May Families of Faith During Covid-19

Hello Everyone!
I am sure we can all agree that the past few weeks have been more than different and a time in our lives that we will never forget. The entire world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, many families, such as our family, have experienced first hand how losing someone to this virus can be paralyzingly. 
However, despite uncertainty and sorrow, hope is very much alive in our home!!! It is a blessing to have such a closely-knit family and outstanding circle of friends. We are so grateful to continue to laugh together and stay connected whether that be through telephone calls, FaceTime (virtual) Yahtzee games, curb side birthday celebrations, virtual masses, or friends honking as they drive by the house. These precious moments remind us that no matter what we face that you we are loved. Remember that community, prayer and trust in God will keep us strong!
From our home to yours “God bless and have a safe week”

Life during this Covid19 Outbreak has been stressful especially since my husband Peter resides in a Long Term Care Home. I have not been able to see him since March 7th and on April 11th he tested positive for the Coronavirus. I quickly contacted our priests and I was devastated with the news. I knew I had to continue praying and I asked everyone I knew to pray with me. I was asking that God’s will be done and that I be ready to accept His Will. I walked many miles everyday with a friend and I prayed. I relied on the internet for mass, for a Holy Week Retreat, my rosary and religious hymns. I continue to pray for anyone walking in the path I have walked. I received this picture through email from the Nursing Home yesterday confirming God’s answer to my prayers.....

Hello everyone. We are the Cronin’s, I have 3 boys and 1 little girl. My oldest son is on his own and working in a restaurant right now, while he is not a front line worker it is very scary to know he is out having to work in the public. I am lucky enough to be home with my 3 younger children all day and while homeschooling is more demanding then I would have ever expected, I’m so glad we can be home and safe. This time has been complicated, the kids are normally very active and involved in a lot of activities outside the home, at school, church or with sports. It has been challenging for them to be inside all the time and not be able to spend time with their friends. We have been keeping our faith alive like many of you by watching mass online, listening or reading to the Wednesday word of encouragement as well as reading and discussing scriptures. My little girl has been listening to stories and playing games on the bible for kids app. We sure do miss our church family and the kids miss seeing everyone from the altar.
We’ve seen God in so many people during this difficult time, not only in our essential workers and those on the front line but those who have been checking in on their neighbours, the friends who are reaching out to see if anyone needs groceries or by a simple phone call or email. Our lives are usually so busy but during this time we have been able to notice the change of the season from gloomy winter to the new birth of spring. I can’t say that I have ever taken the time to notice the buds on the trees and the flowers sprouting before. I’ve sat on the porch and said hello to neighbours I haven’t seen in quite some time. So while this time is scary and has had it’s difficult moments it has been wonderful to spend the time together and reconnect. My prayer is that when all of this is over and we go back to our “regular lives” we don’t forget how much we missed the simple things in life like the hug from a friend or family member, the noise of a bustling restaurant, or the joy of sitting in mass worshiping with our parish family. I hope that we will appreciate the many blessings that we took for granted only a short time ago. Until we can see each other again, stay safe, check on your neighbours and wash your hands. Sending love from our house to yours. 
 
 

Hi everyone, My name is Susan Mouawad. My Husband’s name is Halim. We have 3 daughters Jasmine who lives with us, Maryann and Nicole are both married, one living in Ruscom and one in London.
The attached photo was taken last June at Sayde Mouawad’s 75th birthday party.
Left to right Halim, myself our daughter Nicole, her husband George, Sitto Sayde, Maryann holding Joseph- who will be 1 tomorrow Husband Michael and their daughter Marissa who will be 4 in July.
For the most part we have remained positive and are grateful for modern technology such as FaceTime- even Sayde has become a pro with her iPad!
This has been a daily occurrence with the grandkids! I am working in a retirement home- serving in the dining room. I pray a lot and take one day at a time, keeping in mind that the seniors are very vulnerable and some might not fully understand the magnitude of this epidemic. We are trying to keep things as normal as possible- whatever that is?!? I keep in mind that each resident is someone’s mother/father and I care and respect them as I would want My Mother to be cared for when that time comes.
As a family we have been participating in the live stream masses that are available. We even watched the Pope on Easter Sunday!
Going to church has always been our regular routine and we certainly do miss the interaction with our parishioners, but we will be grateful when we can celebrate together again. Our hope and prayers go out to each and everyone of our Parish family to remain healthy and get through this epidemic with renewed hope and faith through our Savior- Jesus Christ!