As parishes prepared to re-open, parish staff and volunteers were scurrying around, making detailed plans, gathering supplies, masks, sanitizers, inputting procedures, and reviewing the new process with the precision and focus of those staging a production. Each detail discerned, pondered and tweaked like an important part of a well-oiled machine, with the Vigil Mass of June 13th being our “opening night.”
Naturally, any good director/producer knows a certain amount of anxiety, nervousness and stress accompany the hours leading up to opening. As a pastoral associate, I’ve been heavily involved with the planning and implementing of the re-opening plan for my parish, and I was feeling the appropriate anxiety and nerves for the occasion.
I also felt the discomfort of knowing I needed to wear a mask in the church: an act that makes me completely uncomfortable. It makes me feel like I’m hiding, embarrassed to greet people, not willing to show my true self to Our Lord and his people. But I resigned myself to do it since, at this time, there is no choice.
While once again dressing to attend Mass in person, I was mentally and spiritually preparing myself to receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, fully present with us. I could feel my building excitement for rejoining Our Lord, and His Body, our church. I wondered if others were feeling the same way I was about finally returning. I considered that they were probably the people who I would see this weekend at our first Masses, faces covered like mine, but eager to be back.
On the drive to church, it dawned on me, or should I say, the Holy Spirit gave me clarity on what I was feeling. It was more than just “opening night jitters.” It was anxious anticipation. It was the anticipation of finally reuniting with a loved one whom I’ve been separated from for three months. I was going to see my Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, after a long separation, and I was starving for closeness to him. I was so excited I could hardly hold back tears. It didn’t matter that my face would be covered; he could see behind the mask. The tension I felt at wearing a mask was a small price to pay for the consolation of again being with my Lord.
It was a glorious and blessed weekend, and all of our parish Masses ran smoothly and joyfully. Many of the parishioners that attended had the same anticipation for being with our Lord, and what a blessing that we could be reunited on the Solemnity of His Body and Blood. Even more perfect for our reunion, but then again, God’s time is perfect time.
Meryl Cerana is Pastoral Associate/Business Administrator at Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro.
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