One of the innumerable benefits of the Catholic Church is the fact that due to its lengthy history, there is almost always an example or historical precedent that we can look back to for guidance when trouble rears its ugly head. Even now, as we navigate the choppy waters of a pandemic, we can look to the Church’s witness of how she led her people through plagues and other turmoil. St. Charles Borromeo and many other saints have shone like bright lights in how they cared for their people and were forgetful of themselves when things seemed darkest.

Whether we are looking at times when the Church was being persecuted by hostile forces or weathering natural disasters, the care of souls has always been the principle law of the Church, and the sacraments stand at the center of that battle. As we prepare for the return of public Masses next week, there is one thing that is absolutely certain and also one fervent desire I have for the region. It is certain that things will not be immediately returning to normal. It is my prayer that this time away from the regular celebration of the sacraments shows us that which we have taken for granted, and that the way we celebrate together will forever be changed for the better.
 
With that in mind, I ask you for your patience as we roll out this initial return to the sacraments. We are in uncharted waters here, and there will no doubt be bumps in the road as we sort all this out. There will be many restrictions and changes, and I ask that everyone work with us to bring back the Mass in a safe and healthy manner. Please keep the following in mind:
 
The faithful are still dispensed from theirobligation to attend Mass.
 
We are returning to the public celebration of the Mass for the sake of bringing people the sacraments, not out of a sense of fulfilling an obligation. We will have to limit the number of people in the buildings at any one time, so we will have to spread out the number of Masses. Please work with us by registering via the Signup
Genius links we will be posting everywhere. If you cannot use Signup Genius, call the parish office and we will get you and your family a slot to attend Mass. Be helpful to any neighbors or relatives who might not be able to navigate this process on their own.
 
If you are in a higher risk category for Covid, please continue to participate with us
via livestream.
 
The Mass will be somewhat stripped down, with no music and the same restrictions on how we celebrate that were in place before the suspension of public Masses.
 
Until we work out the kinks, please try to attend Mass just once per week.
 
It is impossible for us to know from the outset how many people will feel safe going to Mass. If you and your family are able to attend a weekday Mass instead of a Saturday or Sunday Mass, please do so for the sake of those who are still working regular hours and can only go on weekends. We might find that there are additional opportunities once the schedule settles into a predictable routine, and we will keep you posted on that as it develops.
 
We will need volunteers to help with navigating the restrictions and sanitizing that will be necessary. Please let the office know if you are willing and able to help with this.
 
This entire experience has been filled with platitudes and aphorisms that have become meaningless. Uncertain times. We’re in this together. Yada yada yada. Suffice it to say that we are making this up as we go along, but we’re confident that if we work together, we can use this as a gradual return to something like normalcy. Be patient, stay calm, and know that Jesus will bring us through this with an even deeper love and appreciation for the sacraments. I look forward to seeing you all soon, and know of my continued prayers, always.
 
Fr. McC