Month: May 2020

May 22nd Message from Fr. Dave and Novena to the Holy Spirit

5/22/20
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are getting close to Pentecost and reopening. On Tuesday, I will write to you another update on our progress and how we will attend Mass. I will also give instruction verbally before and after Mass. We made some big strides this week and we are right on schedule!
In the meantime, I would like to acknowledge that we have been away from Mass for an extended period of time, and hopefully it has been an oppurtunity to reflect on what is really important. Although this time of quarantine has been very difficult for some, I am sure that there are many valuable lessons we can attach to this difficult situation.
With this said, I would like to invite you to pray with me as a Parish a Novena to the Holy Spirit. Starting today, Friday, through next Sunday. Let’s pray together for a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our community and our world.

Here is the link to the Novena:

Novena to the Holy Spirit

Letter on Reopening the Church

We will reopen the weekend of May 30 - 31st beginning with the Saturday 4:30 pm Mass.

5/18/20

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We finally have great news indicating that we are ready to open back up! While we enjoy this news and it is very important for us to gather again in prayer, please understand that we must exercise caution and the most vulnerable should not be attending Mass during this time. The obligation is still lifted for these people. However, we are allowed to gather as a community of faith once again, which is great.

We will follow the protocols in phase I of reopening. The steps we will take is to block off every other pew, and there will be space available for people to maintain social distancing while receiving communion. You will be able to receive communion after Mass while maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask. Once you receive, please exit the Church. During the early phases of opening, the sacristy will be a place for the priest and deacon to prepare for Mass. Parishioners will not be admitted back there. Sacristans, Eucharistic ministers and altar servers will not be used until we move into further phases of reopening. Lectors can practice the readings put on the pulpit by the priest or deacon. Also, ONLY the priest or deacon will distribute communion during this time. As we move into later phases of reopening, these guidelines will be further examined.

Here are The previous diocesan restrictions and state guidelines
  • Omission of the Sign of Peace
  • No communion by the cup
  • Communion in the hand only
  • Holy Water fonts to remain empty and covered
  • Social distancing (6ft minimum) to be abided by at all times
  • Masks will be required

I am confident that if we are willing to make these minor adjustments, we will be able to worship together as a community while ensuring the health and safety of all present. The biggest obstacle as I see it is, WE NEED YOUR HELP! After every mass, the pews and commonly touched surfaces will have to be disinfected. If you are able and willing, we would like to ask you to volunteer after a mass. We need volunteers to disinfect for every liturgical function in the Church. Please sign up with our secretary Ann Fabrycki. You can call her at the office (733-5823, ext. 113) or email her at: [email protected]. Our reopening is conditional to our ability to abide by these guidelines.

It will be great to finally gather and worship with you once again. You have been in my prayers daily and I look forward to seeing you. Our reopening will take place on Pentecost or sooner if we have a quick response. God Bless you.

Sincerely yours,

Fr. David Aufiero