Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
Before ascending to the Father, Jesus commissions the disciples to take the seed of faith that has been planted in Israel and brought it to the whole world. The disciples are to proclaim the good news that God became man, was crucified, died and rose again on the third day. Now Jesus offers his life and light to us. The light and life that Jesus offers in his Ascension comes to us through “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” The saving action of the Ascension of Jesus is for all times, all places and for all peoples.
The celebration of the sacraments, with a congregation, has now resumed. In keeping with the directives issued by Cardinal DiNardo, and in accordance with national, state and local mandates, St. Hyacinth has resumed liturgical celebrations in the following manner:
- Dispensation from Sunday obligation to attend in person is extended through May, especially with respect to people who may be considered physically well to attend yet believe it best to stay at home.
- The at-risk populations are encouraged to continue participating by tuning in to the livestreamed Mass from their homes and avoid attending Mass in person. At-risk population is defined as those who are 65 years or older, those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; or weakened immune system.
- Parishioners are asked to take their temperatures before coming to Mass and should not attend, if exhibiting any signs of illness or an elevated body temperature.
- In order to accommodate social distancing protocols, and to abide by Phase One state regulations, no more than 25% of the mandated fire code seating capacity of the building is allowed. Therefore, each Mass at St. Hyacinth will be limited to no more than 100 people.
- Church doors will be open for 15 minutes before Mass is to begin. Church doors will open Saturday 4:45 pm, Sunday 7:45 am, 9:45 am and 11:45 am. Please stay in your cars until the doors are open for the Church.
- The Church Narthex will serve as the ONLY entrance to the Church. Enter Narthex doors from either the Center Street parking lot or the P street parking lot.
- Parishioners are required to wear masks, upon entering the church and throughout the celebration of the Mass.
- For the safety of all, the Holy Water fonts and Holy Water tank will remain empty, the exchange of the Sign of Peace, the distribution of the Precious Blood and the offertory procession will be omitted and missalettes and hymnals will not be available.
- Parishioners should be careful not to gather too closely when entering or leaving the church.
- Hand sanitizers will be available and easily visible at the church entrances.
- Social distancing will be practiced and enforced.
- Parishioners will be seated in every other pew.
- Those of the same household can be seated in the same pew.
- Priest will wear masks during the distribution of Holy Communion.
- The congregation will remain in their pews for the distribution of Holy Communion, which prevents the formation of a Communion line.
- For health and safety reasons, parishioners are asked to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
- The church will be closed for sanitation between Masses. Pews and bathrooms will be sanitized thoroughly between Masses.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated Tuesday thru Friday after the 8:00 am morning Mass. Saturday between 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Penitents are asked to wear masks and utilize the screen, in order to avoid face-to-face confessions. While in the confession line, penitents are asked to practice social distancing.
With the Coronavirus affected every aspect of the Church I want to challenge everyone to continue to support the Church during this time. I ask the faithful to continue to support the St Hyacinth community through on-line giving or by mail. This will ensure that our parish will be able to meet payrolls and pay monthly bills. Go to online giving tab at Sthyacinth.org and either enroll online at www.faithdirect.net and our Church Code is TX526, or give online through PayPal, Text to Give, or simply mail in your contribution into the Church. Thank you for your support.
All St. Hyacinth Special Masses for First communion have been canceled. These first communion Masses will be reschedule for future time to be announced.
Cardinal DiNardo is working to reschedule all confirmation masses in the Archdiocese. We are looking for the Chancery to advise us as to a new date for confirmations.
Even as we have resumed duties in the parish, I ask for your patience as we work our way back to making the parish fully operational again. Meetings and gatherings at the Church and parish facilities will resume, once we received the official go ahead from the Archdiocese.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, Let us continue to pray for all of those brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. Have a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend.
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels
