Dear Parishioners of St. Thomas,
I could literally feel the lifting of spirits (including my own) when the Center for Disease Control mentioned it was safe for people who have had their vaccination shots to remove the masks unless they were in congested areas.  I know that I have felt relief and I am sure many of you have as well.  It has been a delight to see the return of so many faces at Masses over the weekend.

Bishop Warfel has removed most of the pandemic restrictions.  Only a few remain, such as no physical passing of the sign of peace, no common cup and the Eucharistic Ministers will continue to wear their masks.  And if anyone feels particularly compromised, you are encouraged to wear your mask or even stay home.  We continue to return to a greater sense of "normalcy" in phases.

Life in the parish continues to roll along.  In the last few weeks we have addressed a couple of significant challenges for our physical plant.  This included the replacement of our air conditioning units for the church, which were worn out and incredibly noisy after a few decades of service.  It should be more quiet on the east side of the church, particularly in the basement classrooms.  This last week we also experienced a leak in the main water line going into the church, which caused water to get into our basement.  Both challenges have been faced and corrected.  A couple of our parishioners stepped up to help us address these challenges in a reasonable and cost-effective way.

With the loosening of the restrictions comes a plethora of funerals, baptisms and weddings.  It looks like the month of June will be incredibly busy.  I wish I could learn to bi-locate, but I haven't entered into the spiritual level of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio).  However, I may be able to get some help from my brother, Fr. Pat Zabrocki, who is currently transitioning into retirement.  He hopes to be in Billings on July 1st.

Again, I am grateful for you and your continued support.  I am also grateful for our parish staff.  It is a blessing to serve as your priest and pastor.

Let us stay alive in Christ,
Father Steve Zabrocki

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