have prayed Dan Schutte's virtual novena two or three times already and I take pleasure in visiting Pope Francis in Rome occasionally. We look forward to seeing you all in person soon but in the meantime send a virtual spiritual embrace.

God bless,

ANN MARIE MARCIARILLE

Certainly Newman Hall deserves high praise for the fabulous job you are doing - we really appreciate the Masses being on line, and of course we greatly enjoy WOW.  We love the discussions and the people in Catholicism WOW.  We learn so much and we have lots of laughs. Seeing everyone on a computer screen isn't quite the same as in person, but it's amazing how smoothly technology allows us all to connect with each other.      

Also, the remote Critical Conversations sessions which have been hosted by Father Steven every two weeks has been a rich source of information and support. Without Newman Hall, these past weeks would have been quite isolating, but we cannot praise you, Father Ivan, Father Steve, Father Steven, and all the staff enough for all you are doing to nurture us in our journey. 

YVETTE and NED NICCOLLS

First, I have used this shelter-in-place break to plant 2 elegant Japanese maples, 1 beautiful hydrangea, 24 tomato plants and 10 pink geraniums.  This has both beautified our garden and has given much needed business to our local nurseries.

     Second, I and three members of my physics research group have been stymied by a complicated problem in our research for the last 3 years.  The stress connected with covid-19 plus the less hurried schedule has stimulated our creative juices which, in turn, has resulted in a major breakthrough in our research all worked out over Zoom.  We now have a strategy going forward for the next three years.

BOB BIRGENEAU

Newman Grads

I relish the good company of my wife, since she's now working from home.  The unfolding of spring in my garden and the hills is beautiful, and the quiet mood of the city is nice.  I saw a turkey strutting around a busy parking lot, a deer walking just off College Avenue, and a man on horseback passed by my office on College yesterday!  We can think about how to make the world better, but also how to make our lives simpler and better.  I call and email lots of people, especially single folks stuck at home.  Streaming Mass is working for me, but I do miss the congregation.  I suppose we now are like God always is - wanting to contact and love people, but there are many roadblocks in 'normal' times.  To what extent do we habitually shelter at home, from God and our neighbors?  

I do find myself whistling Newman songs.

KIRK PETERSON

I feel so blessed because my adult children are supportive and help me. 

I have learned to shop on line so that almost every day I receive a package! It’s kind of fun.

I’ve lived in my house over 50 years.  I like to sit on my front yard and remember the sweet days as a stay at home mom and the women and kids I used to hang out with.

I’ve not been out of my yard since Feb 26!

 Guess not going anywhere very soon 

That it, thanks for asking.

GERRY LAZAR

What keeps me going is community. Even if we can’t physically be together, the text messages and phone calls I send and receive each day are powerful reminds that social distancing doesn’t mean we are isolated.

JOSPEH RAMELO

The Creator has given us a chance to support and love others, even when there is confusion everywhere!

KENNETH REID

What gets me through these times is being with my family.

ANON

Scientifically, I know that the vibrations of our voices follow the same pathways in the brain as comfort (and pain relief). Spiritually, I miss the blend of our voices in communal singing, that so lifts my soul. Singing is my most favorite form of Praise. I'll read a phrase of scripture and immediately my brain switches to one of the sogs that were built from those phrases. We will truly be rejoicing, for many reasons, when we finally get to share our Masses together again!

MARIE RETHERFORD

I would like to encourage people to remember in this trying time to be grateful for even the smallest things in our lives right now. A verse that resonates with me greatly during this pandemic is Luke 12:48, which says that "to whom much has been given, much will be required." I've been blessed with a healthy family, opportunity to finish my last semester at Berkeley and the privilege to stay at home, yet I realize that not all are as fortunate as I am. With this in mind, I am motivated more than ever to find ways to help others in any way that I can as well as to graduate and make my family proud.

ANON

We are trying to be very hopeful and stay positive each day as we stay sheltered at home.   Our days have been very busy trying to do things at home, like cleaning out closets and drawers, catching up on phone calls with family and friends, food shopping for shut in neighbors, taking daily walks, doing computer work, reading, listening to music, catching up on movies and praying a lot.  We have been reflecting on how fortunate we are to be healthy, and not dealing with many of the problems that others are facing as a result of this pandemic.  For us this has been a temporary inconvenience which we are hoping and praying will end soon for everyone.  We miss our Newman family and look forward to the day when we can all be back at Newman together.

ALFREDA & RICH CAMPOS

What keeps me inspired these days - prayer, music practice and exchange, spiritual reading, nature walks and communicating with family and friends, has not changed too much. Only now, I feel these connections have deepened and are less interrupted. The world is now moving at the pace I am used to - much more slowly. It is giving me more time to remember all the gifts that I have in this life and to give gratitude to God more often. Although I feel sad at the state of the world and those who have been the most affected, when I hear the heroic stories of how people are helping one another, I have a lot of hope that coming through this tragedy we will have created new avenues of love that will continue well beyond the pandemic.

JOAN ALLEKOTTE

Thanks for reaching out - it has been a strange couple of weeks and celebrating Easter virtually was surreal! We’ve been so fortunate to be safe throughout this period and have been truly shocked by the hardships others are facing. The least we can do is shelter in place and have faith things will return to normal - I’d have to say I draw a tremendous amount of inspiration from the Sunday sermons delivered via YouTube and seeing the random acts of kindness throughout the Bay Area during such trying times. 

I hope you and the Newman family are safe and thank you for hosting mass on YouTube for everyone. 

ANTHONY FERNANDO

I miss going to mass and being in community, as I'm sure many people do. 

During this time, I am spending plenty of time in the kitchen - cooking, cleaning, pondering with YouTube communal prayers on in the background...the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Holy Cloak of St Joseph, various archangel prayers, prayers of hope and protection from fear. 

I am also finding music to be heart opening, soul soothing, memory evoking, inspirational, energetic and fun. 

Thank you for reaching out. I pray for all souls, as I'm at a bit of a loss of what exactly to pray for these days. Our Lord knows our hearts, and I pray that is enough as we keep moving forward during these times.

My best to you and all of Newman. Be safe, healthy and well!
TRIANE CHANG

Our toddler is the one who is helping us get through this time; watching her grow, seeing her learn and discover new things, and experiencing her abundant joy is the best thing we are experiencing. Since all of my work is now at home, she gets to spend more time with me, and she is so content to have her parents with her all the time. I feel so blessed, and it makes me recognize all the better how the image of God as Father is so powerful--a being who takes joy in watching us grow and change, and one whom we should love to be around and with. Jesus's words that we must be like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven are so poignant to me as I spend time with her.

LEVI CHECKETTS & JIYOUNG KO

During these extraordinary times as the world has been brought to a standstill, I feel that we've all been called to re-evaluate our lives and make some much needed changes within ourselves, as well as globally. It is a unique opportunity for a renewal of faith and values that have been sorely missing in the world. Taken as such, this time could be a real blessing and a reason for hope in better humankind coming out of this crisis. 

As now I feel the need for spiritual connection with God probably more than ever before I find encouragement in daily gospel reflections I signed up for with Bishop Robert Barron. It can be found under dailycatholicgospel.com and it provides me with a wonderful start to a new day each morning. Hope you will find it useful. 

Love and blessings to all!

JOANNA BIK

I’ve been spoiled by the sweet oversight of two of our kids and have suffered little except for the passing of my old dog, Nellie. I write for a blog, curse the news, sleep too much, walk, trim roses, pay bills and even pray a bit. Oh, yes, I sing in the shower. 

The worst: I truly miss the Mass.

JACK COONS

I've certainly found that prayer and connecting with the Newman community via the livestream Mass helps a lot.  We're lucky enough to have both of our sons home, so spending time with them has helped a lot.  We've taken to playing a nightly match of badminton in the backyard after dinner.  The combination of exercise, fresh air, family togetherness and silliness always sets my spirit right.

GRACE & CHRIS SHANNON

Hope is what has always motivated me. We prepare for the worst, but we also hope for the best. In particular, during this extraordinary time, we must not lose it.

ALEX CHAN

We're staying busier than before the shutdown, though keeping to the house.   Joan has been training dozens and dozens of folks in using Zoom, both friends and in Rotary.  We both have helped our nonprofit boards and groups shift committee and Board meetings to Zoom, as well as clubs' weekly Rotary meetings with Zoom.  Our Berkeley Rotary meeting draws more than 70 each week - trivial compared to our masses.

I've staged and been to three whisky tastings by Zoom and one socially distanced backyard tasting with Newman Hall friends. Joan stays busy with friends hiking and birdwatching each day, while masking and social distancing.  Most of my long put-off house projects are about done.  Yet we've got months to go.   I've got a Zoom lecture to give in a week on the housing problems of recent decades, which will be interesting to do.  Our daughter and grandchildren from Bishop are visiting and staying with us this weekend - they figure it's the last time they can safely travel by car, since the tourists will be swarming their town and bringing the virus.  My daughter, spouse and grandkids from NYC will arrive a week or so later by plane, quarantine for two weeks in a rental unit, and then stay with us several weeks.  All our kids' household have been in confinement religiously for 7 weeks or so, doing jobs or schoolwork from home.  Zoom family reunions are now weekly - a good innovation that the pandemic and Zoom made feasible.

Our big worry is that the doctors tell us we can't travel to NY state for our son's wedding in Sept. - unless there's a vaccine, which is most unlikely.

We've enjoyed the Sunday 10 am mass and the chatroom each week since shutdown, and are impressed at how superb the preaching has consistently been at each mass.  

FRED & JOAN COLLIGNON

Greg and I are working from home and doing great. Thanks Father Ivan and all the staff for looking in on us. I've been enjoying the live masses on FB, keep them up. 

FRANCISCO & GREG

Both I and my parents are staying afloat and I thank God for that.  As to how I remain positive:  I have been blessed by God with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for information.  I have no shortage of things I need to research.  Additionally, I am also blessed with my place in Auburn which I am at every other week.  I relish the opportunity I have to become a part of its natural surroundings.  The wild turkeys now look at me as one of them and feel very comfortable being near me as they are looking for food and I am picking weeds.  I know that not everybody has these God-given opportunities but I guess anyone can ask questions and find answers on google and spend time in nature no matter how small the patch is.

DEBRA DUFFAUT

When the days, weeks and now even months are a blur
one wonders about boundaries, schedules and order.
Why is this disorientation freeing? 

Or just amazing?

HENNY HOOGENBUSCH

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I think being with family and talking to friends and other love ones have helped me. Playing and spending time with my cats has also helped but also baking which is something I've been wanting to do for years has kept happy and positive about everything. 

Thank you for reaching out and I wish you the best. 

Blessings, 

SALMA ALBA

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Both Lou and I have been LISTENING: 

listening to music - (usually classical); 

authors (Book Passage); 

immersing ourselves in quiet meditations (San Damiano); 

inspiring lectures. 

We miss our Newman community and wish all well.

THERESE STAWOWY & LOU RIEMERS

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I have a daily routine, the same as it's always been: - up at the same time - meals, prayer time, chores, PBS News, etc. are the same daily - with a tweak on Sunday for 10:00 Mass.  Two or three times a week I get take out from small local food places to help them stay afloat.  

What's different?  I call friends 3-4 times a week; more reading & cooking; a daily 45 minute walk; staying engaged with classes, Zoom meetings, virtual artistic events; and more intense prayer. And I am "noticing" so much more - stories of helping and generosity; the bursting of spring on the UC Berkeley campus, and the many people on our streets who have no opportunity to stay safe.  All remind me how very blessed I am.

ANON

  —————-

We moved to Rossmoor just as the big shut in started. I injured my back unpacking. It’s been a slow recovery. Prayers would be appreciated. Hope you are all well.

ANNIE BODDUM

  —————- 

In the morning and in the evening, I begin and end the day with the Memorare prayer to Mary for assistance in these troubling times. I am fortunate to have a garden full of roses. For mediation I am praying with St Therese, re-reading, Story of a Soul. I miss bringing Matthew's flowers to Newman's Madonna on Sunday morning and taking the Eucharist to Jim and Evangeline Brown after Mass. I do watch Newman's Sunday Mass - thank you Holy Spirit Parish, truly a Holy Place. Our feast day, Pentecost is coming soon. May our hearts be filled with Jesus' love, the Holy Spirit. Peace.

TERRY REGAN

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I’m finding that a way through the uncertainty is to journal each morning the question – what is needed/called for (from within) today?  It helps keep me IN today and not projecting into the future.  JEANNIE BATTAGIN

I've been managing pretty well throughout the whole shelter in place. Something that has been keeping me going has been reaching out to old friends I haven't spoken to in a while and reconnecting. It has been nice catching up with people I haven't seen in a long time. 

I am looking forward to when I can finally go back to Newman and see everyone again!

ALDEN MOSS

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The Catholic Worker thrives in times of need - especially when the needs of our neighbor are the need for distancing to protect each other from this pandemic. To “love our neighbor” is something best done with concern, love and continuous response in spite of the requirements/restrictions of the state. We remain healthy in mind and Spirit as we see our neighbor as the extension of Christ’s love both given and received …

“CATHOLIC WORKER”

  —————-

I just pray that this disruption and threatening of daily life bring about a perspective change, allowing us to more clearly see what is truly important.

Big hugs to everyone! Ciao

GIORGIO TAVECCHIO

  —————-

During this ‘re-calibration’ of the entire planet, I think what helps me most is greater opportunity for meditation and silence, out of which seems to come a heightened awareness that we – the entire planet – are all connected, are all One. Also simply noticing and delighting in the stunning natural beauty all around.

I am constantly challenged and inspired by seeing, experiencing, and hearing of the incredible kindness and selflessness of so many - in a huge variety of ways.

COLLEEN LENORD

  —————-

I have

* Done organizing and cleaning out drawers closets, etc., creating space in my life.

* Checked in on my 80 + year old neighbor who lives alone. 

Yesterday I brought her soup I made of butternut squash, onions, sweet potato, and pears. She said it energized her.

* Appreciated watching animals from my house and on walks. Pictures of goats, baby boy deer and turkey.

* Taken zoom music lessons on Brazilian instruments.

* Did my art, woodblock carving and printing.

* Appreciated the opportunity to practice giving up the illusion of control.

* Did more spiritual reading.

* Gardening

PAT ROUGEAU

  —————-

During the first couple of weeks of quarantine, I took walks in the hilly neighborhoods behind my place and photo-journaled such exquisite beauty in nature, landscaping, and architecture. Next, I ventured down to the beautiful neighborhood below the Claremont Hotel. Then I took a walk documenting the ghost-town-like Arts and Theater district of Berkeley. One day, I ventured through the UC Berkeley campus, delighted to have such solitude documenting the architecture. But lately, I’ve been sauntering through a redwing blackbird-singing trail most everyday to a point at Cesar Chavez park—sitting on my favorite bench, reading my books, and watching the brown pelicans diving for fish in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Blessings and Peace to All,

KELLY TOWNSEND

  —————-

This pandemic is a time NOT to live in fear, but in HOPE and love & a commitment to serving others.  I'm checking in with my neighbors, asking if I can pick up anything for them.  There's so much that needs to be done.  Perhaps purchasing masks and giving them away as I am on the streets/busses. I'm trying to listen for direction for opportunities to be Christ in the world, as I read this week in a reflection.  

KARA SPELTZ

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I had an operation on my right foot last year, and have been doing the foot exercises I learned during the only foot therapy appointment I went to before the ‘shelter-in-place’ went into effect. I find inspiration and healing in doing these therapy exercises for my foot and knees. 

SUSAN

  —————-

All is good w/ me and I’m fortunate that no one in my extended family has been ill. It is good being here at Rossmoor where we are all very careful to follow the rules. Frequent walks, reading, baking a little, and safe visits with neighbors takes up my days. 

I miss the Sunday 10 am community and helping with Loaves and Fishes, but know that this is temporary and safety is important. Nothing inspirational from here, just taking it day by day, realizing my blessings and praying for ALL impacted by the virus ... I really think that is EVERYONE!  Stay safe and healthy!

MARY SPEAR

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I have personally loved all of the online prayer and Mass services from my parish and from many other places...there is always something to watch that is uplifting even if it's a recording of a Mass earlier in the day. I have found it helpful to pray together during this time of sheltering in place. 

CAROL WELLS

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Thank you for being concerned and thank everyone involved in making it possible to attend Mass remotely. We are both still here and so far have not fallen victims to the current virus pandemic.

KATHY & DAVE AYRES

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I have been living in Tucson Arizona for the past five years and things have been going well. I am now a foster parent to a wonderful 15-year-old girl. She's been a wonderful addition to my life and my partner's. We certainly laugh a lot more. So family and being there for my partner and my kiddo are the things that are keeping me motivated. That and two days ago I just submitted my tenure dossier, an accumulation of all my academic work for the past five years. Singing with you and Newman are fond memories. Oh, I also sing in a community chorus, well, (until recently anyway).

ADI ADIREDJA

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Before the pandemic I was very busy with my work employed by 24 families doing for them whatever their needs may be. My days were long but I love my work. Although I always made time for daily Mass and prayer, I am MOST grateful for the time I have now to give God more of my time in prayer, to take long walks and to be there for others by email and phone calls. I am 75 this yr. and because of this pandemic I can better prepare myself for what lies ahead for myself and to pray for others as well.

CHERYL ZIEGLER

  —————- 

The pandemic has affected me in more ways than I can count. I just graduated from UC Berkeley and got accepted into Stanford University for graduate school to study Education, but my graduation ceremony was cancelled along with the party to celebrate with my loved ones, graduate school is going to be online for me, at least for the first quarter, and I haven't seen my boyfriend for over a month to name a few of the burdens. – 

Yet, I recall the suffering of those who have lost their partner in life, their mother, or father, and those that don't know how they will pay their bills, and I think to myself I am pretty blessed. I allow myself to feel upset with my circumstances; I believe my emotions are valid, but I do my best to allow the joy of all that the Lord has given me to take the foremost place in my heart. Before the pandemic began, I had other situations weighing me down that are still present like the quarter of graduate school attendance costs left uncovered by financial aid, and now those struggles appear quite differently to me. I am taking advantage of this time during the quarantine we are all under to work hard at finding and applying for scholarships, creating a blog for those in the field of education and those that care about our education system, as well as taking time to be present with my family, a gift I haven't had so abundantly since I started my first year of college. 

Though there are days on which I still get overwhelmed, I rejoice in all the blessings I can be thankful for, and I do my best to keep charging forward for the sake of my future students, for my family, for my community, and because I know it is pleasing to the Lord. Prayer has not been as easy these days, but I turn to my friends that I know will challenge me to remain disciplined in my faith and to maintain my trust in the Lord. And no matter what life brings, I know the Lord is always by my side and loving me through it. 

My blog is centered around education. If you'd like to check it out, here is the link: https://www.meeshtheteacher.com/

MICHELLE SILVA

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I’m OK and keep myself busy making cloth masks and isolation gowns for hospitals.

My children and grandchildren often come and have dinner with me, then we go for a walk in the neighborhood. And most importantly I watch livestream mass every Sunday, at 10:00am, and daily masses too. Many thanks to Fathers Ivan, Steve, Steven, Rob Grant, and the technical group.

ANON

  —————- 

Let us know if anyone needs errands run/grocery drop or fun chalk are left outside their houses by the kids. We’d love to help in any way we can. 

From Colleen: I have felt grateful for time with family: dinners together, cooking, reading and time outside. I never really appreciated spring as much before, and have enjoyed looking at the different brilliant colors...I finally understand the saying “stop and smell the roses”. We have been checking in with neighbors and family members remotely. The random small kindnesses of strangers has been really uplifting.

From Jenny: Getting to spend time with family. 

From Theodore (7): I am happy that we get to spend so much time with my family. Normally we only see each other for breakfast and dinner because we have to go to work and school. 

From Andrew (4): I like riding my bike and learning how to pop wheelies. I like walking on trails outside. 

COLLEEN AND JENNIFER SIMONS-O’NEILL

 Compiled by Colleen Lenord