I have missed seeing you during this Coronavirus pandemic. As we have been unable to celebrate Mass together in person, we have had to resort to live streaming Mass via the internet. While this will continue into the foreseeable future (i.e the 8:00 a.m. Mass), I am happy to say that
Masses will resume at St. Mary’s on Monday, May 25th at 9:00 a.m.
On the weekend of May 30/31, we will celebrate Mass publicly on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon.
Weekday Masses will resume their normal schedule (7:30 a.m.) on Tuesday, May 26th.
Our Diocesan Administrator, Rev. Don Oleksiak, has informed all the parishes that the obligation to attend Mass will continue to be dispensed with until further notice. I would simply ask that everyone use good judgement in determining if they can and should attend Mass. When we do return, things will be a bit different. According to Diocesan directives:
Each person should take their temperature before coming to Church.
The east and west entrances to the Church will both be open. The doors will be propped open so they don’t have to be touched.
All those who attend Mass are obliged to sanitize their hands before entering the Church. Hand sanitizers are located in the Gathering Space and at the back of the Church.
All those who attend Mass should wear a mask at all times. Masks will only be lowered for the reception of the host.
All those who attend Mass must maintain 6 ft. social distancing. Families may sit together, while also maintaining 6 ft. between them and the next family or person.
Communion lines will be staggered to ensure 6 ft. distancing between recipients. The cup will not be used.
Every other pew will be marked off to ensure 6 ft. distancing.
There can be no contact between individuals, hand shake, sign of peace, fist bumps, etc.
Dismissal from Church will be as follows: Those seated in rows in the back of the Church will leave first, followed by each successive row all the way to the front of the Church. Social distancing of 6 ft. will be maintained. Those leaving the Church may not congregate in the Church or in the Gathering Space.
There will be no prayer cards or hymnals in the pews.
This will be an adjustment for all of us. Still, it will be good to celebrate Mass as a community in our beautiful Church. I pray that God will bless you and your loved ones with good physical and spiritual health.