A light in the darkness

A year ago, we faced the beginning of a global pandemic. Our Church reduced the risk of spread by ceasing the sign of peace, emptying holy water fonts and limiting Communion to only the form of the Precious Body. As the novel virus spread, our Churches were shuttered. Our schools were closed. In the midst of Lent, we couldn’t gather to worship.

As we moved through Lent, my days were consumed with learning about this novel virus and helping to shore up our health care providers across the state as they prepared to fight for the lives of Minnesotans. My oldest continued his work, but isolated in his home. Our second son came home from college to continue his studies. My daughter was distance learning with one of our amazing Catholic schools. My husband was helping his employer navigate the unknown that lay ahead.

Unlike many families, we were safe and stable. We practiced gratitude. We went to drive-up confession and watched Mass online. On Holy Saturday, we participated in Mass in our darkened home, passing our vial of holy water and holding blessed candles. As I watched the light flicker across the faces of my children, my heart was full and my eyes welled up with tears. In the darkest days of a global pandemic, my Church had blessed my home and created peace for my family.

Thanks be to God that our Church sought to care for the physical and spiritual needs of the faithful and pushed to safely reopen. The feast of Corpus Christi was the first time our family was able to return to in-person Mass. Such joy!

The Catholic Church has been a stabilizing force in our society throughout its 2,000-year history. The actions of our bishops to open churches reminded a dark world that God is present and important. A return to safe in-person worship and a return to sacraments buoyed our families. Catholic hospitals are at the heart of our healthcare systems. Catholic shelters provided protection from the virus for the homeless and forgotten. Our Catholic schools welcomed students to learn safely in-person, bringing their families not just education, but also support and community.

A recent Sunday, my daughter commented that hand sanitizer is the new holy water. It broke my heart. It is a poignant reminder of what we are missing: singing, handshakes and hugs, group Bible studies, church festivals, doughnuts after Mass and so much more. As we pass the one-year mark of the first diagnosed case of COVID-19, I am deeply thankful for priests, laity, teachers and so many others who supported Minnesota families with Mass and sacraments, education and youth activities that in the midst of a historic pandemic lifted our spirits and kept us connected.

As people of faith, we look for hope and good in the tragedies of this world. The pain of death due to COVID-19 is very real, as is the suffering of isolation from loved ones and the pain of economic hardship, but there is also good. Our Church and the faithful have been light and hope in darkness and fear.

A parishioner of Epiphany in Coon Rapids who also attends St. Paul in Ham Lake, Benson represents portions of Anoka, Isanti and Sherburne counties in the Minnesota Legislature. She chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, and is deputy majority leader.