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May 15, 2020Dear Parishioners and Friends of Historic Saint Paul Parish,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding our plans for limited resumption of Masses.
Our parish COVID19 Response Medical Team met on Wednesday evening via Zoom. They gave valuable input and will be assessing our plan and implementation. We will meet regularly.
Masses will begin the weekend of May 30 and 31. Saturday, 4pm Mass in English, Sunday 10am Mass in English, and Wednesday 5pm Mass in English, which will be the Sunday Mass and homily offered again.
Spanish Masses will be celebrated Sunday 12:45pm and 7:00pm.
Hand Sanitizer has been purchased from a local distillery and will be available at church entrances. We urge everyone who comes to Mass to bring their own personal hand sanitizer and use it if possible.
Masks have been ordered from the Commonwealth; parishioners and visitors MUST wear a mask at all times.
Communion will be distributed after the final blessing and in the hand only. You must social distance in line when receiving communion and after as you exit the building until you get to your car.
We have marked the church with tape for seating that complies with social distancing and can accommodate 40 single seats OR 40 double seats (two related people) and 9 families (full side pew). Or, if no families attending, we can accommodate 40 single seats OR double seats.
The floors in the aisles have been marked and all must respect social distancing in the aisles, sidewalks, and parking lot.
We urge you to arrive 30 minutes prior so we can regiment the seating while retaining social distance protocols.
The obligation to attend Mass is lifted by the Bishop until further notice; you can watch the broadcast Mass or any live stream.
Please do not try and attend another parish if our church is full. Perhaps you might only attend once a month and give someone else the opportunity to attend. This is our time to extend Christian charity by not being selfish regarding the Eucharist.
Attached are some photos of the church.
Both your spiritual and physical welfare is our primary concern as we implement these Commonwealth and Diocesan guidelines. More news to come as this process unfolds.
In corde Iesu,
Fr. Richard Watson
Pastor
