Fr. Mark Haydu, Chief Development Officer, Addresses Members, Friends and Benefactors

March 31, 2020

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

As Saint Paul often opened his letters, I want to extend “Grace and Peace” to all of you during this very challenging time – a time of so much change and uncertainty.

Many people throughout our country and the world – people we know and love – are struggling with this pandemic in very real and personal ways. But let us not forget that we serve an ever-loving and faithful God as we face these difficult and challenging times.

It has been so encouraging and heartening for me as a priest to see many of you live out your faith in new and creative ways as you join in our Facebook Live Mass each morning and again each evening as you pray the rosary with us. I would also like to invite you to submit your prayer petitions and requests during these special times of prayer together. Know that we as a community will be praying for you at that very moment.

While this is not the usual way we join together for prayer, we will strive to find personal ways to continue serving you and accompanying you during this difficult time.

As I consider our Legionary priests and the Consecrated Women, as well as pastors in parishes and other religious, I am humbled by their dedication and creativity to reach out to people around them.

My brother priests and I are hearing confessions on porches and blessing houses at the perimeter. Our consecrated sisters in Christ are providing online Spiritual Directions and hosting both live holy hours and spiritual reflections. Here are some spiritual resources that may help you during this difficult time. We are updating them weekly.

As we walk together on this journey during such uncertain times, know that we hear and understand your concerns and the financial and emotional burden this pandemic is causing you and your families.

We, too, are experiencing challenges we would never have anticipated even two weeks ago.

Our Communities, both Legionary priests and Consecrated Women, rely heavily on the generosity of our benefactors and also on stipends. While we have a three-month cash reserve at this time, a basic source of income – stipends from our ministries – is at risk. Already they have been drastically reduced and some are cancelled for the foreseeable future.

While we continue to be fiscally prudent, if this situation persists, we will soon have difficulty meeting basic living needs.

We depend on God’s providence through faithful people like you. We know that many of you may have concerns during this time of great uncertainty. Be assured of our prayers for you and your families and please pray for us as well.

For those of you who are able, please consider making a donation at these links to help the Legionary and Consecrated Women’s communities that serve you through this difficult time. Any donation, no matter how large or small, would be greatly appreciated.

Together, I know we will pull through this crisis.

As we near Holy Week, I encourage you to join us in our Holy Week online programming and Easter Masses. We will keep you updated.

As always, I remain grateful to you for your prayers and support. You have always been with us in challenging times. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime by Facebook, phone, or email. These “virtual” doors are always open!

Know that you remain in my prayers.

 

Sincerely in Christ,

 

 

 

Fr. Mark Haydu, LC

Chief Development Officer

Legionaries of Christ

North American Territory