EXTRAORDINARY TIMES IN ORDINARY TIME
BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
A
h, experiencing the extraordinary summer months of COVID during this year 2020 while the universal Church celebrates the liturgical season of “Ordinary Time”. Yet we continue to live in extraordinary circumstances during this pandemic. The Holy Spirit window (pictured above) in the USAF Ellsworth AFB Chapel in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a welcome joy to the eyes, hearts, and the many souls. The window depicts the essence of our gathering for confirmation Masses, even during a pandemic. If there were ever a time for the Holy Spirit to be manifest and relied upon, it is now. This very large window – extending between the two exterior walls of the chapel – covers the entire back wall. The
12
radiant South Dakota sunshine really makes this window come alive and delights all who walk the aisles of the chapel. These past spring and summer months demanded a fast sprint in efforts to accommodate all of the chapel communities who desired the celebration of confirmation Masses. Usually we are able to cluster the chapels into a nice pattern of visits, but due to the pandemic, there were many changes in dates resulting in zigzagging across the USA. But by God’s Grace and the patience of the chapel staffs, we were able to accommodate everyone’s desires. Several chapels conducted outdoor Masses in order to allow the gathering of many families along
