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 this 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
4:15 p.m. (Mass of Anticipation) at St. John Church
Sunday
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, 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 Tuesday, 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 September for this very reason—so that those who cannot/should not attend do not feel compelled to do so at their possible detriment. Please keep an eye on our social media and website! Be sure to also check out the diocesan website for more information.
This time presents some challenges but is rich with opportunity, as well! This Pentecost weekend, when we ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pray about how you might use these weeks to do the work to which we’re called. With increased social media posts from both the parish and diocese, online learning videos from our Faith Formation team, and live-streamed Masses and prayer opportunities, what better time to start sharing the beauty of our faith with another. Invite someone “back,” invite someone to pray with you, to learn with you…invite someone to “Come and See!” The Holy Spirit equips us for this work when we ask—so ask! Just pray: “Come, Holy Spirit! Come now! Come as You wish!”
We miss you all and are happy to again gather 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!