Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

EXTRAORDINARY TIMES IN ORDINARY TIME

BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

Ah, 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

with relatives and friends. The largest gathering was at Fort Bragg, where 39 young adults received the sacrament of confirmation. We all were very thankful that there were no evening thunderstorms to ruin the splendid sunset during the outdoor Mass.

First Holy Communion Masses were also very popular during these spring and summer pastoral visits. At Grand Forks AFB and Minot AFB chapels, I was thrilled to pray with the young folks receiving their First Holy Communion.

So, as you have just read, nothing is ordinary about the liturgical Ordinary Time, during our experience of these pandemic moments in our history, which also touches the military chapels. As we begin preparations for the next cycle of confirmation Masses and pastoral visits, I am already excited to go and visit all of you in the Eastern Vicariate of this global Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. V

ABOVE: BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER CELEBRATING FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS AT MINOT AFB, ND.

BELOW: BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER CELEBRATING CONFIRMATION MASS AT FORT BRAGG, NC.