Dear John,

“The new normal.” Oh, how often that expression is used to describe the social, economic and cultural situation today. It makes me worry. Am I going to get sick with Covid-19? How about families where couples are separated by quarantine restrictions? What should parents and teachers do about educating children? How about the unemployed?

We at Franciscan Media have adjusted in order to follow state laws and guidelines. We made the safety and health of our staff a priority. That meant encouraging team members to work from home. Video conferencing has replaced face-to-face meetings. We try to offer our subscribers more digital content to adapt to this "new normal." Yet, despite all these changes, publication schedules are still being met. Even our daily prayer time is conducted on Zoom. And so forth. We have entered the “new normal.”

The pain of separation and “lockdown” has another effect. We are taken away from our usual distractions—sports, restaurants, social activities, travel, as well as other things. I believe that as Franciscans our challenge of “lockdown” is for each of us to confront more solitude and learn in silence to feel the presence of God. Enforced “lockdown” is a time of grace as I have experienced it. I hope and pray that you will find that grace, too.

Thanks to our wonderful benefactors and partners in mission we have been able to move ahead during this “new normal” time. If you are fortunate and able to help, please consider making a gift to Franciscan Media. If you make a donation of over $100 you will receive the gift of a box of Trappistine Quality Candy fudge as a thank you from Franciscan Media! (Only shipping within the United States, we apologize for any inconvenience.)

Thank you and God bless,

Fr. Dan Kroger

Publisher