​ With the COVID-19 crisis a term you may hear often in churches is spiritual communion, but what is it? Throughout its history the church has always emphasized the importance of the Eucharist. In the Reformation the Anglican reformers intended the Eucharist to be the primary act of worship on Sundays, but over time the standard became Morning Prayer. It wasn’t until the Anglo-Catholic movement in the 19th century that Eucharist started to become a weekly norm.

​Dear Brothers & Sisters of the Diocese of San Joaquin,

​A very blessed St. Patrick’s Day to you all! St. Patrick is the very model of an Evangelist, Bishop and Child of God who, in the midst of incredible adversity surly and calmly shared the love of Jesus Christ and brought people to a saving relationship with him. Let us learn from his example and that of all the saints to be a calm and steady presence of hope and love in the midst of this global pandemic. Let is never forget that Jesus Christ is still the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I write to this morning, after our President, Governor and our own local authorities have strongly advised no gatherings of 10 or more people and, for those of you in the Bay Area, to shelter in place. Therefore, I am asking you to offer your worship services on a virtual platform rather than hold in person meetings. These are extreme measures I realize but for the health and welfare of everyone, and especially those at risk, I encourage the following steps: