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Dear Parish Family,
In case you missed it, the following letter was sent by Cardinal Dolan to all the Catholics in the archdiocese of New York on June 30 regarding the obligation to attend Mass:
Dear Family of the Archdiocese of New York,
May I raise two points with you today?
First, as we approach the Independence Day weekend, allow me to wish all of you an enjoyable Summer. It is my hope that, after the trials and difficulties of these past 16 months, you will have an opportunity for some much-needed rest and relaxation. I am very much looking forward to spending some time with family and friends that I have not seen for more than a year!
Second, let me remind you that there is still a sacred obligation to attend Sunday Mass, even if you are on vacation. Unfortunately, there has been some confusion recently over whether or not a “dispensation” from Sunday Mass has been in effect. Here in the Archdiocese of New York, there has never been a dispensation from Sunday Mass, because no man can “dispense” or set aside a Divine (as opposed to man-made) law. The Third Commandment says, “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day,” and I can no more say that this no longer applies than I can say that we can forget about “Thou shalt not steal” or “Honor thy father and thy mother.” To deliberately miss Mass is a sin.
Of course, the Church has always held that there may be some justifiable reasons why a person can miss Mass, including old age, illness, and infirmity; this is still the case. During this pandemic, public Mass was not being celebrated for several months, and when Mass resumed, there was still a possibility of catching or spreading the coronavirus, and individuals could, after carefully consulting their conscience, decide not to return to Mass right away. However, now that vaccination rates are up, Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, and people are returning to a more normal way of living, this excuse cannot be said to exist any longer. If you’re going to the mall, having dinner out in restaurants, heading to the ballgame, visiting the hairdresser, and the like, then you should also be at Mass!
Please be assured of a remembrance in my Mass and prayers during these Summer months. Might I ask for a remembrance in yours?
A blessed Summer.
Faithfully in Christ,
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York -
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Our 10:00 am Sunday Mass is livestreamed. You may watch it on our parish Facebook page and YouTube.
You may also listen from your car on the grounds of the parish at 88.5 FM to any Sunday Mass and come in to receive Communion.
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Dear Parish Family,
Many thanks to all of you who offered feedback regarding my recent proposal to designate a portion of our church for worship without masks and without social distancing. A few parishioners, whose opinions I respect, expressed some reservations about this idea. The overwhelming majority of parishioners, however, expressed support for it. Having taken into account the views of all those who took the time to speak or write to me, having considered the directives of the Archdiocese and the recent experience of other parishes, and having taken the issue to prayer, I have decided to go forward with the implementation of my proposal. Therefore, as of Saturday, June 12, the far-left (by the baptismal font) and center-left sections of the church will be designated as areas where masks and social distancing will no longer be required. Every pew in those two sections will be available and people may seat themselves without the assistance of ushers. Those wishing to sit in these two sections are asked to enter the church from either the left or center doors of the main entrance or the left side door. The far-right (by the cantor) and center-right sections of the church will be designated as areas where masks and social distancing will continue to be required. Only every other pew in these sections will be available and ushers will continue to seat people six-feet apart. Those wishing to sit in these two sections are now asked to enter the church from the right door of the main entrance. According to current New York State regulations and the policy of the Archdiocese of New York, only those who are fully vaccinated may sit in the non-distanced, maskless sections of the church. Parishioners will be on their honor to conform with this policy, and no one will be asked whether they are vaccinated or not. The only other change to the way we worship will be in the way we exit. Once the priest has processed out at the end of Mass all parishioners may leave without waiting to be accompanied by ushers. No changes will be made to the distribution of Holy Communion at this time. Both priests and Eucharistic ministers will continue to wear masks and to sanitize their hands after giving Communion on the tongue, and all parishioners will continue to approach Communion in one line. I hope this news will be greeted with joy by the many who are in agreement, and I thank those who may disagree for their understanding and cooperation. Any further adjustments to this plan will be communicated as promptly and as clearly as possible.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. David