A few days ago, the State and the County directed us to suspend all indoor gatherings which includes the celebration of Mass. The good news, however, is that we have been given permission to gather outdoors with no more than 60 people. Our outdoor Sunday Masses will continue to be celebrated within the school grounds Saturday, at 5:00pm, Sunday, 8:00am, 9:30am (live streamed), 11:30am, and 6:00pm. Weekday mass is celebrated in the church courtyard at 8:30am in concurrence with our daily live streamed mass. I would ask that you please sign up online to help us facilitate our liturgy efficiently.

As announced last week, the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession will be heard in the parking lot every Saturday 3:30pm-4:30pm. You must drive up and remain in your car. To maintain the privacy of the Sacrament, there should only be one person in the car. In this most unusual time, without the ability to hear confessions as frequently as we are accustomed to and in a vastly different format, please prayerfully consider your true need for the Sacrament at this time.

Infant Baptisms will be celebrated every First and Third Saturdays of the month at the church courtyard. Baptism preparation is still required and is done through zoom. Fr. Edgar has developed a simplified class to help the parents become even more aware of the importance of the Sacrament and the responsibilities that are attached to it.

In the next few weeks, First Communion will be offered to our children. I’d like to thank Merry, Melissa, and the parents for working together to ensure a safe and joyful celebration with our communicants. Row David and Fr. Edgar are making plans to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation to our youth. I am sure that details about it will be available very soon.

Under COVID 19, I’d like to remind all of us to please observe the guidelines for the celebration of the Sacraments: please wear mask, six feet physical distancing, washing and sanitizing of hands, no congregating before and after each liturgy, and if you are not feeling well or if you believe you have been exposed to COVID 19 stay home. Also, a reminder that the dispensation from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass is still in effect.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. In imposing these temporary liturgical adaptations and restrictions, we would like to ensure your safety. We will also continue to ensure to preserve the integrity of the celebration of the Sacraments.

Finally, let us pray for each other. I encourage all of us to find time to be with our Lord. During this time of testing, we ask our God to grant us His Spirit of courage. And wisdom to scientists, researchers, and world leaders to find the much-needed vaccine. May Mary, our Mother, Health of the Sick, protect and intercede for all us.

As always, take care and God bless,

Fr. Ritche