A Note From Fr. Bob
May 16, 2020
Dear Holy Spirit Parishioners,
As many have heard, Archbishop Carlson has given permission to resume public Masses in the parishes of the Archdiocese. The news was received with great joy and with the understanding that much needed to be accomplished before we could safely resume public Masses in our parish. It was our initial hope to resume on the weekend of May 23-24. After time in prayer and considering the guidelines (click here to read them) that have been published to safely resume Mass, I have decided that we should wait a little longer in order to prepare thoroughly so that we can safely celebrate Mass, ensure your safety, and ensure that the church is properly disinfected.
Our first public Masses will take place on the weekend of our Parish Feast, Pentecost, May 30th and 31st. Masses for the weekend will be Saturday, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 7:00 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am. Please note that the earliest Mass on Sunday is at 7:00 am not 7:30. We are setting the start time of Sunday Masses so that they are two hours apart. This will permit the disinfecting of the pews between Masses. Weekdays will be at the same time as before; Monday – Wednesday, 6:30 am, and Thursday – Saturday 8:00 am.
During this initial resumption of Masses, attendance will be limited to 100 per Mass (number adjusted after marking off the church). We need your help to determine who will be attending each Mass. Please check our website for the link to sign up for Mass. If you are not able to access the website, please call the office. Please keep in mind that those who are over the age of 60 or with a compromised immune system should stay home. The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been extended indefinitely. Since bulletins will not be available, please check our website or call the office so that one may be mailed to you.
As you attend Mass please observe this requirement – everyone will be required to wear a mask to be admitted to Mass. The simplest approach is to put your mask on in your car and take it off when you return to your car. Please keep your mask on while in your pew. Hand sanitizer will also be available at each entrance for your use as you enter and depart. Every other pew will be closed, and the open pews will be marked so as to observe social distancing. More information about the distribution of Holy Communion will be provided at Mass.
Guidelines and FAQs for Public Masses from the Archdiocese have been published on our website and Facebook page, please review these prior to attending Mass. Further requirements specific to our parish may also be found there and at the entrances to our church.
Prior to resuming our Masses, we need your help. We need volunteers to help with the following: disinfecting pews after each weekend Mass; hospitality ministers; lectors; and Eucharistic Ministers. Sign ups for pew disinfecting will be on our website. Other ministers will be contacted by Julie Spinner.
All that we are doing is being undertaken so that we can celebrate Mass safely and without distraction. If you have any concerns, please give me a call. Thank you.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Robert T. Evans