In-Person Mass Distribution of Holy Eucharist
Beginning tomorrow (Holy Thursday) during the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, distribution of the Holy Eucharist will once again resume indoors at its appropriate place in the liturgy.
This return to traditional practice allows for individual, quiet procession to and from pews as well as prayerful meditation in the pews following reception of the Real Presence of Christ.
Listen carefully for directions from the Celebrant immediately prior to Communion during the respective Masses regarding desired flow, routes, spacing, etc.
Holy Eucharist will continue to be available in the Parish Courtyard on Sundays from 7:30 - 8:00 AM and 4:00 - 4:30 PM for those who view pre-recorded or live stream services.
Addition of Two Concurrent Easter Sunday Masses
Anticipating an increase in Easter Sunday Mass attendance at what have consistently been, over the past several weeks, our two most widely-attended weekend Masses, we will offer – in addition to our previously published Easter Mass schedule - concurrent Masses in the Chapel at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Each will be celebrated by Fr. Ken Wolfe.*
Easter Mass in the Chapel may especially appeal to those eager to worship in this more intimate setting on this most holy day.
Offering these two additional Masses is an attempt to further keep paramount the safety of our parishioners and visitors.
*Those who wish to attend in-person Easter Mass with lesser 'crowds' might consider either the Sunday 1:30 PM or Monday 8:00 AM Masses.
Live Stream vs. Pre-Recorded Masses Going Forward
Nearly one year ago to this very day - within two weeks following the Diocese of Tucson announcement of its initial COVID-19 protocols which closed our churches to public worship - St. Thomas the Apostle began offering weekly video Masses from the Chapel.
Just a few weeks ago, we introduced a new(er) and even more exciting offering – that of ‘live stream’ Mass from the Church. This allows for an even closer experience to in-person Mass…as close as you can get without actually being present.
Effective the Second Sunday of Easter (April 11) St. Thomas the Apostle Parish will no longer offer a pre-recorded Mass option. Instead, each weekend there will be TWO live stream Mass options available to view:
- Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM
- Sunday 7:30 AM
What does this mean to our parishioners who still ‘attend’ weekend Mass in this way?
Parishioners will receive a Saturday morning Flocknote with links to both weekend live stream Masses. Those links will also appear on the Parish web, Facebook page and YouTube Channel at that time.
While this change does compress Mass viewing time for those who have become accustomed to watching weekend Mass ‘early’, the 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil Mass stream does still allow ample time to view and receive Holy Communion Sunday from 7:30 – 8:00 AM or 4:00 – 4:30 PM as usual.
And, of course, for those for whom ‘live stream’ times are not convenient, both Masses will convert to videos and will be available to view any time after the live stream concludes.
For those viewing Mass after a live stream has ended, click the PLAY button and slide the red cursor line to the 15-minute mark; Mass begins there.
Novena - Divine Mercy
Day One begins April 2
St. Faustina’s diary states “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, especially for poor sinners…The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of suns and punishment.”
JMT Book Club: All We Know of Heaven - Remy Rougeau
Thursday, April 8
6:00 - 7:30 PM
"With careful prose and a tone of humble striving" (New York Times book review), this revelatory first novel by a cloistered monk traces a young man's search for wisdom among the inhabitants of a Cistercian monastery.
There is no charge to take part in the book club discussion; donations are appreciated.
