Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church,
and All People
 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Happy Pentecost! And Welcome Back!
I rejoice that we can celebrate this great Solemnity of the Church together!  For it is the Holy Spirit that unites us and gathers us as one body in Jesus Christ. This week’s column understandably needs to be informative rather than reflective due to the many questions people have. So I put this FAQ’s together. As of the time this writing, this is our approach on these questions. Remember to check our website as we update it regularly with any changes or communicating protocols. I trust in all of you to be mindful of our duty to God and our neighbor as we return to Holy Mass.
 
What is the Mass schedule?
As of right now, May 25, our daily Mass schedule is the same. We will have one public Mass on Sunday, May 31, at 10 am. This is based on our best guess as to how many people will attend. If the 10 am Mass gets too crowded, we will have to ask people to stay outside the church.  However, if this happens I will offer another Mass immediately following the 10 am Mass.
 
Should I come to Mass?
The obligation to attend Mass is currently dispensed for everyone, so no one must come. However, we go to Mass not simply because of an obligation but because we love our Lord and He is owed our worship.  Yet those who are sick, have symptoms, have been in contact with one who is sick, one who is vulnerable, or if one is caring for a sick person at home, we ask you to not come to Mass. If you are in need of pastoral care, please call the rectory so we can connect with you.
 
Do I have to wear a mask?
Everyone coming to Mass is strongly encouraged to bring their own face mask. We will strive to make available disposable masks for those who do not have one. Those who are unable to wear a mask will not be turned away.
 
Do I have to wear the mask the whole time?
One should plan to wear the mask throughout the whole Mass. The one exception will be if the person receives Holy Communion.
 
Should I bring my offertory envelope?
Yes, please bring any financial offering to assist the parish.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.  However, there will not be a collection at the normal time. Immediately following Mass, the ushers will have baskets set up in the narthex at the exits for people to give their offerings.
 
How do I stay socially distant?
If you have a particular place you usually sit in the church, please be ready to sit somewhere else.  Certain pews are blocked so as to assist with keeping people socially distant. Ushers will help people find appropriate seating based upon the size of the household. Throughout the church on pews and the floor will be tape marking six-foot increments so people can more easily judge distances whether one is standing or processing. Everyone should use their common sense along with the markers as a frame of reference.  The one exception will be for the actual reception of Holy Communion when one must come close to the minister.  
                                                            
Can my family sit together? 
Yes, members of the same household may sit together. Simply be mindful of distancing with other households and individuals by using the tape markers as a frame of reference. Depending on the size of the household, you may be asked to sit in a particular place.
 
Can we use the family room (cry room)?
The family room will be closed due to its confining space. If one needs to remove their child from the main nave, there will be extra chairs set up in the Narthex at six-foot intervals.  
 
How should I receive Holy Communion ?
If one is spiritually prepared and disposed to receive Holy Communion at Mass, one should come forward as usual but maintaining six feet between communicants in line.  When one approaches the minister he should pull the mask below his chin. Respond to the minister by saying "Amen," then receive Holy Communion either on the tongue or in the hand (each communicant may decide either way) as usual with proper reverence. Then put the mask back over one's mouth and nose and return to the pew.  
 
What if the minister touches me or somebody else during Holy Communion?
Before the distribution of Holy Communion, the minister will sanitize his hands. If he touches someone's hand or tongue accidentally, he will sanitize his fingers right there before distributing to the next person.  
 
What about songbooks or missals?
For the time being, we will not have our regular pew missals or songbooks or worship aids in the pews.  You may bring your own missal if you choose.
 
Are we not supposed to sing?
This one is difficult and will vary from parish to parish. Here at St. Paul's we will still have music to assist us in praying the Mass. However some parts where the congregation is accustomed to responding have been modified to reduce the amount of singing. According to certain recommendations, even with a mask on, there could be a possible danger with a larger crowd singing together.  We encourage people to simply recite the appropriate parts but be prepared for less congregational singing and chanting.
 
As we continue through this difficult time, stay Christian! This means we follow Christ and love as He loves. This requires patience, understanding, wisdom, prudence, and well ... basically all the virtues and the gifts of the Spirit! We are a family who is in this together. As much as we are eager to return to Mass, God is even more eager to enliven our souls with His grace.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr.Pfr