In Person Masses are Resuming
Weekend Masses. Instructions from the Archdiocese allow commencement of outdoor Masses which will be implemented that this weekend, May 9th and 10th following the normal weekend Mass schedule: 4:30 p.m. Vigil, and 7:30, 9:15, and 11:00 a.m. Masses will take place on the grounds behind church, in front of the large crucifix. Things to note:
1. Please bring a lawn chair.
2. Families must station themselves at least 6 feet apart.
3. Collection basket will be on a table at the Mass area entrance – there will be no passing of the basket during Mass.
4. There is not much shade available; please dress appropriately, at the same time remembering that it is a holy Mass. Wear a hat for protection from the sun.
5. Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear masks for the protection of your neighbor.
6. For communion, please maintain the six-foot distancing standard while approaching the communion stations in a single line. The grounds will be marked to help with that.
7. Communion will be carefully distributed without making physical contact. Please help by opening your hand flat and keeping it as steady as possible.
8. Please remember that each Mass is a holy event, even though it is happening outside. Respectful silence until after Mass is completed will be much appreciated.
Weekday Masses. Consistent with the Archdiocesan guidelines we will resume daily 8:00 a.m. Masses in church starting this Monday, May 11th. Here are the points to know about that:
1. A maximum of 10 persons will be allowed to attend each Mass. To try to handle that in as orderly a fashion as possible, call the office for a “reservation” for a given Mass. Those spots will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.
2. Because of the limits, know that it might not be possible for one person to attend more than one daily Mass in a given week. There is an honor system in play here, and we ask everyone to be respectful.
3. Also, a number of our regular Mass-goers do not have email. Please communicate with your family and friends who are in that category so they fully understand the new situation.
4. Six-foot distancing requirement during Mass must be maintained. Regarding the distribution of communion, please see the note above.
5. And of course, attendees are strongly encouraging to wear masks.
6. Finally, please bring a disinfecting wipe to each daily Mass so that you can wipe down your area after Mass.
These are trying times and we pray for your patience with your fellow parishioners and with us here at St. John as we try to manage this on the fly. We are likely to make mistakes. Also, I realize that still not everyone will be able to attend Mass under these conditions. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains lifted in our Archdiocese. So it is not a sin if you cannot attend.
Lastly, with the new schedule we will be following, we will no longer be filming a Mass for uploading to our website or Youtube channel.
God Bless; you all remain in my daily prayers,
Fr. Vincent