Welcome back! Whether you are joining us in person for Mass this weekend or continuing to join us spiritually, it’s wonderful to be back.
As we begin the process of reopening for Mass, I would first like to remind everyone that safety is always going to be our top priority. As you may know from my letter sent out earlier this month, there will be new guidelines and procedures we observe this weekend:
We are asking for guests to sign up to attend. We are limiting capacity and the best way to ensure you are able to attend is by making a reservation.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early and please enter the church through the main doors on Francisco.
There will be identified areas where you can sit in church and we ask that you only leave your seat when directed by an usher or greeter.
All participants will be asked to enter church wearing a mask being, and keep in on for the duration.
All participants will be given a “squirt” of sanitizer for your hands
There will be new procedures and a path to follow when it comes time for Communion:
Maintain 6 feet social distancing in line for communion (we will have marks on the floor).
Ushers will let you know when you may leave your pew and enter the Communion line, and provide you with hand sanitizer.
Extend a single hand to receive the consecrated Host and then lower your face covering and consume the Eucharist.
I know that the past three months have been difficult for many of us. We have been without public Masses since March. But this Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Chirst, and it seems appropriate that the day many of us return to the Eucharist for the first time since March is also the day we celebrate the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Perhaps, the time we have been away from the Sacrament has given us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Eucharist in our lives. And so I encourage you, whether you are joining us for Mass in person this weekend, or participating spiritually, take the time to reflect upon Christ's gift of His Body and Blood to us.
Finally, this Monday, the rectory office will be open once again. We have slightly modified hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Sunday: Closed
You must wear a mask or face covering if you visit the office. We will serve and talk to our visitors through the service window in the inner vestibule of the rectory. If you are coming for a meeting, the conference room inside the office is available. Six feet of social distance should be maintained at all times, and we will have hand sanitizer available for use. Remember that these precautions, both at Masses and at the rectory office, are for everyone’s safety and we thank you for your understanding.
Peace,
Fr. Benedykt
P.S. Even though we are reopening for Mass, we are still going to display the Blessed Sacrament in the north window of the rectory for the foreseeable future. This weekend's Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is the perfect time to stop by and pray!