Dear Parishioners,
Governor's Executive Order
You can read about Governor Murphy's executive order limiting indoor gatherings to 25 people at the following webpages:
Bishop O'Connell's Response
I first heard about the governor's executive order from our bishop who e-mailed all of us priests. He highlighted what both articles state: the executive order does not apply to religious services protected by the 1st amendment.
Our Diocesan Directives remain in effect and have not changed. The bishop said that our limit remains 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 people.
Bishop O'Connell emphasized the essentials:
- Wear masks properly (required by state and Diocese)
- Observe social distancing (required by state and Diocese)
- Observe proper sanitization (required by state and Diocese)
- Dispensation from Sunday obligation remains in effect until further notice
- People who are high risk or fearful should be encouraged NOT to come to Mass in Church
- Wherever/whenever possible, continue livestream or outdoor Masses
Here at St. John's
Because we have emphasized households staying six feet apart inside our church, we can only accommodate up to 100 people which is 11% of our capacity.
Most parishioners wear masks properly. I remind us all to make sure our masks cover our mouth and nose.
I ask everyone to maintain a six foot distance from other households as you enter and exit the church. Holy Communion is being distributed to you in the pews to minimize transmission of any germs.
Our sanitization crews are very fast and experienced.
We're thrilled to have people join us for Mass, but please be prudent. Even if you're young and healthy, feel free to stay at home. Some young people are caring for vulnerable people. If you have been coming to Mass but now decide to stay home, that's ok.
We will continue to livestream every daily and Sunday Mass as well as most baptisms, weddings, and funerals. We offer Holy Communion in the parking lot after daily and Sunday Masses. Go to the cones by the rectory.
Confession is available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Go to the cones by the rectory. Two large cones mark the window that will be opened a crack when I'm ready to hear confessions.
Basically, let's continue to persevere in being prudent. Our prudential judgments need to adapt to the changing situation. The sacraments are essential. So, we will continue to make the sacraments available while trying to minimize risk. Unfortunately, we can't eliminate the risk altogether. So, please be careful.
God love you,
Fr. Jim