COVID Updates, Casa Hogar in Peru, and Holy Week Safety

Host Jack Socha shares updates on a new COVID variant in La Crosse County and notes Walgreens vaccine availability, urging continued masking. He interviews Monsignor Joseph Hirsch from Casa Hogar in Peru about strict quarantine, online schooling, daily Mass and holy hours, limited family contact, and how he contracted COVID after visiting his 90-year-old mother, with both recovering. Hirsch describes Peru’s ongoing lockdown, scarce vaccines, overwhelmed hospitals, oxygen shortages, and how an oxygen machine has helped save lives; he also discusses improved water purification, Holy Week plans, livestreamed Mass outreach, and technology needs for students. Jack promotes Catholic Charities help for impending April 15 power cutoffs and later speaks with development director Sarah Seery about a March 24 virtual Father Joe video event, Holy Week livestreams, and ways to support Casa Hogar. The episode closes with guidance on Mass attendance safety and a song by Hirsch.

00:00 Show Intro

00:29 Local COVID Update

01:40 Welcome From Peru

02:25 Life In Lockdown

04:08 Christmas Travel Risks

05:53 Vaccines And Variants

08:53 Quarantine Protocols

10:01 Seasons And Weather

10:53 Lent Under COVID

13:09 Oxygen Lifesavers

14:27 Clean Water Breakthrough

15:50 Holy Week Plans

18:09 Lenten Sacrifices

22:58 Streaming Mass Outreach

25:02 Internet And Devices

27:08 Graduates Helping Out

27:58 Abraham’s Work Ethic

28:52 Banana Homily Story

29:38 March Feasts and Anniversary

32:08 Donations and Stimulus Giving

33:35 COVID Scare and Family Calls

36:21 Oxygen Machines Appeal

37:19 Power Bill Cutoff Warning

39:17 Sarah Seery Returns

40:41 Father Joe Video Premiere

42:40 Holy Week Livestream Plans

44:39 Tech Needs and Fundraising

51:59 Travel Updates and Wrap Up

54:04 Holy Week Safety Reminder

56:19 Closing Song and Farewell