I have spoken at all of the weekend Masses to appeal to all of you to be patient and prudent during this peak time of COVID-19 (and its Delta variant). The Archdiocese has not issued a mandate about the wearing of facemasks; however, it is highly recommended to do so especially in church and during church services. Some of our parish staff have already been affected. I also remind everyone that should Fr Joseph or myself, be exposed to this virus, then the two of us must quarantine for a determined period of time during which we cannot have any services in the Church; that means that there will be no Masses or confessions. A serious part of this reality, is that since the virus, we are told, is generally communicated by mouth, Fr Joseph and I are very nervous about people receiving Holy communion in the mouth especially when we (or the Deacon or the extraordinary ministers) have to offer communion from one mouth to another. In solidarity with the Archbishop we also highly recommend that everyone receive holy Communion in their hand, at least during this present peak time and to use facemasks during church services. Thank you for your patient understanding and concern for the protection of your own good health and the health of your brothers and sisters, especially those who may be compromised by age and/or previous medical issues. May God bless you and may God's face shine upon you and keep you safely in his care.