Dear Friends in Christ:
We are so happy and eager to welcome you back to the public celebration of Mass. This has been a long time coming, and we are overjoyed at the prospect of once again being gathered around Christ’s altar in our beautiful St. Mary church with you.
The Bishop is continuing the suspension of your obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Of course, if you or anyone in your household are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (shortness of breath, fever, or cough) you must not attend. We will continue to live-stream the Sunday morning 7:30 Mass, and post it on-line for those who would like to participate later.
We have been carefully preparing new procedures with the guidance of the Diocese and the state to ensure the safety of all our parishioners. With that being said, there is always some risk involved when attending public functions. Please read them completely and carefully.
During this phase of our Diocesan reopening, we are limited to a maximum of 75% of our seating capacity. That means we will be able to seat approx. 750 people for Mass. (There will be a maximum of 20 handicap/special needs seats available in the narthex for each Mass.)
Temporary Changes for Sunday and Daily Masses
We know that these changes will take some time to get used to, and will require adjustments and flexibility from all of us. And we understand that some people may prefer to continue worshiping at home due to the new procedures and protocols, and that is okay too! Our hope is that many of these changes will no longer be necessary when we move into the State’s fifth and final phase for reopening. In the meantime, we deeply appreciate your patience and cooperation as we all try to do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy at Mass at St. Mary. We can’t wait to see you and to celebrate with you in person! Please be assured of our continued prayers for you and your loved ones. And let us all continue to pray for an end to the pandemic, and for safety for all. God bless you and keep you always!
In Christ,
Fr. DiTomo
We are so happy and eager to welcome you back to the public celebration of Mass. This has been a long time coming, and we are overjoyed at the prospect of once again being gathered around Christ’s altar in our beautiful St. Mary church with you.
The Bishop is continuing the suspension of your obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Of course, if you or anyone in your household are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (shortness of breath, fever, or cough) you must not attend. We will continue to live-stream the Sunday morning 7:30 Mass, and post it on-line for those who would like to participate later.
We have been carefully preparing new procedures with the guidance of the Diocese and the state to ensure the safety of all our parishioners. With that being said, there is always some risk involved when attending public functions. Please read them completely and carefully.
During this phase of our Diocesan reopening, we are limited to a maximum of 75% of our seating capacity. That means we will be able to seat approx. 750 people for Mass. (There will be a maximum of 20 handicap/special needs seats available in the narthex for each Mass.)
Temporary Changes for Sunday and Daily Masses
- The “sign of peace” will be temporarily suspended, and you are kindly asked to not hold hands during the Our Father, even with members of your own household.
- There will be no holy water in the fonts by the church doors, or hymnals in the pews.
- We will not pass the collection basket. Instead, you will be able to drop your donation in baskets by the doors as you exit.
- Holy Communion will only be distributed by the priests and deacons. Please maintain proper social distancing in the Communion line with people from outside your household.
- Those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks.
- Please also note that no gloves will be permitted as you receive Holy Communion.
- Altar Servers, ushers, and EMHC’s will not be needed for the time being.
- At the end of Mass please do not congregate in the narthex or parking lot, but return to your car in a timely fashion, to allow us time to prepare for the next Mass.
- Parish Staff will clean and sanitize the church and common areas after each Mass.
- Please do not bring any sanitizing supplies or wipes with you that contain bleach, as they will damage the wood of the pews and other items.
We know that these changes will take some time to get used to, and will require adjustments and flexibility from all of us. And we understand that some people may prefer to continue worshiping at home due to the new procedures and protocols, and that is okay too! Our hope is that many of these changes will no longer be necessary when we move into the State’s fifth and final phase for reopening. In the meantime, we deeply appreciate your patience and cooperation as we all try to do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy at Mass at St. Mary. We can’t wait to see you and to celebrate with you in person! Please be assured of our continued prayers for you and your loved ones. And let us all continue to pray for an end to the pandemic, and for safety for all. God bless you and keep you always!
In Christ,
Fr. DiTomo