My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
When I wrote my Advent and Christmas letters last year, I certainly did not imagine 2020 unfolding the way it has! None of us went into the holidays expecting the hardships that were coming.
I know that many are feeling alone right now, separated from family and friends because of the pandemic, or disconnected from their parish home. I feel the same way. I miss being able to travel freely around our diocese. I lament the lost opportunities to celebrate liturgies and visit with all of you.
Yet, even in the midst of a pandemic, we’re still the Church. Even if we can’t be together in person like we’re used to, we’re still Christ’s Body. And in the Body of Christ, if one rejoices we all rejoice; and if one hurts we all hurt.
There’s a lot of hurt right now but please know that I have been keeping you close to my heart in prayer. And please know that your parish, your diocese and your Church is here for you. We hurt together.
But there is also joy and a lot to be grateful for in our diocese. I am so grateful for all the good things I hear about how you are living and sharing our Catholic faith. As the Body of Christ, we rejoice together, too.
We still have a long way to go before this pandemic is over. But, as we look forward with joyful hope to 2021, let’s be in solidarity with one another in prayer. Hurting and rejoicing, we’re in this together.
God bless you!
Bishop Thomas Zinkula
Bishop of Davenport
