Lent as Spiritual Quarantine?

Five years ago, the Church was just entering into another season of Lent. But there were other things going on around us…

News reports about a virus causing concentrated outbreaks of a mysterious illness were on the rise. It was the beginning of what we now colloquially call “COVID” for short: the global (SARS-coV-2) pandemic that has officially claimed more than 7 million lives around the world and impacted countless more with lasting health challenges from a prior infection. “COVID” has become a dividing line for so much that changed in everyday life during the height of that time and since.

I was in Houston, of course, where things were a little slower to shut down than in other places. In that city, we all finally accepted that “Coronavirus” (as first named) was serious on March 11, 2020, when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—arguably, the biggest annual event in the city—was cancelled for the first time in 88 years. The day after that announcement, the Bishop of Texas informed priests and parishes that our churches would be going into “quarantine”—staying at home and staying apart—for at least two weeks. We had no idea…

I think it is important to name that COVID milestone of five years, as we enter into another Lent. It is important because many of us continue to contend with grief over who was lost to that illness and what was lost to that upheaval of human society; it is important because we are still re-learning how to find and maintain meaningful connection and mutual support after a transformation that normalized isolation and calcified silos; it is important because new tumult and tribulations are awakening old traumas and compounding new grief upon what is already there.

I was remembering that the word “quarantine” comes from the Middle Ages, when ships were held off port for forty days to attempt to stop the spread of Plague. It was a slow-down period, a time to be still and pay attention. I’m sure it was a difficult time of idleness, discomfort, and even hunger for the ones stuck on board after a long journey; though it was a best attempt in that time at caring for the health for all who were vulnerable.

I have been thinking of Lent this year as a sort of spiritual quarantine. Not as a time of isolation. We have enough of that. But as forty days dedicated to slowing down from frenzy, paying attention to who and what is around me, and seeking to care for one another in deeply supportive ways. What would that look like for us in our daily lives and circles of relationship? I pray that we will each find a gift in this Lenten season, a gift to help us nurture the life within while tending to the people and purposes present to us in daily life.

With you,

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector
Email: ScottP@stmaa.org

We Are Doing a Lot of Dishes

“Everybody wants a revolution, but nobody wants to do the dishes.” – Dorothy Day

Dear Friends,

This week, I’m in Kansas City at the Episcopal Parish Network conference, reconnecting with colleagues and learning about ministry with marginalized communities, adaptive leadership, and capital fundraising. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe is here, sharing his vision for transformation in The Episcopal Church. And, as always, the backdrop to our conversations is the immense upheaval and uncertainty in our country and beyond.

Meanwhile, I’m here learning how to “do the dishes” while a thousand urgent matters demand attention. But throughout St. Michael’s, so many of us are redoubling efforts to listen, plan, and respond to the evolving needs of our parish, our diverse peoples, and our neighbors.

The weight of these times is undeniable. We are inundated with terrifying, infuriating news, yet we continue the faithful work of our community. Many leaders and groups at St. Michael’s are deeply engaged:

• IWC is working on rapid response, education, advocacy, and safety.
• The new Safety & Security group is defining private spaces, coordinating neighborhood watch during the 1:00 service, and improving usher communication.
• Vestry is reimagining the greeter role as “Vestry Person of the Day” to be on point with the rector on Sundays, support ushers, assist at the courtyard entrance, and build relationships in the community.
• Parents & Families recently gathered with Leslie, Lenia, and me to share how our kids and youth are being impacted and how we can better support them. We are learning and responding. Other groups are also being invited into similarly brave spaces.
• The Vision & Strategy Committee is processing our last congregational event and preparing for our next one on May 4.
• The Personnel Committee is supporting my search for an Associate Rector and an Administrative Assistant, with interviews in progress.

This work is happening, and there is room for you to get more involved. I’d love to talk with you in person about how you can be involved. We are in difficult days, for sure; and we continue to engage faithfully the work that is ours to do. I am learning, adapting, and persisting with you.

In peace,

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector
Email: scottp@stmaa.org