More than a year ago, the pandemic abruptly changed our lives and our world. Many of us have experienced a feeling of disconnection from the people and things that bring us joy. I have also heard countless people say that one of the greatest challenges during this time has been the feeling of isolation.

Our Holy Father addresses these issues and offers a path forward based on solidarity and unity. On Sept. 2, 2020, in his first general audience that was face-to-face after months of livestreaming, he said, “The current pandemic has highlighted our interdependence: we are all connected to each other, for better or for worse. Therefore, to emerge from this crisis better than before, we have to do so together; together, not alone.”

As most of society looks for ways of reopening and safely increasing numbers in public spaces and events, we should never lose sight of our unique reason to have more people back in our churches. For example, a local pizza restaurant can say, “We have missed you. We want you back.” And I am sure they do miss us and want us to return to in-person dining. I know that I have missed occasionally eating in restaurants, and eventually look forward to returning to some of my favorites.

However, our message as a church needs to be more nuanced. Yes, we say to everyone, “We miss you and we want you back.” However, in returning, we offer something distinctive that no one else has — we offer a true encounter with Christ. For the Catholic Church is not a club or a restaurant. Through our baptism, we are united together in our praise, adoration and worship of God as we put our faith into action through our love of neighbor and works of charity.

I am grateful that for over a year now, following safety protocols, our churches have been open for Masses and sacraments, albeit with a socially distanced and limited capacity. I am also grateful for the virtual Masses and spiritual Communion offered by our parishes for those who have not be able to attend in person. St. Thomas Aquinas explained that spiritual Communion is “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him.”

While I am grateful for all the virtual Masses and spiritual Communion, I fervently hope and pray that we never lose our “holy hunger” for the Eucharist celebrated in our churches and surrounded by the church community. For if the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of the Christian life, then we can never replace our real-life adoration and reception of the Blessed Sacrament as we gather together in solidarity with other believers.

As the virus decreases and we anticipate the opportunity for greater numbers in our churches, all our parishes, schools and ministries will continue to look for ways to welcome people back. The Diocese of Joliet is composed of many diverse and distinct communities. Each parish will work on developing its own ways to reunite parish families, as we inspire one another with good ideas and best practices. And as we do so, let us strive to balance our zeal for returning fully with a thoughtful and collaborative spirit.

This reunification in Christ is a gradual process. Like a sunrise, it will take time to emerge and spread. Some people will feel more comfortable than others returning to the sacramental life in our churches as the pandemic eases. As we take these next steps, let us both gently and courageously accompany, encourage and pray for each other. For we are a community of believers, united in Christ and in each other. In other words, to echo Pope Francis, “We have to do this together, not alone.”

I realize that our desires and efforts to reunite in Christ come at a time in which we have experienced extraordinary challenges and much loss during this pandemic. The feelings of grief are real. However, with trust and faith, together we need to move forward from our experiences of disconnection and isolation. We need to be connected to Christ and each other. After the Resurrection, when the disciples huddled behind locked doors unsure of their next steps, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Let us ask the same Holy Spirit to heal, lead and guide us as we continue to reunite in Christ.