FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!
June 4, 2020
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I am so happy and delighted to welcome everyone back. It has been 2½ months since we have been able to gather together as a worship community.
You will have noticed very clearly after having participated in these first Masses this weekend that things are different from where we left off; there are no processions, there is no singing to prevent a greater possibility of spreading virus particles, if they are present; all books, worship aids and paraphernalia have been removed, due to concerns of cross-contamination; clearly marked offertory collection boxes for your donation envelopes or cash have been placed at the entrances of the church; all movement is being guided and limited by ushers; the church has been cordoned off in ways to maintain the required social distancing; there is no kneeling; the receiving of Holy Communion in the hand only has been decreed by the Bishop, as well as the reception of Holy Communion to be done at the end of Mass, following the final blessing.
Entrance into the church building will be either from the front handicapped door, or from the center doors ONLY of the back of the church; exiting will be from all 4 doors.
It has been recommended that the Mass be kept as short as possible, while being celebrated reverently.
For all of the changes implemented, they have been done in a spirit of charity and as due caution, protection, respect, and safety for all. None of this has been done arbitrarily, and without reason, in consultation with the Bishop, priests, deacons and the laity. And so, your understanding and cooperation in all of this is so very important.
As a “vulnerable” individual myself, I have been and will continue to live a limited lifestyle; all protocols and guidelines need to be observed; anyone who considers themselves “vulnerable”—this can be by virtue of age, illness, fear or anxiety—can and should feel free to absent themselves from attending Mass; the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays has been lifted by the Bishop, and so NO SIN IS COMMITTED in choosing not to come to Mass.
Since six foot social distancing is mandatory, masks/face coverings are highly recommended, you may sit as an individual, a couple or a household. Our seating has been modified for just that purpose.
As you arrive you should have your mask on, use the hand sanitizers that have been installed inside the church at all entrances, and be guided to take a seat in the church by the ushers.
Since charity and generosity towards others should always be a hallmark of ours as Christians, and members of St. Peter’s, I implore you to kindly follow the directions of the ushers, remembering that these rules and guidelines are not designed to be arbitrary or difficult. They are the end result of the Bishop’s consultation with the relevant authorities, and have been set forth in consultation with the entirety of the priests of the diocese. Each parish then has to apply them with care as to the size of the building, its facilities and safety needs.
I, as your pastor, have consulted with members of the parish council, finance council and Liturgy committee members, all composed of your fellow parishioners. Several of these committee members have worked very hard and have done much preparatory work so that we could all come together safely, and comfortably.
Anyone who does not feel comfortable or safe coming to Mass is dispensed; don’t feel guilty about staying at home if you are not well, feel the need to stay home, or are vulnerable or distancing.
Your needs and intentions have been in my prayers at all my private masses that I have celebrated during these months of social distancing. I am so happy to welcome you back, and to have the opportunity to once again celebrate our faith together, as a community.
Sincerely and in prayer,
Fr. Tom