This week, people on the front lines of dealing with COVID-19 — teachers, administrators, law enforcement and medical workers — have had two virtual opportunities to share their experiences, from sorrow and grief to goodwill and laughter, thanks to an initiative of Christ our Light Parish in Princeton and Zimmerman.

The Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph handed over the keys of Genesis House to members of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity in December. The transfer of the property ended with a prayer service to bless the home, the workers who will renovate it and the family who will come to live there.

For nearly 30 years, the Cookie Connection tradition has brought Christmas cheer to the homebound or those unable to bake. This year, however, the tradition changed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Our parishioners have been feeling very disconnected, not being able to be together at Mass or share in sacraments with family members. But creating our own 1,000-crane chain, each with a prayer, could help us feel like a community again.”

By incorporating frozen foods, developing pop-up sites and partnering with food shelves, the Senior Dining program more than tripled its capacity and has been able to prepare and deliver about 91,000 meals per month, which is up from 26,000 meals a month in 2019.

“It was a great idea,” the principal said. “Our sixth-graders started out, and each of the following weeks a different grade was included.”

The “Praise in the Parking Lot Tour” will feature praise and worship music in the St. Cloud Diocese on three Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The Vincentians of the Syro-Malabar Eastern Rite have ministered in the diocese since 2000.