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June 23, 2021The pandemic has certainly changed so many aspects of life. Our parish has managed to continue to gather for Mass and other sacraments even with the safety guidelines and space and seating restrictions. The guidelines have been substantially reduced recently and it seems we are returning to more ordinary ways of functioning. The past year has led to many new and different practices that seem to be useful and beneficial. We have been using collection boxes instead of taking up a collection during Mass at both churches. This practice helps to keep the Mass flowing without delay. The parish has ordered additional boxes to be placed at the main entrances of the two churches. The collection boxes will continue to be used from this time forward. The ushers will continue to welcome people and assist them at Mass at Holy Family Church and St. Bernard Church.
For the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Holy Family Church, the parish will be renovating the room off the vestibule (formerly the cry room) as the new place for this sacrament. It is more spacious with windows along one side to provide light. I have found this to be a better place for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A vesting sacristy will be installed for when we return to beginning Mass with an entrance procession from the vestibule, which I hope will be soon. At St. Bernard Church, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will continue to be celebrated in the chapel for now, which is adjacent to the Sanctuary in the former Cheverus Hall. When conditions improve, the sacrament will be celebrated in the Reconciliation room on the rectory side of the church.
At St. Bernard Church, daily Mass will continue to be celebrated in the main church. With the limited space in the chapel, I don’t think it is wise to continue to use it for Mass. Instead, the room will used for a meeting space after some renovation. There are Religious Education classes that meet at St. Bernard and additional space will be helpful. These necessary changes brought about by the pandemic have turned out to be helpful and useful. I will communicate as I have in the past when changes will occur.
I appreciate your prayers and understanding.
Reminder: Given Governor Lamont’s declaration that remaining restrictions be lifted, on May 19th our churches reopened to 100% capacity with no need for any specific social distancing. As of June 9th, Archbishop Blair modified the safety practices regarding COVID-19, stating that masks will still be required for those who are unvaccinated while in church and optional for those who are fully vaccinated. Please also be aware that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer in force as of May 22, 2021.
