Friday Flash
November 13, 2020
AS WE APPROACH THANKSGIVING DAY THIS YEAR, IS THERE ANYTHING TO BE GRATEFUL FOR?
This question has been bothering me these last few days as news after news from the media continues to spew one toxic information after another. To begin with, we all can agree that the greatest part of this year 2020 has been consumed by the Corona virus pandemic with its disastrous effect on the economy, on our social lives, and on our physical and mental health. Apart from the thousands of lives lost through this virus in our country alone, I was struck particularly by the escalation of mental health issues among both our young people as well as adults and it is scary.
A recent study by Boston University for instance, reveals that anxiety, depression and loneliness has skyrocketed among our America adults more than ever before. This study pointed out that, 27.8% of American adults showed depression symptoms this year compared to 8.5% before the onset of the COVID-19. This is confirmed by another study done by the American Medical Association which pointed out that anxiety symptoms have tripled and that four times as many people are experiencing depressive episodes. How disconcerting!
Then we have just concluded an election characterized by more divisive and polarizing rhetoric than seen in recent years and we are still in its uncertain aftermath. Moreover, the information coming from the media about the polemics between our political parties is not helping to bring hope either. And, just as we are beginning to come to terms with all of these, a few days ago, the Holy See released the McCarrick Report with its very disheartening findings on the former archbishop of Washington related to his immoral acts with seminarians and his ascendancy to influential ecclesiastical positions over the years. All these issues deserve articles of their own which hopefully time will allow me to address in the near future.
However, to answer the question posed above, my answer is, YES, we have a lot to be grateful to God for in spite of this seemingly gloomy situation in our country and in our own Church. But in order to be realistic in our gratitude, we have to be aware of certain realities which include approaching this particular Thanksgiving with Positive Attitudes, Gratitude and Prayer. But how can we do this? By keeping in mind the following:
1. That Positive Attitude not only increases confidence, reduces stress and promotes healthy behaviors but also makes seemingly difficult situations such as those brought upon us by this pandemic, lighter. Yes, I have personally found out that when I approach very challenging situations positively, the challenges become lighter and people around me feel hopeful and motivated. While this is easier said than done I recognize that staying positive during dark times can be very challenging. So, what I also found to be helpful during such moments for me is to surround myself with people who have positive attitudes…people who can shout OUTSTANDING! even in difficult time. This helps me to draw upon their strength in order to remain positive myself. Also, with the negative information we are constantly bombarded with by the media as I have already pointed out, I would also recommend reducing on your screen time so as to limit your social media and news consumption. But when all is said and done, always remember that positivity is a great source of light in dark times.
This question has been bothering me these last few days as news after news from the media continues to spew one toxic information after another. To begin with, we all can agree that the greatest part of this year 2020 has been consumed by the Corona virus pandemic with its disastrous effect on the economy, on our social lives, and on our physical and mental health. Apart from the thousands of lives lost through this virus in our country alone, I was struck particularly by the escalation of mental health issues among both our young people as well as adults and it is scary.
A recent study by Boston University for instance, reveals that anxiety, depression and loneliness has skyrocketed among our America adults more than ever before. This study pointed out that, 27.8% of American adults showed depression symptoms this year compared to 8.5% before the onset of the COVID-19. This is confirmed by another study done by the American Medical Association which pointed out that anxiety symptoms have tripled and that four times as many people are experiencing depressive episodes. How disconcerting!
Then we have just concluded an election characterized by more divisive and polarizing rhetoric than seen in recent years and we are still in its uncertain aftermath. Moreover, the information coming from the media about the polemics between our political parties is not helping to bring hope either. And, just as we are beginning to come to terms with all of these, a few days ago, the Holy See released the McCarrick Report with its very disheartening findings on the former archbishop of Washington related to his immoral acts with seminarians and his ascendancy to influential ecclesiastical positions over the years. All these issues deserve articles of their own which hopefully time will allow me to address in the near future.
However, to answer the question posed above, my answer is, YES, we have a lot to be grateful to God for in spite of this seemingly gloomy situation in our country and in our own Church. But in order to be realistic in our gratitude, we have to be aware of certain realities which include approaching this particular Thanksgiving with Positive Attitudes, Gratitude and Prayer. But how can we do this? By keeping in mind the following:
1. That Positive Attitude not only increases confidence, reduces stress and promotes healthy behaviors but also makes seemingly difficult situations such as those brought upon us by this pandemic, lighter. Yes, I have personally found out that when I approach very challenging situations positively, the challenges become lighter and people around me feel hopeful and motivated. While this is easier said than done I recognize that staying positive during dark times can be very challenging. So, what I also found to be helpful during such moments for me is to surround myself with people who have positive attitudes…people who can shout OUTSTANDING! even in difficult time. This helps me to draw upon their strength in order to remain positive myself. Also, with the negative information we are constantly bombarded with by the media as I have already pointed out, I would also recommend reducing on your screen time so as to limit your social media and news consumption. But when all is said and done, always remember that positivity is a great source of light in dark times.
2. That Positive Attitude leads to Gratitude because it makes us aware of the good things in our lives and to recognize how blessed we truly are in spite of whatever we might be going through at the moment. It could be worse! Psychologists have linked gratitude to improved mental and psychical health. They also point out that gratitude works wonders for our relationships for it helps us appreciate each other. Some practical ideas suggested for practicing gratitude during these challenging times would include: Keeping a daily gratitude journal by writing down three or four things that you’re grateful for; sending a thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life and saying “thank you” to those individuals who are helping you throughout the day — in my case for instance, to my staff, the volunteers, my brother priests and in your case these could be your parents, your children, caregivers, spouses, grocery store employees, restaurant servers (please tip well!), plumbers, mechanics, etc. While doing all these, remember that, God always rewards gratitude!
3. That Prayer is the most powerful form of expressing our gratitude and it also offers us the opportunity to share our concerns, hopes, and needs with our God who genuinely cares about us, loves us and listens to us. While doing this however, we too must make time to sit back and listen to what He speaks to us. This means that we must intentionally slow down, escape the noise of our everyday life, and focus on what God might want to say to us even during these seemingly dark and noisy times. And, always remember that prayer provides a powerful connection between us and our Loving Father who never leaves us alone especially during difficult times.
And so, as we approach this particular Thanksgiving this year, let us be truly grateful to God for he has blessed us and will continue to bless us in ways we might not realize or even comprehend at this time.
St. Andrew, I love you!
-Fr. Robert
-Fr. Robert
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Our Journey begins here! We invite you all to join us as we begin our Journey Toward Holiness. There will be a special parish blessing after each Mass this weekend to kick off the Journey. All families are invited to join!
Knights of Columbus Sponsored Blood Drive
November 15
7:00am-1:00pm
Rooms H & I
Sign up and give this life-saving gift at https://www.redcrossblood.org
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November 1 - November 22, 2020
Please Drop Donations In the Narthex
This Thanksgiving, provide a meal to families in need! Now more than ever, food banks are in need of donations.
Suggested items:
Cereals, Dry Rice & Beans, Spaghetti Sauce,
Canned Tomatoes, Canned Tuna/Meat, Canned Soups,
Spaghetti & Pasta, Canned Fruit, Jams/Jellies
Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Canned Milk
Instant Potatoes, Spaghettios, Bar Soap,
Detergent, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes,
Toilet Tissue, Tea Bags & Coffee
Bereavement Support
Holiday Season New Dates
Thursday, November 19 | 7:00pm | Room A
Thursday, December 17 | 7:00pm | Room A
The Giving Tree is up in the Narthex and the Christmas tags are now available.
This year, the different colored tags have the same $25.00. We are working with the same agencies as in previous years.
All gifts are due no later than 12:00pm on December 6. Please drop off your gifts ONLY in the Parish office.
Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 1:00pm
We thank you for your generosity!
We are blessed to be offering Mass on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. Join us for Mass after Adoration!
If you are in need of an annulment, please contact Sr. Bridget Chapman at bchapman@standrewchandler.com
We are in need of people who are willing to sign up for an hour of prayer during Wednesday adoration.
Please click HERE, or the banner above, to sign up and commit an hour to spend with the Lord.
Public Masses are now offered with limited capacity and strict social distancing protocols
Monday - Saturday | 8:30am
Wednesday | 6:30pm
Saturday | 5:00pm
Sunday | 7:00am, 10:00am & 2:00pm
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3450 W. Ray Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 | 480-899-1990 church@standrewchandler.com