This was originally published on May 16th, 2020.

I asked a number of parishioners the same question: What does it mean to you to be able to connect with your Saint Benedict Parish Life Group during this time of isolation? Here is what they shared.

“Before the pandemic, our group of nine people met about three times. By the third get-together, we were teasing each other, being friendly, and openly sharing with each other. By the time the pandemic struck, we were pretty solid, and we wanted to keep connecting. Zoom has allowed us to stay connected, and I consider it a blessing. Our group can continue to pray for each other, for the ending of the pandemic, and for the poor people who lost their lives in the recent shooting tragedy and for the families of the victims.”
– Joan Foren

“I think Zoom is great, particularly for those that may be alone, knowing that each day they are going to have company and someone there for them. Zoom seems so personal, and you can’t beat personal contact. Prayer time is great, too, and it gives us time to reflect on how lucky we really are, even with challenges that we all face. We know that we are not alone.”
– Joe Young

“It means so very much to me, as I’m sure it does to everyone, to keep in contact this way during this difficult and unprecedented time. We’re meant to live in community with each other, and to have that taken away is scary. Some weeks, just knowing that I have a scheduled time every week to interact with adults has kept me going. Truly, as
a single mother, quarantine is tough for many reasons, but one of the most profound difficulties is the lack of adult interaction. Loneliness is hard, especially when you’re a social person by nature. My group is a guaranteed girls’ night every week. Praise God!”
– Jennifer Jenkins

“While the pandemic is truly a world tragedy with many lives lost and so much financial disruption, there have been some silver linings, such as people appreciating much of what they always took for granted. Our Zoom meetings each day have been a true blessing, especially for those people who live alone. It’s great to see each other, share smiles, prayers, updates, funny stories... I believe any group would benefit by using the chance to stay connected, even virtually.”
– Colin MacMillan

“Our Zoom meetings mean the world to me. My friends are all in the room with me, and I can see and hear them and pray with them. I love their smiles! It is the highlight of my day. It boosts my spirit, and it helps me to believe that we can get through this and we will be stronger in our faith because of it.”
– Andi MacMillan

“Being connected through Zoom during this pandemic is keeping me sane; it’s like having my Christian family in my own living room. Also, it gives me a reason to put on my makeup in the morning as we meet at 11am, Monday to Friday. It’s absolutely the next best thing to being together in person.”
– Dolores D’Entremont

“I look forward everyday to seeing my Life Group. They are my family now that I cannot be with my personal family. We lift each other’s spirits. It is our way to connect with each other as a Saint Benedict family. I only wish I could give a huge hug to every one of them right now. I really miss our hugs.”
– Carol Catchpaugh

“It’s been very comforting to be able to see and connect with my faith family during this challenging time. It can sometimes feel like we are disconnected from one another, even at times it can feel like we are disconnected from our Lord. But these little moments of support, kindness, and love truly give me hope and peace. It’s been great to see the people and the kids in our group, to laugh together, and to still be able to grow in our fellowship and in our faith.”
– Rachel Chiasson

“Getting together on Zoom is great. I miss the hugs, but virtual smiles are beautiful! Our prayer time together is our opportunity to let our group know what is happening in our lives, because COVID-19 has taken all our ‘normal’ things. Having said all that, nothing can replace being with our wonderful priests and Saint Benedict parishioners!”
– Delores Rutledge

“I love keeping connected with our group. It’s so uplifting, both our prayer time and conversation. It’s wonderful to see smiling faces and to ask for prayers and courage during this pandemic. I would gladly recommend Zoom to any group!”
– Celeste Scanlan