The news outlets were all a-flurry yesterday! Just hours after the CDC published its guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html) there were people on social media saying that they were going to go out and burn their facemasks. However, almost immediately afterwards, NJ governor Phil Murphy cautioned people not to think that facemask usage was no longer required (https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/05/masks-still-required-rules-remain-in-nj-as-gov-murphy-reviews-new-cdc-guidance.html). Although the CDC issues guidelines, it is still up to individual states to put and enforce any laws and executive orders - which may follow or may refute such recommendations. As of the writing of this article on Friday morning, NJ has indicated that it is not sure whether it will fully enact the CDC recommendations.

So what does this mean for those attending Mass, especially this coming weekend? Frankly, not much will change at the moment. As the CDC guidelines state, when there are groups in which both fully-vaccinated (defined as having received all required doses and a two-week waiting period) and non-fully or non-vaccinated persons are present, facemasks should still be worn. This is clearly the case at Mass and so - until further defined by both the state of New Jersey and the Diocese of Trenton - we are still requesting that, while in the church building, masks be worn at all times except when actively receiving Communion. 

As Christians, this is the only route that we can take. It not only ensures the health of the individual but also continues to take into account the health and safety of those around us, to "love one another" as Jesus told us in last week's Gospel.

If and when we are allowed to congregate without the precautions that are still in place - facemasks and social distancing - I am sure that we will see many other restrictions fall away. I look with joy to that day; in fact, I am putting together the parish "Welcome Back!" team which is tasked to plan and coordinate activities with this in mind - keep watching this space and our parish announcements for these exciting developments.

A review of our Mass and sacramental schedule for this weekend: 

4PM Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)

Sunday 5/16 9AM - Mass Live streamed WITH a congregation. Outdoor Communion will be available afterwards and radio reception available in the parking lot at 107.7FM. Please note that outdoor Communion will end promptly at 10:15. Plan accordingly

11AM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards) PLEASE NOTE: While making a reservation is not required, we are encouraging people to do so; this way you can be assured of having a seat. We have noticed that in-church attendance is steadily increasing and, in anticipation that we may reach capacity at weekend Masses, we have prepared the Church Hall for social distancing and live-streaming the Mass from upstairs. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Blessed Sacrament so that people in the Church Hall can receive Communion during Mass.

Those without Internet access (and please let your friends and neighbors know!) can call 732-475-0048   

Not yet ready to return to the church building?

WE UNDERSTAND and will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM with outdoor Communion available in the church parking lot. See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at