On a recent Friday I stopped at St Andrew Apostle Church to say a few prayers. It was deserted except for a family praying the stations. Of course, I thought, it’s a Friday afternoon in Lent.

In normal times there would be a regular service led by a priest or deacon but not this year, not this Lent.

I watched from a distance as they devoutly stopped and prayed at each station. I wanted to join them but because of the need for social distancing I remained in my pew as they slowly made their way around the perimeter of the church's interior.

It was a time of grace for me as I forgot about praying for all my needs and just listened as this family quietly made its way to the last station.

I remembered my days as an altar boy over 65 years ago carrying the candleholder at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart  in Washington with a hymn between each station. The hymns are nice, but in a time of COVID-19 it is also good to recall the value of silence and simplicity. If we don’t have the usual Mass and services we can go to an open church or public park or walk with a rosary. 

This family’s thoughtfulness and devotion touched me and reminded me that we don’t always have to wait for an official announcement or service. We can be proactive in our faith.