...Amidst the Storms!
Adapted from Bishop O'Connell's statement issued July 31, 2020.
Available at https://dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus :
N.J. Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday that due to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and the rate of transmission he signed an executive order that will reduce the number of people allowed for indoor gatherings.
According to Governor Murphy, the new executive order reduces the capacity for indoor gatherings from 25 % capacity with a maximum of 100 persons to 25% capacity with a maximum of 25 persons.
However, the new executive order DOES NOT apply to weddings, funerals, memorial services, indoor religious services or other activities protected under the First Amendment. The current rules for indoor religious services on capacity remain either 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 persons.
PLEASE NOTE THE CONTINUING ESSENTIAL DIRECTIVES FOR ALL:
- Wear masks properly (required by state and Diocese). This means wearing the mask over mouth AND nose
- Observe social distancing (required by state and Diocese)
- Observe proper sanitization (required by state and Diocese)
- Dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass has been changed from 9/7/2020 to "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
At Visitation, we strive to keep everyone safe as we follow state and diocesan directives while continuing to offer worship to God as we should in our mission of following Jesus Christ. We offer both Masses with a congregation as well as continuing to livestream our 9AM Sunday Mass (followed by outdoor Communion) and daily Masses.
Of course, these efforts will only bear fruit with your help and support. We ask that you continue to listen to our volunteers as they guide you into and through the church grounds. We are also looking for any individuals who can offer some of their time and talent in keeping our church worship space safe and clean.
In order to help us serve you better, we have updated our parish website with a "Quick Links" section, moving our most requested features to the top of the page for easy access.
Be sure to take a look at how we can help you (and some of the ways that you can help us) at www.visitationrcchurch.org
Be safe, be well and be blessed!
A review of our Mass and sacramental schedule for this weekend:
Saturday 8/8 Confessions 3-3:45PM in the Rectory ChapelMasses4PM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)
Sunday 8/9 9AM - Mass Live streamed WITH a congregation. Outdoor Communion will be available afterwards and radio reception available in the parking lot at 107.7FM11AM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)
PLEASE NOTE:
While making a reservation is not required, we are encouraging people to do so; this way you can be assured of having a seat. We have noticed that in-church attendance is steadily increasing and, in anticipation that we may reach capacity at weekend Masses, we have prepared the Church Hall for social distancing and live-streaming the Mass from upstairs. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Blessed Sacrament so that people in the Church Hall can receive Communion during Mass.
To access TAKE YOUR PLACE AT TABLE and/or to volunteer to help our Liturgical Environment Ministry in parking, seating or cleaning, please click the button below or visit our parish website at www.visitationrcchurch.org/take-your-place-at-table Those without Internet access (and please let your friends and neighbors know!) can call (732) 477-0075
Aug
9
Sunday 9AM Live-stream Mass
Not yet ready to return to the church building? WE UNDERSTAND and will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM with outdoor Communion available in the church parking lot. See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at https://youtu.be/l2F16nqF-iE
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Parents: don't forget to visit the Diocese of Trenton's one-page resource for families, Faith At Home, updated each week at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home and en español at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/fe-en-casa.
This week's edition:
We continue to pray for an end to the virus, those who are infected and those who care for the sick. May God continue to bless us and keep us close to Him.