Text "app" to 88202

(Para ver esto en español, haga clic en el botón "Seleccionar idioma" en la parte inferior de la página.)

Return to Mass! 

Thanks to all who helped make the resumption of our public Masses a success so far -- from the pastor to the parishioners.  But even though services are underway again, the Bishop and health officials caution that the risk of contracting COVID-19 still exists. 

So, several health safety precautions are in place to help minimize that risk.  And as more people return to Mass, it may be a little more difficult to carry those out.  Can we ask for your help again?
 
Masses are resuming at a reduced capacity.  Church attendance must be limited to only one-fourth (25%) of the seating capacity for each Mass.  Some pews are blocked off to help separate people, only families are to sit closely together, and a distance of six feet should be maintained between other individuals at all times – entering church, sitting, during Communion, and leaving church.  That means the ushers may direct where we must sit and how we enter or leave the building. 

Some Masses are too crowded to meet the restrictions, so those Masses are being held outdoors.  That includes the Saturday night Spanish Mass, but we are returning to a beginning time of 7 pm.
 
Holy Communion is being distributed in the hands only and there is no drinking of the Precious Blood from the cup.  Communion to the homebound remains suspended due to the health risks posed to some of our most vulnerable parishioners.  However, spouses and immediate family members may use a pyx to take Communion to those staying in their home.  Since people receiving Communion inside church walk near other members of the congregation when returning to their seats, Communion is being distributed at the end of Mass as people leave the church so they can exit out the side doorway only, away from those still awaiting Communion.
 
The use of hymn books, missalettes and other liturgical aids that are typically handled by multiple people will be limited.  Any missalettes available must be taken home and brought back for the same people to use the next time they attend Mass.  Any copies of songs or prayer sheets should be discarded after each Mass. 

For now, please bring a face mask to wear at Mass.  Social gatherings are not allowed before or after Mass.  No Rosaries before Mass.  Adoration is permitted during the week, but only if social distancing requirements can be met – keeping a safe distance apart to lessen the interaction with others who might spread the virus to you or who might receive it from you.
 
Perhaps most importantly: The Diocese asks worshipers who are sick, vulnerable or at-risk not to attend Mass, but to continue watching it online or on TV.  The Bishop is granting dispensation to those who are uncomfortable attending weekend Mass and to those who are at high risk.
 
These precautions may be inconvenient, but the Bishop says they’re also reasonable and prudent measures to help ensure everyone’s safety.  Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.  Thanks for thinking of others.  And welcome back! 
 

 
Our church bulletin is being published online only at 
https://bit.ly/HSbulletins or through our website (click on the "Bulletins" link at the top of this page), or view it by tapping the “bulletins” button on the home screen of our new parish app. 

The myParish app can be downloaded to your smartphone and provides church messages, prayers, daily readings, a link to our website, online giving options, the Rosary, and much more. To download, text app to 88202 or go to https://myparishapp.com .