Faith Formation Resources for use at home…
Click here for great content and resources!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Updates…
May 2021: Dispensation Will be Lifted at Pentecost
Find more info here:
https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/liturgical-guidelines-pentecost-2021
3/10/21:
Mass Capacities to Increase, Online Registration for Holy Week & Easter, and Pew Missals
Just this past week, Bishop Boyea announced that we may now allow for some relaxing of Covid requirements in our parishes, moving up to 50% attendance at any point between now and the end of the dispensation (May 23).
With that, rather than bumping immediately to 50% capacity, we will plan to increase our capacity more gradually, moving from our current 30% capacity to a 40% capacity beginning on Palm Sunday weekend, March 27-28. (This will allow for 170 people at St. John Church and 128 at St. Joseph.)
Our St. John Parish Center will still be open with a live-streamed Mass to allow for overflow at all Masses except our 5 p.m. (or as a place for those who arrive and decide that they’d prefer greater distancing). Communion is distributed at this location, as well.
Please note that with many of our elderly now having had the chance to be vaccinated, this increased capacity is possible, but if that makes you feel uncomfortable, it may be advisable to still participate from home, joining in with our live-streamed Mass.
With these updates, we continue to ask that all who are medically able to do so to please wear a mask for the health of and concern for others around you.
Please remember that Palm Sunday through Holy Week and Easter are already times of increased attendance yearly, so with that, we will require online registration. See our website to do so or call the parish office…spaces are likely to fill quickly.
Finally, beginning March 27th, we will see a return to our Pew Missals for use in the pews! Some of you have already purchased your own copy for personal use. If you didn’t purchase one but would prefer to have your own copy as we approach the March 27th date, feel free to buy one after Mass for $5 each.
We have loved seeing increased attendance numbers already taking place these past few weeks and look forward to having more and more of our church family return. In that, we strive to consider your safety and well-being while accommodating those who wish to slowly return between now and the end of the dispensation. Please continue your prayers for an end to the Covid pandemic and for good health for all of us!
2/3/21
Bishop Boyea has extended the dispensation to attend Mass and Holy Days of Obligation through Sunday, May 16th:
Please Note: “As previously provided, the faithful are reminded that while the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is dispensed, all are nevertheless obligated to keep the Lord’s day holy (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2168-2195). It is especially recommended to engage in prayer, either personally or as a family (cf, can. 1248 §2), for example, by devoutly following a broadcast of the Sunday Mass by television, internet, or radio…”
12/10/20
Dear Parishioners,
In desiring to keep you informed, it was discovered Monday, 12/7, that Fr. Brian had contact on Friday, 12/4, with someone who since had tested positive for Covid. Sadly, as of today, Fr. Brian has also tested positive. He has been in quarantine since Monday and currently suffers from mild “cold-like” symptoms.
Since he did not have sustained contact with anyone except Fr. Chas and Riley (who are also in quarantine and being tested), nobody who may have attended Mass this weekend with Fr. Brian as celebrant should feel the need to quarantine. Fr. Brian wore a mask during the distribution of Holy Communion and sanitized his hands before Communion; he did not have sustained contact within 6 feet of anyone during Mass.
Consequently, Dcn. Dave Etters will substitute for Fr. Chas at the “O Come, Let Us Adore” evening of adoration on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Also, there will be two substitute priests at this weekend’s Masses, Fr. John Whitlock and Fr. Zach Mabee. Fr. Chas’ and Fr. Brian’s Sermon Series will continue later this month when they are out of quarantine.
Please join us in lifting Fr. Brian, Fr. Chas, and Riley for prayer along with all who suffer from Covid:
+++Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for a full and speedy recovery for Fr. Brian. Protect Fr. Chas and Riley, Divine Physician, and send your healing to all who suffer from Covid, from the virus itself to the impact it has on all of us throughout the world. Comfort those who have lost loved ones, protect those who care for the sick, and help us to always remember to turn to you in petition and never to give in to despair or hopelessness. We ask this in your name, Jesus, as we ask, too, for the intercession of your Blessed Mother. Amen.+++
November 17, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
With the recent Covid-19 mandates, after today, we will be canceling ALL in-person meetings that are typically held in our Parish Center (from Nov. 18-Dec. 8). This includes ministry meetings, council & commission meetings, and Faith Formation opportunities. Many of these groups may still choose to meet virtually, so watch the bulletin, Facebook, myParish app, your email, etc., for the plans of each particular group. (The only exception to the use of the Parish Center is for those participating in RCIA who are unable to join virtually.)
Our office remains closed to the public, but we continue to answer phones between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
ALL DAILY MASSES AND WEEKEND MASSES are STILL being celebrated and ARE OPEN to in-person attendance (keeping with our current capped capacities that allow for social distancing and with the requirement of wearing face masks).
Finally, there is also an update to the Bishop’s Dispensation:
In light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and concerned raised by health care facilities about their ability to provide adequately for those afflicted by the Coronavirus, Bishop Earl Boyea has decreed that the faithful of the Diocese of Lansing will continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation until Tuesday, February 16, 2021, preceding the liturgical season of Lent.
“As previously provided, the faithful are reminded that while the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is dispensed, all are nevertheless obligated to keep the Lord’s day holy,” says Bishop Boyea in his decree issued on Friday, November 13, the Feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.
“It is especially recommended to engage in prayer, either personally or as a family (cf, can. 1248 §2), for example, by devoutly following a broadcast of the Sunday Mass by television, internet, or radio. Parishes are encouraged to continue to use the various means of social communications to maximize accessibility to the faithful.”
Bishop Boyea’s decree was issued just 48-hours before Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a new COVID-19 order through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) under the authority of the Michigan Public Health Code to control the spread of an epidemic. The orders go into effect on Wednesday, November 18. Among other things, here is what the order most notably means for parishes within the Diocese of Lansing:
Public Masses: As in the past, all orders remain subject to constitutional protections, such as the free exercise of religion. In recognition of this, the new MDHHS order again includes an exemption from penalty for religious worship. Bishop Boyea has confirmed that public Masses – and sacraments and devotions – will continue under the present liturgical guidelines which accord with the highest standards of public health and hygiene relating to COVID-19. While remaining ever vigilant, it is worth noting that since the introduction of the guidelines in May there have been no known outbreaks of COVID-19 in any Diocese of Lansing parish. Deo gratias.
Non-liturgical public gatherings: Unlike past orders, which had allowed for various indoor gatherings subject to capacity limits, the new orders completely ban all non-residential indoor gatherings. Residential gatherings are limited to 10 persons, and no more than 2 households. In light of these new restrictions, parish halls will be closed and all parish gatherings prohibited. Outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted provided there is adequate space to social distance.
Catholic Schools: In short, the new order means that the Diocese of Lansing’s four regional high schools will be closed; however, all grade schools will remain open; although sports and extracurriculars are prohibited.
The order is set to expire on December 8 at 11:59 p.m. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Diocese of Lansing, pray for us!
You can read Bishop Boyea’s decree in full here.
May 27, 2020
Click here to read the “Welcome Back to Mass” guidelines…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday Masses Return the Weekend of May 30-31st (at 25 % capacity)…read on…
May 21, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
How wonderful that at the time of this writing, plans and preparations are moving forward to join together as a parish family for Mass at St. John and St. Joseph Churches on Pentecost weekend, May 30-31!
Our WEEKEND MASS schedule will be that which you were accustomed to prior to our two-plus months of quarantine:
Saturday, May 30
4:15 p.m. (Mass of Anticipation) at St. John Church
(A 7:00 Vigil that evening will be exclusively for our Elect & Candidates who will be initiated into the Church!)
Sunday, May 31
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., Noon, 5:00 p.m. at St. John Church
9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church
Because, according to diocesan guidelines, each of these Masses must be limited to 25% capacity, each Mass at St. John Church will also be live streamed via Facebook (10:00 a.m. will be included also on our website and Youtube). With 25% capacity allowing 100 people to attend per Mass, we suggest maybe choosing a Mass time that is usually more lightly attended, such as our 8:00 or 9:30 a.m. Sunday Masses for a better chance of being one of those 100.
Weekday Masses offer another opportunity to receive Holy Communion and starting June 2nd, you can join us (up to 100 people) at one of the following times:
Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. at St. John (please note time change)
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph (please note time change)
Friday, 9:00 a.m. at St. John
PLEASE NOTE: Per diocesan guidelines, Mass attendance requires participants to wear a MASK and practice social distancing We recommend using hand sanitizer as well as cleaning your pew with a disinfectant wipe before and after use. We will also be working hard to keep the church clean between Masses and appreciate your help! Every other pew will be open for seating so as to keep distance between people.
We ask that you please consider not attending if you or a loved one is compromised or in an “at-risk” category. Bishop Boyea has extended his dispensation from Sunday obligation to July for this very reason—so that those who cannot/should not attend do not feel compelled to do so at their possible detriment. We will receive a final set of directives from the diocese next week, so any other changes/additions will be communicated out at that time. Please keep an eye on our social media and website! Be sure to also check out the diocesan website for more information.
We miss you all and look forward to again gathering as a parish family to celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass together! Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to do so. We continue to hold you all in prayer!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May 14, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
With the news of the extended “stay at home order” last week and subsequent announcement that Masses would be closed to the public until May 29 (with the exception of small groups able to attend daily weekday Masses), we’re reaching out to let you know where our discernment has led and what this entails for us at St. John the Evangelist Parish.
Even though there are no public Masses until May 29, Bishop Boyea has allowed an attendance of 5% of the church building’s capacity to attend the private weekday Masses that are live streamed on Facebook. Five percent of our church is a little over 20 people. With the 10 weekday noon Masses that would be available during the time period between May 18-May 29, that would only equate to just over 200 people having the opportunity to attend one of the days. Our typical attendance for a weekend runs right around 1200, so you can see that we are quite limited in being able to possibly accommodate all who may want to attend.
We miss you all and want nothing more than to again gather as a parish family to celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass together! We know how much our parishioners long to receive the Lord in the Eucharist.
Given that we had already had plans in the works to have our 2nd graders, who missed their celebration of First Holy Communion, come in to receive this sacrament two to three families per day at the daily noon Mass during this time period, we have opted to stay with this course of action. It seems right to put our children first and let them receive this sacrament which they missed receiving on May 3rd. This, too, avoids a tough decision that may leave some feeling “left out” or “looked over.” Because the First Communion families and their guests will fill 21 spots daily, we won’t be able to extend invitations to others.
Please pray for our First Communicants as they celebrate their special day(s) (although in a different way than they anticipated!), and join us for our Facebook live-streamed Masses to wish them well and share in their experience.
God-willing, we will have the opportunity to be back together, though in limited fashion, again at the end of the month! We will soon send communication as to how things will look moving forward on May 30-31, the first weekend we can have parishioners back for Sunday Masses. Thank you for your understanding and support. We continue to hold you all in prayer. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Chas
Click here for the latest update from the Diocese of Lansing
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4/30/20
Statement on the Re-introduction of Public Masses within the Diocese of Lansing
The Diocese of Lansing is preparing to restore public Masses on Monday May 18, 2020, with continuing measures in place to protect public health.
“The Catholic community of the Diocese of Lansing has made some big and, yes, painful sacrifices over the past weeks in order to live out Christ’s divine instruction to love our neighbor as we have attempted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent our healthcare workers from being overwhelmed, and uphold all elements of the common good,” said Director of Worship for the Diocese of Lansing, Jeremy Priest, April 30.
While public Masses have been suspended across the Diocese of Lansing since March 17, parishes have continued to celebrate baptisms, weddings, and funerals, with small groups present, while priests have also continued to offer regular confessions. The Sacrament of the Sick has also continued to be administered including the anointing of COVID-19 patients.
In the meantime, some relaxations have already begun to take place in recent days including private Masses for those receiving First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. In addition, churches may continue to remain open for private prayer and, indeed, Bishop Earl Boyea is encouraging parishes to offer such opportunities for personal piety while keeping appropriate precautions in place.
Over the coming days, Bishop Boyea will be finalizing guidelines as to how parishes may safely re-open public Masses on May 18. This will include advice on maintaining social distancing which will see the capacity of church buildings reduced. There will also be advice on maintaining good hygiene for those in attendance at public Masses including clergy and lay faithful.
“As with other aspects of public life, the effectiveness of our social-distancing and hygiene guidelines at our public Masses will be monitored,” said Jeremy Priest.
“We are not precisely sure at this stage what our future practice will look like as the weeks and months progress but it’s our intention to move things forward as safely as we can.”
Issued: April 30, 2020, Feast of Pope St. Pius V
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We value the health and safety of the St. John the Evangelist parish employees and guests. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. John the Evangelist parish has implemented preventive measures in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our focus is to ensure we meet the needs of those whom we serve while doing our part to keep our employees and our communities safe. For the latest updates, we recommend the guidance provided at the CDC website (cdc.gov/coronavirus).
Our buildings and worship spaces will continue to be cleaned with disinfectant cleaning supplies regularly.
At this time, we are taking recommended precautions while continuing operations. While some of our employees are able to telework at least most of the time, we have instructed that all employees who work onsite:
- Maintain a safe distance from one another (at least six feet).
- Wash their hands frequently (at least 20 seconds).
- Practice safe hygiene: cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/coughing_sneezing
- Have hand sanitizer with at least 62% alcohol readily available.
- Wipe down their workspaces at least once per day with sanitizing wipes, which are provided.
- Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue and dispose of the tissue and wash hands. When a tissue is not available, use the crook of the elbow to cover the cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if they are not feeling well or have symptoms such as a fever (100.4° or more) or a cough or trouble breathing.
- Self-quarantine or seek medical treatment when necessary.
We are committed to continuing to serve our parishioners during this time.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EXTENDED SUSPENSION OF MASSES through 4/30/20…from the Diocese of Lansing:
Based on the current circumstances and with a profound desire to protect the health and well-being of all, Bishop Boyea has discerned that the current suspension of all public Masses and the liturgical directives that he established on March 17, 2020 should remain in place through April 30, 2020.
While the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Matrimony, and Funeral liturgies will continue as previously directed, the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation will not take place until the suspension is lifted. Possible rescheduling scenarios are being considered.
These determinations were made based upon the most recent directives and guidelines from government officials and health care experts to extend the time period for social distancing in a continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The decision to prolong the suspension of public Masses was not made lightly, but out of a fervent desire to protect the health and well-being of clergy, religious, and laity, but especially the most vulnerable.
In this time of suffering and uncertainty, Bishop Boyea has called “all Catholics and, indeed, all people within the Diocese of Lansing” to prayer, fasting, and works of mercy, imploring the Lord to bring an end to this pandemic. As we unite under the “divine mandate to fast and pray when threatened by the powers of darkness (cf. Mt 17:21),” let us entrust ourselves to the Lord, who is rich in mercy.
Many have inquired regarding how this will impact the “Easter duty” of Catholics to “receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season” and the obligation to “confess your sins at least once a year” (CCC 2042). While the basic requirement of the Church is for all Catholics to “confess…grave sins at least once a year” (CIC 989), it is not essential that this take place during Lent. And, while the “Easter duty” of receiving the Holy Eucharist should be done during the Easter season, the Code of Canon Law specifies that “for a just cause” this obligation can be fulfilled “at another time during the year” (CIC 920, §2). Protecting the health and well-being of the most vulnerable in a time of global pandemic is certainly such a just cause.
For up-to-date information about the Diocese of Lansing’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.dioceseoflansing.org/coronavirus.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4/5/20
We had a beautiful start to Holy Week with our Palm Sunday Mass and palm blessing.
Check out our “Holy Week at Home” page as we prepare to celebrate Easter in a week!
And, Fr. Chas and Fr. Brian will pray the Rosary with us via Facebook Live each night of Holy Week at 8:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/31/20
Our St. John St. Vincent de Paul food pantry delivered 106 bags of groceries last week…nearly double the usual amount! With that, our pantry is running low. Please help us restock next week by “driving through” with a donation of cereal, canned meals (soup, pasta, ravioli, etc.), and/or paper towel & toilet paper. You can simply drive along the back of the parish center and hand your donation through your car window to the person waiting there. (Monday, 4/6, and Wednesday, 4/8, between 8:00-9:30 a.m.) Thank you…and prayers for our SVdP group who so lovingly cares for the needs of others in our community!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Click here to learn how to make the most of an online Mass…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/27/20
Dear Parish Family,
Talk about a Lent that we will never forget! We very much appreciate those who have remembered to continue their Sunday offertory via PayPal, online giving, or simply mailing your envelope to the office. We understand these are challenging times for everyone. You may have noticed through our prior communications that, in compliance with state and diocesan guidelines, we have closed our parish facilities.
To put our needs in perspective, to date, the parish spends an average of $45,000-$50,000 each week for fully-functioning operations, payroll, and the maintenance to maintain our campuses. We are certainly striving to minimize costs during this pandemic, but there are obviously some expenses associated with the basic maintenance of our various campus facilities (St. John Church & Rectory, St. Joseph Oratory & Rectory, St. John School, and St. John Cemetery) that remain, as well as our desire to retain our wonderful employees.
Our costs will be reduced slightly as most employees are working remotely during the “stay-at-home” mandate. The closing of our facilities, however, will not nearly be sufficient to offset the potential losses in our various sources of income (Sunday collections, school food services, latchkey income, and more). Through your generosity during this fiscal year, we currently have a $70,000 surplus offertory. That surplus will be depleted quickly with the “stay-at-home order” issued this past Monday, unless our parishioners continue to send in their Sunday offertory and other donations.
Our parish relies on your generosity in order to get through COVID-19 and continue the necessary operations of our parish and the employment of our phenomenal staff. Again, THANK YOU to those who have continued contributions despite the inability to attend Mass here on the weekend. We ask everyone else to please exercise one of several options to continue your regular Sunday contribution to help our offertory hold steady during these next few weeks:
- PayPal: saintjohnjackson.org/giving/
- Sign up for online giving on our website: saintjohnjackson.org/giving/
- Mail your offertory envelope to our office: St. John Parish, 711 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Jackson, MI 49201.
Yours in Christ,
Your St. John Parish Leadership Team
Fr. Chas Canoy
Kristi Blair
John Richards
Shayne Slough
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/23/20 BREAKING: In light of the stay-at-home order for the State of Michigan effective at midnight, our parish’s churches (St. John and St. Joseph), including our Adoration Chapel by 6:00 p.m.), will closed and locked.
All Masses will be live streamed from St. John Church.
Please continue to pray daily at home:
1 – Join Fr. Chas and Fr. Brian for rosary tonight at 8:00 p.m. and tomorrow (Tues) at 6:30 p.m.
2 – Join Fr. Chas for daily Mass at 12:00 noon (Mon-Fri), 4:15 p.m. (Sat), and 10:00 a.m. (Sun).
3 – Create a sacred space or prayer nook for your personal prayer.
4 – Go on a virtual retreat with the highly acclaimed “Metanoia” and “The Wild Goose” video programs: www.thewildgooseisloose.com.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/19/20: Things change by the day lately and sometimes by the hour, and that’s why we have this update page! We have just received word from the Diocese that there can be NO MORE distribution of HOLY COMMUNION in the church parking lot after any of our live-streamed Masses – Daily or Sunday. Please spread the word. While this news is saddening, we support the Bishop in his difficult decision in trying to keep all healthy!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Faith Formation Resources to use in the comfort of your own home!
Click here for great content and resources!
We want to support our parish family with encouragement, connection, and resources that you can access right at home! Keep checking back to our page for updated videos, bible studies, and more.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/18/20: Important Coronavirus Update
Dear Parish Family,
These are strange times; it feels like we’re in some dystopian sci-fi film! In a span of a few days, we went from social distancing at Mass to NO public Masses at all and then to no parish gatherings over 10 people and the parish office closing to the public! And STILL, things are bound to change.
We are striving to make the sacraments, which are the primary means by which God shares his divine life with us, available to the faithful, while steadfastly exercising the precautions necessary to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and respecting the decisions of our particular church, the Diocese of Lansing, as well as government directives.
Therefore, AS OF RIGHT NOW, on this morning of Wednesday, March 18, we are taking the following measures through Palm Sunday, April 5th, to continue the sacramental life for our parish family and all of the Catholic faithful in our area:
- Holy Mass via Livestream: While there are no public Masses at this time, we will be livestreaming one Mass per day at the very least on Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/SaintJohnJackson), but hopefully directly from our website as well: www.SaintJohnJackson.org.
- Weekend Masses at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday
- Daily Masses at 8:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday: For the sake of consistency, starting Friday, March 20th, we will have one Mass at the same time each day. Because Lumen Christi has closed, making Fr. Brian available, we will even be able to offer Mass on Fr. Chas’ only day off, Monday.
- Daily Mass lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. The priest will then exit to the church parking lot and begin the distribution of Holy Communion. Any cars not in the parking lot by 8:25 a.m. may not receive the Blessed Sacrament.
- Holy Communion Daily: The Diocese is currently allowing us to distribute the Body of Christ to people who participate in the livestreamed Mass, but remain in their cars in the church parking lot.
- This practice may change, depending on the severity of this outbreak in our area and directives from above.
- People must remain in their cars in order to receive Holy Communion. We cannot have people socializing, defeating the purpose of the necessary precautions from contagion and the sacred moment of receiving the Holy Eucharist. So please do not endanger this last outlet of being able to receive the Blessed Sacrament in this trying time.
- Livestream Mass Locations through April 5th:
- Saturday – 4:15 p.m. Mass of Anticipation at St. John Church
- Sunday – 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. John Church
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (MWF) – 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. John Church
- Tuesday and Thursday (TR) – 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church
- Sacrament of Reconciliation:
- 24 Hours for the Lord at St. Joseph Church (707 N. Waterloo) – If you receive this notice via email before Friday, hopefully you can take advantage of this opportunity for your Lenten confession, as ALL Jackson area communal penance services have been cancelled.
- There will be at least one priest on duty for 24 straight hours straight from 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20th to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st.
- The Divine Mercy Chaplet, the 7:00 p.m. Holy Hour, and the Rosary have been cancelled due to the desire to limit the people present at one time.
- 3:00 p.m. Saturday Confessions – These will continue, but weather permitting, they may be held outdoors to maintain social distancing in the St. John SCHOOL parking lot on Cooper Street.
- Look for Fr. Chas near the main rear entrance and pull up in between the cones.
- Any people waiting should stay in their cars, forming a single-file line a respectful distance away from the penitent that is with the confessor. Pull up when it’s your turn!
- Preparing for Confession – Listen to Fr. Chas’ homily from last Sunday: https://saintjohnjackson.org/homilies/3rd-sunday-of-lent-3/.
- 24 Hours for the Lord at St. Joseph Church (707 N. Waterloo) – If you receive this notice via email before Friday, hopefully you can take advantage of this opportunity for your Lenten confession, as ALL Jackson area communal penance services have been cancelled.
- Baptisms and Funerals: These significant ceremonies are still allowed, but only with the immediate family present. Should there be a desire to have a “Mass for the Dead” with a wider circle, a Memorial Mass may be scheduled at a later date.
- Private Prayer at St. John Church: We encourage people to stop by St. John Church during the following hours for private prayer, maintaining at least ten feet from anyone else at all times. A parishioner recently donated two votive candle stands that will be placed under the statues of St. Mary and St. Joseph. Come in and light a candle, symbolizing that your prayers remain before the Lord and the saints even as you go about the rest of your day/evening.
- Saturday and Sunday – 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Monday through Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
As you can see, the sacramental life of the Church continues in season and out of season! “The good Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” (cf. Job 1:21).
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Chas
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/17/20: In compliance with Bishop Boyea’s latest directive, all public Masses, events, and gatherings will be cancelled throughout the Diocese of Lansing beginning tomorrow morning (March 18, 2020) lasting, for now, through Wednesday of Holy Week (April 8, 2020). The St. John Parish office will also be closed to the public starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18th, but we will be answering phone calls between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/news/coronavirus-advisory-bishop-boyea-march-17-2020
In the meantime, here are some opportunities:
*Wednesday 3/18/20…watch a live stream of the 8:30 a.m. Mass (not open to public) on your phone in the St. John parking lot from your car; Communion will be brought to the parking lot afterward. Please remain in your cars.
*Daily: The south transept handicap-accessible entrance with the silver doors at St. John Church will be open from 9:30-3:30 p.m., M-F, for you to pray inside (no more than 10 at a time, please).
*Our St. Joseph Adoration Chapel remains open as scheduled for adorers and guests (limited to 4 adorers at once please).
*Watch Facebook for further live streams of the Novena Prayer and Rosary with Fr. Chas and Fr. Brian and join them for a family rosary.
*At this point, confessions will still be offered at 24 Hours for the Lord, but with the limit of 10 people present in St. Joseph Oratory at one time (NO holy hour at 7 p.m. and no public Divine Mercy Chaplet or Rosary as previously scheduled, however.)
*We will live stream a Sunday Mass this weekend…details to follow.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! St. Patrick, pray for us!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Join us in prayer beginning 3/16/20: Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the End of the Coronavirus
Beginning on March 16, we invite all the faithful to join us in praying a rosary in each of these next nine days (novena from March 16 to 24) before the Annunciation to OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, the Patroness of the Americas, imploring her maternal protection and intercession before God for the end of the in our land.
Here is a prayer by Fr.Chas Canoy to pray before each rosary:
Dear Blessed Mother Mary, in past times of plague and pestilence, you have interceded with your maternal protection when the people of God implored your help. We turn to you now, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Defender of Life, confident in your intercession before God, for the end of the coronavirus in our land.
May God protect people from infection, heal those already infected, comfort the anxious, give strength to our healthcare providers, assist the poor and those who have lost employ- ment, and prompt all to be faithful in practicing the necessary precautions and heed your Lenten call to return to you with all their heart. We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHY A NOVENA of Rosaries to Our Lady of Guadalupe?
March 16, begins the nine days prior to the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming upon the Virgin Mary and conceiving the Eternal Word, Jesus, in her very womb. As the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe depicts her pregnant with Jesus, we implore her maternal assistance in our prayer for the protection of life. Please share by end of this day to invite others to pray!
For more information on How to Pray the Rosary.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Response from our Pastor, Fr. Chas Canoy
March 13, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
On this Friday afternoon, March 13th, Bishop Earl Boyea promulgated a statement addressed to all the faithful of the Diocese of Lansing in response to the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in our region of Michigan. In the statement, he issued a temporary dispensation “from the grave obligation of attending Holy Mass on a Sunday.” While the it is issued to all the faithful, the dispensation “is particularly aimed at those groups most at risk from infection, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.” To read the entire bishop’s statement, please find it here.
Because our six weekend Masses generally have an attendance of under 250 people, you can continue to go to the Mass that you normally attend. If you prefer to attend one of our Sunday Masses with lower attendance, I would recommend attending our 8:00 a.m. at St. John or the 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph.
Please note that our parish has taken the following precautions in accord with the recommendations from the bishop’s Office of Worship:
- We are omitting the Sign of Peace.
- We are refraining from the distribution of the Precious Blood.
- We are ensuring that all ministers of Holy Communion vigorously wash their hands before Mass and use hand sanitizer immediately before distributing the Eucharist.
- We are prohibiting shaking or holding hands.
- We are regularly cleaning and disinfecting the pews.
For more details from the Office of Worship on the above measures, please find them here.
Given the above precautions, each of the lay faithful attending also has the responsibility to be vigilant in observing the following precautions:
- Remain at home if you are ill.
- Practice good hygiene, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (the length of a slowly-prayed “Our Father”) and use hand sanitizer before coming to Mass.
- If you normally receive communion on the tongue, consider for the time being receiving Our Lord in the hand. Continuing to receive on the tongue, however, “is a perfectly licit choice,” and the minister will respect that decision.
- If you have to sneeze or cough (again, stay at home if you are ill), please do so covering your whole mouth with your elbow or forearm, not your hand.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Chas Canoy
Pastor
