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News and Updates
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
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.