Dear Epiphany Parishioners,

We have persevered through a lot! We can say that with a tremendous level of gratitude and faith in the Lord. As we continue our faithful Advent observances, we just yesterday received news from the Archdiocese regarding updating certain liturgical protocols during this phase of the pandemic. Many of the updated protocols, we were given some latitude to ease back into these past few months. The following highlights of updated protocols will take place on Sunday, January 2nd, which is easy to remember because it happens to fall on our parish feast day, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.  

On January 2nd, the Archdiocese is lifting the general dispensation for Mass attendance, restoring the obligation of Sunday Mass and Holy Days for all Catholics within the Archdiocese. Please keep in mind that the obligation to attend Mass is not morally binding for those who are ill or infirm, advance in age, caring for a sick person, or for being at high risk for contracting COVID-19. In such a case, these persons should fulfill their obligation through some other act of prayer or meditation upon the scripture readings for the Mass of the day.

The Sign of Peace will resume at Mass on that date too. The faithful are encouraged to make the sign of peace with a bow or some other appropriate gesture of peace that we have been accustomed to up to this time. The suspension of receiving the consecrated wine from a common chalice by the faithful remains in effect at this time. And on the above-specified date, the use of Holy Water will resume and will be in the holy water founts.

Together, we will maneuver spiritually and faithfully during this approaching time of transition as we have strived to graciously do during the entirety of this pandemic. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, I have also attached a copy of the Mass schedule for the Season of Christmas. Let us focus on our Christian identity and role in this pandemic, offering our desire to be His instrument of peace and understanding as a sacrifice during these challenging days and time. I look forward to celebrating all of the divine liturgies of the Christmas Season with you and yours this week and into the new year to come!

Devotedly yours in Christ,

Rev. Tom Lam

Pastor