Memo (August 25, 2020): Updates to Archdiocesan Directives

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer has extended the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until September 28, 2020. At the same time, the Archbishop encourages those who are healthy and are not burdened with the fear of being exposed to the virus to begin returning to Mass and receive the Sacraments.

Memo (July 24, 2020): Updates to Archdiocesan Directives

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass through Sunday, August 30. Those who are healthy, willing and able to comply with safety protocols and who wish to attend are encouraged to do so. Those who are at high-risk of complications from COVID-19 or who are caretakers for the vulnerable are encouraged to participate in an online or televised liturgy.

Memo (July 9, 2020): Updates to Archdiocesan Directives

  1. Regarding taking Holy Communion to the homebound: Priests, deacons and lay ministers should not take Holy Communion to homebound or those in care facilities — including the non-COVID-19-infected– at this time in order to protect both populations from potential infection.
  2. When faith formation and youth gatherings can resume, parishes need to add a waiver specific to COVID-19.

Memo (June 19, 2020): Updates to Archdiocesan Directives

Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer has extended the dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for persons with health reasons or concerns until August 1, 2020.

Memo (June 9, 2020): Updates to Archdiocesan Directives

  1. The dispensation from obligatory weekend Mass attendance remains in effect until June 28. It will likely be extended beyond that time for those who are ill in any way, are hesitant to attend because of the danger of infection, or those who are quarantined because of recent exposure to the coronavirus. Catholics in good health who are not in the categories just listed are encouraged to resume weekend Mass attendance and to follow designated parish procedures.
  2. Parishes may have gatherings of up to 25 persons at a meeting or class, provided that the distancing requirements can be met and masks worn.

Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer has issued the following memo to all pastors on 5/18/20. The most relevant points which apply to our church are summarized below:

Memo: Instructions on the resumption of in-parish worship and access to parish facilities

  1. The faithful are dispensed from attending Mass until Sunday, June 28, 2020.
  2. For those who wish to come to church to attend Mass:
    • Daily Masses resume on May 25, 2020.
    • Sunday Masses resume on May 30, 2020.
  3. Those who have been tested positive to the virus, or those who are vulnerable to the virus, or not feeling well, or have personal concerns should not come to church to attend Mass.
  4. Those who come to church to attend Mass are required to wear face masks.
  5. Those who come to church to attend Mass should maintain social distancing at all times. Based on our calculations, our church can comfortably hold 50 people at each Mass with more than adequate social distancing.
  6. Non-liturgical gatherings inside church buildings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

As we resume our normal Mass schedule under the instructions stated above, it is expected that the celebration of Mass will be greatly simplified. Volunteers who assist at Mass, including sacristans, lectors, Ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, choir members and liturgical coordinators are not required to serve during Mass. However, those who wish to serve may serve.

Offertory contributions are most welcome. Instead of passing the offertory basket, a donation box will be made available for you to drop off your offerings.

If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Bill directly. Thank you and God bless!