This afternoon, we received a letter from the Diocese regarding the new mitigation rules issued by the Governor on November 16.
Effective Friday of this week (tomorrow 11/20),
1. All non-sacramental meetings, in-person meetings, and gatherings have been banned by the state until further notice. If any meetings are to be held, they are to be done virtually. Essentially, no meetings can be held onsite until further notice. This includes RCIA, TMIY, faith formation classes, Bible study groups, and any other group gatherings.
Confirmation classes and YM activities will be going virtual until further notice. As of now, Confirmation with Bishop Malloy on 12/9 is still a go as planned since it is a sacramental gathering.
The FIRE RE Mass will still go forward as planned, with having families and children depart after the Mass. The Christmas pageant for this year has been cancelled. We are currently looking at alternatives for the First Communion prep classes.
2. The Parish Office will remain open during normal business hours until further notice. Please know that staff will be limited during this time and so we appreciate your patience.
3. The Adoration Chapel will be closed during this time, but we will continue to keep the church open during office hours and the monstrance will continue to be on the second floor 24/7.
4. Thankfully, all sacramental gatherings (Masses, funerals, weddings, Baptisms, confessions) will continue to be at 30%. The Bishop is holding strong on this ... praise God! However, we will need to be limiting time spent in the narthex after Masses by encouraging people to leave immediately right after Mass. Thank you ahead of time for your cooperation, and please continue social distancing, wearing of masks. sanitizing hands, etc.
Let us recall that we have gone through this before ... and we are stronger for it. We will weather this storm as well because you and I possess the great strength that comes from our Catholic Faith. Do not allow these challenges to discourage you.
Know of my continued prayers for you and your families during this time and always. May Our Lord bless and strengthen you with His grace and love, and to recall that ultimately Our Lady's Immaculate Heart will triumph ... and that these things too shall pass.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Grady