Happy New Year! As the calendar turns to 2022, we face a great deal of uncertainty. Just as we seemed to be moving in the right direction, the Omicron variant has turned everything on its head. Fortunately, vaccination is required to attend our meetings – but as we see in the news, breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated are always a possibility. It is our responsibility as Freemasons to remain vigilant in these extraordinary circumstances, based upon our fraternal duty to care for our fellow man.

We are entering an important season of celebration in many religions, as has been the case since time immemorial. This year will be particularly special, since many of us were unable to have large family gatherings this time last year due to the pandemic.

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner – this year has been yet another COVID-induced whirlwind. But fortunately, we are in a far better place than we were at this time last year. Thanks to the vaccine, all of us will hopefully be able to enjoy Thanksgiving in person once again – definitely better than last year’s virtual holidays.

The seasons are changing outside, and it feels like something similar is happening in our Lodge. Last month we voted on a petition for membership for the first time in over a year and a half, and we will likely be considering more such petitions this month.

I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer! I’m looking forward to what we have planned for the Fall, especially since we will be resuming the conferral of Masonic degrees.