Sheep among Wolves

Feb 3

Letter from the Pastor
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2021

In November of 2021 I wrote to you about the email scam of people pretending to be me and asking for money or a gift card. Because this issue persist I think it bears repeating. I have and I will ask you for help and support for the parish but I promise you I will NEVER ask for your help with a general email or text. If I am “stranded” somewhere, or “too busy” that I can’t talk to you at that moment, please know that I will be OK. ;o)

I have been informed that these emails are not simply generated from a computer being hacked but simply because “they” have our emails. Because they are legitimate emails they cannot be screened out through a filter. Sadly, the Finance Council received a number of emails “from me” asking for help not long after we published their emails in the bulletin. Coincidence? It doesn’t sound like it. Unfortunately, there are many people out there trolling the internet for any opportunity to exploit anyone they possibly can.

The internet has changed how we interact with people. It has even changed the way we as a parish operate. We have found many new advantages with our updated website. We are continuing the process of putting our forms online to advance our mission in this new and accessible world of cyberspace. It, however, also comes with a shadow-side. Jesus did remind us that he is sending us out “like sheep among wolves.” Jesus, however, doesn’t tell us to stay inside and hide. To the contrary, he sends us out but cautions us to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” [Mt 10:16] That is a tough balance to strike.

This cyber world issue does indicate that those creating these emails believe that we would come to the help of those in need. To me, that sounds like a great compliment to our community. Even these “wolves” know that our community takes serious the Gospel call to be the “salt of the earth” and “a light for others.” Even those not seeking the Lord’s way know that our community heeds Isaiah’s words to “share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless.” [Is 58:7] So let us accept the compliment but also be wise, and innocent.

With the help of the diocese we are upgrading our cyber security but as we do that, “they” come up with different ways to “get in.” If you are wondering if an email is legitimate or not here are some tips to keep in mind.

Inspect the email header to verify the sender’s address is legitimate. Mine will always have @stfrancislbi.org.
Watch out for uncommon use of the “bcc” field. A serious email will most likely be directed to you not “blind copied” in a group email.
Always be cautions of embedded links within an email. Don’t click on them!
Don’t ignore unusual spelling and grammatical errors.
Ask yourself whether the language seems fishy, pushy, or urgent.
Ask yourself if the email attachments are unsolicited or unexpected. .
Be Vigilant (Even if the email is from a legit email address)