On behalf of Bishop Seitz and all those involved in serving the Church in the Diocese of El Paso I want to let you know that you are in our prayers. We pray that you and your family remain safe and at peace as we deal with the unprecedented situation with COVID-19.

It is heartbreaking for all of us, especially for Bishop Seitz, to suspend the public celebration of Mass and other activities in parishes. However, there is solace in the fact that our priests continue to celebrate the Mass and we can be in spiritual union with them.

Like you, my family is struggling with the new normal. With a young child home from Catholic school, and my husband and I both working, coronavirus is touching virtually every aspect of our lives. One of the most significant is the separation from our parish community.

Even though we cannot be together, I ask you to continue supporting your parish. With Mass cancelled, parishes will be struggling to pay for ongoing bills. Just like our home budget, the bills for utilities, for insurance, and for other operations will continue.

If you are financially able, please Support Your Parish. You can mail your collection envelope or donate on the Foundation’s website. Select My Parish Offertory and include the name of your parish. The full amount of the gift goes to the parish and there is no fee to you or your parish for this service.

God will no doubt provide, but He still needs us to do our part! I cannot recall a time in my life when the opportunity for us to respond as a people of God in faith, hope and charity has ever been more clear. Let’s support one another, each according to our gifts.

Our priests continue to celebrate the Mass, and pray for us; let us continue to pray and fully support them, our families, neighbors, coworkers and parish communities as much as we can.

The days ahead may be uncertain, but God’s promise to us is steadfast. Thank you, and may God Bless you and your family.

Yours in Christ,

Linda Caro, Chief Operating Officer