Dear Frs. Sorgie, Novio, Silva,

As we all can agree, we are living through a challenge that is life altering.

Today, as the sun was shining and I had finished watching our Holy Father deliver his address from the Vatican followed by the virtual benediction and adoration, I decided it was a good time to take advantage of the "drive through" opportunity for confession. Please allow me to share my impressions of this novel event from the prospective of a committed parishioner.

First of all, I was greeted by Kevin Reilly who always deals with any matter in a particularly gentle and genteel manner.  He directed me where to pull up to wait for the next opportunity for confession.  I saw that Fr. Novio was on duty, so I pulled up to where he was standing.  He then in a most reverential manner heard my confession and gave me his blessing.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  As I drove to a parking spot in order to do my penance, I noticed that Fr. Silva was also in the parking lot hearing a confession. 

Suddenly, a feeling came over me that was surreal.  Not only was I experiencing the glow of the sacramental grace of forgiveness from our Lord through the powers given to Fr. Novio, I was struck by the absolute beauty of this unusual (to me) construct of confession dictated by the exigencies of the moment. I left the parking lot feeling relieved of my guilt of sin, and empowered to face the challenges that this pandemic could visit on me or any of the people I love.

Thank you, my pastor and priests, for allowing  this novel opportunity to happen, most especially during this holy season of Lent.  Obviously, under the guidelines of the archdiocese and common sense, traditional confessions would not have been a workable method at this point in time.

I suspect that you and our parish were trail blazers in this opportunity.  I applaud your judgment, motivation, and concern for our flock to provide this historical and memorable opportunity.  

May God bless you for being on the cutting edge of service to your people.

Prayerfully and gratefully,

A Parishioner