With the upcoming Pentecost Sunday marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and celebrating the beginning of the Church, the churches of the Diocese of Saint John will be allowed to re-open for Eucharist with up to 50 of our faithful.
The general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday remains in effect. Parishioners who are ill or vulnerable to illness according to public health advice, should remain at home. Masses continue to be offered online to assist in your Spiritual Communion, and you are free to inquire about pastoral visits to receive the Sacraments outside of Mass.
As Bishop Riesbeck stated in his May 22 letter to the faithful regarding the Solemnity of Pentecost, “as we gather again for Mass in our parishes, our churches will not only look different, they will be different.”
Attending Mass will require maintaining a 2 meter / 6 foot distance from any others at all times, entering and exiting the church, and while processing to receive Holy Communion.
Parishioners may wear a mask if they wish, however they are not required to do so.
Ushers will be present to direct parishioners entering and exiting the church, and to explain the Mass changes currently required.
There will be no offertory procession or collection, although a offertory basket will be available at the exit of the church. Please consider electronic donations.
Distribution of Holy Communion will take place after the final blessing, at the end of Mass, so that you may exit immediately after receiving Holy Communion. The faithful should remove any face covering and sanitize their hands before coming forward for Holy Communion.
Please contact the parish office about any questions prior to attending Mass, or you may also ask an usher at Mass for any clarifications.