Blessed Sacrament

If there’s one thing that the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted to us Catholics, it’s how much our life revolves around the sacraments. Our priests are to be commended for their creative ideas and hard work in bringing Mass, reflections, and even humor to the faithful virtually. But we realize deep down in our hearts that it’s just not the same as in person. Physical presence is an essential ingredient for the sacramental life. We will explore this idea theologically, but it’s something we know by spiritual instinct.

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Clifton is a special place for Kimberly Carey, a fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher. She went to the parish school there from kindergarten through eighth grade. She received her sacraments there and she always dreamed of having her wedding in St. Andrew the Apostle Church. Like so many couples all around the country and even around the world, that dream has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the state, Gov. Phil Murphy canceled all large gatherings, effective March 21, for the foreseeable future to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Array of Hope, a far-reaching multimedia evangelization ministry headquartered in Morristown, launched a new venture last month: “Reason for Hope,” its first podcast — a series of engaging 40-minute programs that combine serious discussions with prominent Catholic thinkers with upbeat faith-based contemporary songs and fun segments, such as “Man in the Street.”