With all that has happened over our many weeks of confinement, the past two weeks have been particularly challenging and at times overwhelming. The accumulated stress of dealing with the virus and its impact on daily life has now been set in the context of the killing of George Floyd and the immense outpouring of long endured pain of our black community. At the same time there has been the exhilaration and challenges of being able to open our church for public worship and Eucharist. This cannot be done in isolation from what is happening around us. But it is also important that we try to reestablish a rhythm of life for our parish family. We believe that the ultimate source and guidance for change and restoration lies with the presence of God’s Spirit in our midst. 

Making our church safe for you to gather for prayer and worship has been a priority. We are constantly and rigorously reviewing our procedures and resources so that our church and buildings will continue to be safe and welcoming places to gather. Your observations and recommendations have been very helpful. To take care of the hygienic needs and social distancing has required the recruitment, training and scheduling of a team of new ministers. While the Parish Center and Rectory will remain closed to public activity, the staff are available to help with regular non-contact services.  

We are, however, ready to proceed aggressively with our sacramental life. Considering the many additional celebrations being planned, and reviewing our experience over the first few weekends, adjustments have been made to our weekend Mass schedule. With almost one hundred twenty young people and children ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and  First Communion, many celebrations are required to meet the restrictions still in place for any group gathering. Celebration of the Easter Sacraments for the RCIA, Baptisms for our babies, and Marriage preparations are getting under way. We will soon be announcing some very Important changes being made to our faith formation program going forward.

Starting this Weekend, Masses will be:

        Saturday at 5:00 PM in English, and 7:00 PM in Spanish.

        Sunday at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 

        Weekday Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Monday through Friday.

This decision was made because of extremely low attendance at 6:30, difficulties in getting support help, and especially the many additional Masses being added to celebrate Sacraments of Initiation. 

Since numbers and time preclude Bishop McManus from celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this year in the parishes, he has delegated the pastor of each parish to celebrate the sacrament, which is usually only done by the bishop himself.   Because we have fifty-eight young adults who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, and to keep in compliance with gathering size and social distancing requirements, Msgr. Michael will be celebrating our Confirmation Masses.  Please keep our young people in your prayers.

            Monday, June 15, 2020 at 7:00 PM

            Friday, June 19, 2020 at 7:00 PM

            Monday, June 22, 2020 at 7:00 PM

            Friday, June 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Three special Sunday afternoon Masses have been added so that children can make their first communion and celebrate as a group. These group First Communion celebrations will take place in June and July.

            Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 2:00 PM

            Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 2:00 PM

            Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM

In addition, families will be given the opportunity to have First Communion celebrated at any Sunday Mass during the summer or fall. We know that many have very particular needs and we will respond to them as best we can.

The other sacraments also require a great deal of personal care. We are approaching the RCIA, infant Baptisms, and Marriages with as much flexibility as we are allowed. People have been exceptionally cooperative and understanding and we are deeply appreciative.

As our community gathers for these joyful celebrations, we do not want to forget the suffering that so many continue to experience because of the virus and racial prejudices of our society. Our prayer and empathy for what they are experiencing can help transform our own lives and behaviors toward others. By living the Gospel each day, each of us will proclaim God’s Kingdom and God’s plan for humanity. Repent and believe the Good News is the beginning of the Gospel way of life.

With Christ’s peace and blessings,

Msgr. Mike