Parish Response to the Coronavirus

Dear Parishioners,

Greetings and peace in our Risen Lord!

It was just over two months ago that I wrote you as the coronavirus pandemic began to have an impact on our country and our local community. As you know the commonwealth and our city are now moving our local community into the “yellow” phase of reopening the community and attempting to resume normal operations with some restrictions. Archbishop Perez has announced that the parishes in the Archdiocese may begin offering public Mass again beginning on Saturday June 6th. This permission comes with some restrictions and so I would like to share these with you.

The first and most important concern, of all these restrictions, is for your protection and wellbeing. The last thing any of us wish to see is a strong resurgence of the virus that can have devastating results on our parish and community. With this in mind the Bishops of the United States have extend the dispensation for attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days. If you are elderly, in poor health, or may be vulnerable because of medical conditions you should not attempt to go out or attend Mass. Again, this advice is for your protection. We will continue to live stream two Masses a week for those not able to physically come to church for Mass.

As we resume public Masses there are certain guidelines that we must follow. The following guidelines are those from the Archdiocese and for our own parish based on our building size and layout:

-- All adults and children above the age of two must wear a face mask or covering in church.

-- We must maintain social distancing in the building. Pews or individuals with a limited number permitted in each pew.

-- The only entrance into the church will be though the handicap door on the Lancaster Avenue side of the church. Hand sanitizer will be available at the door and a limited number of disposable masks. The main front doors will be for exiting only.

-- The front entrance area, now sometimes used by parents with children, cannot be used.

-- Social gathering on the steps or walkways around the church is not permitted until we

are in the “green” phase.

-- For the reception of the Holy Eucharist instructions will be explained at every Mass and all those coming to receive communion are asked to follow them.

We are permitted, during this phase, to have two hundred people attend Mass based on our seating capacity. I do not foresee a problem with this accept for the 11:30 a.m. Mass. For this reason I am adding an additional Mass on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. for the months of June and July. I would suggest that people, who normally might attend the 11:30 a.m. Mass, consider Saturday evening or this new Sunday afternoon Mass until we reach the green phase.