Pentecost Sunday: Weekend Mass Re-Opens!

Hooray!  Bishop Callahan is giving permission for the public celebration of the Mass beginning Pentecost Weekend.  
 I will begin by holding all Masses except the 6:00 pm Mass at St. Mary's Ridge: it is by far our largest church and should accommodate nearly everyone who would normally attend.  The 6:00 pm Mass will be held at St. Augustine's - Norwalk:  The attendance at the 6:00 Mass is typically well under the 25% capacity of that church and so I feel comfortable holding that Mass at its usual location.  I will watch the numbers over the next couple of weeks.  If the desire to attend Mass at 4:00 pm is less than 25% the capacity of Sacred Heart Church then we will move that Mass back to that church.  I might also note that Sacred Heart is currently undergoing the renovation of the old entry and bell-tower stairwell, so this is actually a pretty good time for not being at Sacred Heart: it's a mess! but a good mess.  :)
 To reserve your spot, or that of your family, contact me or Kari (her office hours will be 8:00am - 12 noon, Monday - Thursday, beginning this coming Monday) by phone or e-mail: We will confirm your registration by the same. 
 Please note that social distancing will be important here.  Also, masks are highly encouraged as will be gelling in and out of the church: hand gel will be available.
 Bishop Callahan noted in our meeting this afternoon that how well we do in these first couple of weeks will determine how quickly he authorizes the public celebration of weekday Mass as well as the wider opening of weekend Mass.
 It is important here that everyone remember a few things:  The obigation to  attend weekend Mass is still set aside by the bishop; it is also important to remember if you are over 65 or have compromised health you are encouraged to continue self-isolation.  If you are desiring to attend Mass but are still uncomfortable with receiving holy Communion, remember what I have been teaching you over these weeks and months: reception of holy Communion at every Mass is not a requirement.  It is good, but it is not required.  That is why we have been taught again the ancient and venerable practice of Spiritual Communion.  
 As we begin gathering again for Sunday Mass it is so important that we do better than so many who have been out in public these past couple of weeks.  Charity is the first law of the Church.  If you are uncomfortable with the circumstances under which Mass is being held, you must remember that you are not obligated to attend at this time, though I will be overjoyed to see you.  While we are asking that people wear masks, if they choose not to, that is their right.  We should be sensitive to the legitimate needs and feelings of others; however, holy Mass is not the place for political statements or political correctness. 
 To accommodate social distancing and better ensure good sanitation there will be no servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, or choir for the time being.  If someone would like to read, I (and my voice) would appreciate the help: give me a call or drop an e-mail.
 Finally, note that the church will be sanitized after each Mass in preparation for the next.  I need four people to volunteer, who are not otherwise over 65 or immuno-compromised.  Also, I will need two ushers for each Mass.  Give me a call or drop me an e-mail if you can help.