Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
“Soft-Opening” Begins May 25
Jesus Christ is Risen!  There will be a “soft opening” of daily Masses starting Monday, May 25.  Obviously, there will still be some guidelines and restrictions.  However, I want to assure everyone, all those who desire to come to Church will be able to do so.  Furthermore, any who are unable to come and desire a visit for confession, anointing, or Holy Communion please call the rectory so we can make arrangements for you.
 
Mass Schedule ... so far.
Monday May 25 (Memorial Day) - 9 am Mass
Tuesday May 26         7 am Mass (NO morning prayer Nor adoration)
Wednesday May 27    8:30am Mass
Thursday May 28        7 am Mass (NO morning prayer)
Friday   May 29          8:30 Mass
Friday    May 29         5:30 EF Mass
Sunday May 31           10am Mass
 
Note that Monday is a civic holiday so the time is 9am.  For the weekend we are starting with only the one Mass at 10am on Sunday.  Because of cleaning requirements and numbers of volunteers we want to start minimally.  As of this time our best guess is that only the one Mass is necessary.  We could be wrong.  This first week will be a test run. If more people show up than expected, we will add a Mass or rework the schedule.  Something I am already learning is that in my desire to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, I become frustrated that the reality of the situation does not allow it yet.  Others may feel the same way, so I ask you to join me in learning more patience and flexibility. Depending on this soft-opening, we may have to adjust the schedule in the coming weeks until we reestablish our equilibrium.
 
Deciding to come to Mass
Even with the possibility of returning to Mass, the bishops are continuing to give the dispensation from the Sunday obligation for all the faithful. Also, the obligation to receive Holy Communion during the Easter Season (which has been basically impossible to fulfill) is commuted. This means one must fulfill the obligation of Holy Communion sometime within the next year.

Even with the dispensation, I know every faithful Catholic is or should be looking forward to returning to Mass in order to give proper worship to God.  At the same time, due to the current situation not everyone is required nor should they return too quickly.  If one is sick, or shows any symptoms, obviously remain home for recuperation and to reduce the risk to others.  If one is more susceptible or vulnerable to the virus due to age or other health issues it is recommended to remain home.  While we are taking reasonable precautions and implementing, as best we can, state and diocesan guidelines, we cannot guarantee absolutely that one will not contract the virus.  If one is concerned, it is all right to remain home until one is more comfortable returning to Mass.  We encourage those who are not returning yet to still keep holy the Lord's Day through prayer and penance.  To help with this we will celebrate a livestream Mass at 4:30pm on May 30 (this Mass is NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC).

Precautions & Protocols ... so far.

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. One should plan to wear the mask throughout the whole Mass.  The one exception will be when the person receives Holy Communion.

Six feet social distancing will be implemented while in the pews and when processing for Holy Communion. The one exception will be for the actual reception of Holy Communion when one must step close to the minister.

Further instructions on reception of Holy Communion will be given at Mass, but every Communicant may choose whether to receive on the tongue or in the hand. 

For the time being we cannot provide pew missals or song books, but you may bring your own if you choose.


This is new for all of us, and unexpected situations may arise. Be assured I take seriously everyone’s health, physical and spiritual. But the emphasis is on the spiritual. 
 
Extra Confession Times
Because our emphasis should be on the spiritual preparation as well as the physical, I will be offering open confession times from 9am-12 on Tuesday, May 26 and from 4pm-5 on Friday, May 29. If one would like to make an appointment outside of those times, please call the rectory.  Note that for the time being, the regular Saturday Confession time is not available.
 
Updating Parishioner Emails
It seems like a while ago but the “4th Journey” calls we made are bearing some fruit during this pandemic time.  It has helped us to update parishioner contact information, and helped us create a more accurate email list.  This is a lot of work and we are around 50% done.  We sent out an email blast to those on our list to test the system.  If you did not get it that is okay; we are still adding addresses.  The hope to communicate better with more of our parishioners in convenient ways.  One of the “upsides” to this time is it has become an opportunity to increase our “digital presence.”  Soon we will have better email communication and in the meantime there is our website, stpaulakron.org, also our facebook page, our parish smartphone app, and yes we still have a rectory phone number with great people on staff ready to help.
 
Stay healthy but stay holy first.  So trust in God and be smart.
 
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr.Pfr