March 27, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

It is clear that some members of our parish, particularly those in COVID-19 high-risk categories, will become increasingly isolated as they shelter in place over the coming days and weeks. We, as a parish community, must be in a position to offer support where needed. We can start to do this by organizing a response to ensure those parishioners who desire periodic contact or assistance are matched to parish volunteers who can help. The first step in this process is identifying those parishioners who desire assistance and those who can volunteer in one of two categories:

• Any parishioner willing to make periodic phone contact to those requesting that service, and
• Parishioners who do not fall into any identified coronavirus risk categories willing to provide limited assistance such as grocery shopping, drug store runs, emergency errands,

To this end, parishioners who would like periodic phone contact or assistance may go online at https://forms.gle/WHv8z3BXtAGjQPTo6 to provide contact information and submit a request for assistance. Volunteers who are willing to help in either or both of the categories above may go online at https://forms.gle/cpDFZpp35uKjskgy5 to indicate their preference and identify themselves as a volunteer. We will also be separately contacting parishioners deemed to be in high risk categories who may not have online access to make sure they are included. Once this information is gathered, we will start matching parishioner needs to volunteers who can help.

As with all parishes, Sacred Heart is experiencing unprecedented circumstances with this health crisis that will require an unconventional response. We are all in this together, so if you need assistance or are in a position to help – please provide your input to this parish survey.

In the meantime, please do not miss the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from Pope Francis. Here is a useful link: https://aleteia.org/2020/03/26/why-the-popes-blessing-on-march-27-will-be-absolutely-unique/

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Muyimbwa