Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue our collective journey, as Catholics through the Easter season, aided by the light of the risen Christ, and as Americans amidst the challenges of the pandemic, I assure you of my continued prayers and support. The God of Jesus Christ continues to accompany us during this time. Like you, I continue to be inspired by the stories of sacrifice and valor by our fellow Americans who are on the front line providing health care and essential services. Please join me in praying for their safety and wellbeing.
Last week, Archbishop Hebda communicated that churches in the archdiocese will be allowed to open for public Masses beginning May 18, according to clear guidelines consistent with prudence and public safety. We are awaiting detailed guidelines from the Archdiocese on how these Masses will be celebrated. What we do know at this point is that social distancing will be observed, no more than 1/3 of church seating capacity will be used and masks for those in attendance are strongly encouraged.
After consulting our parish staff whose ministry interfaces with liturgy and with our Lourdes Leadership Team (LLT), here is what I can share at this time. Beginning May 18, a Monday rosary will be prayed in the church at 12:05, with the reception of communion available after the conclusion of the rosary. The rosary will be prayed for the intention of all those affected by COVID-19.
Beginning, Tuesday May 19 we will go to a Tuesday through Friday daily Mass schedule at 12:05 p.m. Fr. Evans and I will split the daily Mass duties going forward. I anticipate this weekday schedule will continue through the summer months.
Beginning the weekend of May 23/24, we will move to a new four Mass schedule that will include our livestreamed Mass at 10:00 a.m. Two of the Masses will be celebrated outside in our courtyard, weather pending. The new Mass schedule will be: Saturday 5 p.m. (courtyard); Sunday 8:00 a.m. (church); 10:00 a.m. (church and livestreamed); 11:30 (courtyard). The church will be disinfected after each Mass and all guidelines will be clearly followed.
Each of the four Masses will have a capacity of 75 people. Weather conditions will be observed and in the case of rain, excessive wind or heat, the 5 p.m. and 11:30 Mass will move to the church. If this decision is made, we will communicate this broadly Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. The three Sunday Masses will be accompanied by sacred music, with the Saturday evening Mass celebrated without music. While the 7 p.m. Mass will be suspended at this time, I hope that we will be able to return to our normal Mass schedule this fall.
I ask for everyone’s patience as we roll out this new Mass schedule and as we begin the attendant procedures and celebration of Mass in this new context. Parishioners will be required to sign up for a specific weekend Mass online or by calling the parish office and will not be permitted to just show up. This is the only way we can manage the numbers and safety. More information on signup and detailed guidelines are forthcoming. Those who are 65 and older and/or who have underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to take part in our livestreamed Mass and participate in spiritual communion. Please note that Archbishop Hebda has continued his suspension of the Sunday obligation for all Catholics at this time.
I am thankful for our parishioners and friends who continue to generously support Lourdes at this time. Although the financial picture of our parish remains challenging, your generosity has been a lifeline. I encourage all of us to also keep focused on those who are suffering on the margins of society and globally. To that end, I would call your attention to three opportunities to help support the dignity of life and those who struggle in poverty. The Lourdes Matthew 25 Fund helps support important causes. Recent gifts of 2,500 for our Tijuana Mission and $1,500 for John Paul II School in Northeast have been earmarked as matching gift opportunities. Let’s see if we can double these gifts through the generosity of our parishioners! In addition, the annual Abria walk for life will take place remotely this Saturday. You can go to their website found on Constant Contact to contribute to assist women and men who find themselves in challenging pregnancies.
Lastly, stay tuned for an exiting spring and summer schedule of events for our courtyard and via Zoom: book clubs; happy hours; music and more!
Stay well and be safe as we remain united in faith and