Good morning to all our parish family,

In order to serve our community in the best way possible the parish staff and I are implementing ways to keep us connected in the weeks to come. 

• Daily Mass will continue until further notice recognizing that if the attendance surpasses 50 worshippers, we will suspend it. 
• The church building and church office will remain open as usual.
• Out of an abundance of caution we will be suspending most on site parish gatherings.  
• We are making plans to live stream a Sunday Mass which can be accessed at any time.  Should the gathering ban be extended through Easter, the entire Easter Holy Week services will be live streamed on the internet from our sanctuary which can be accessed via our parish website.
• For those who have chosen to stay at home, be reminded that the Bishop has assured us that there is no obligation to attend Mass during this time. The Catholic moral principle of the supremacy of the “greater good” assures us that this is a sound decision and in harmony with our Catholic teachings.

 
How do we keep holy the Lords’ Day?
There are ways in which families can observe the Lord’s Day together at home.  This is a good time to consider creating a family or personal shrine or prayer center. Any corner or place in the house where all can come together for prayer and devotion will work. It can be as simple as a cross, a candle, and a bible.  If you have any religious iconography or small statues these may be included.  Families with small children can include art-work they create.  We will be providing the readings and a reflection you can share at home.  This is an opportunity to come together around God’s Word to soak in it and allow it to enter your hearts and minds.  A family rosary can be included as well.  Amy Allert, our Pastoral Associate for Evangelization will be working with our catechesis director and youth ministry director on ways to continue our religious formation. In addition the parish staff is preparing various creative ways in which parishioners can stay connected electronically.
 
It would be appropriate and spiritually beneficial for families to gather daily to pray for the welfare of all and a quick end to the spread of this virus.

• Offer prayers for those who are ill and those who care for them. 
• Pray for the many who are seeking ways to alleviate this health crises. 
• Pray for all health care workers.
• Pray for those who continue to provide essential public services such as we depend upon daily. 

 
Funerals
Until further notice, funerals will be conducted but attendance will be restricted to immediate family members.  If desired, a memorial Mass may be scheduled at a later date.

Baptisms will be celebrated but only with immediate family and sponsors.  Baptismal preparation is offered online at this time.
 
Restrictions at Senior Living and Hospitals
Please be aware that nursing homes and assisted living centers are restricting visitors and limiting contact with residents to health care professionals.  The clergy and visiting eucharistic ministers are not permitted admission.  Hospitals have all posted restrictions as well.  While it is regrettable that we cannot minister personally to our members who are thus restricted we can reassure them of our prayers and remind them to make a spiritual communion.
 
Be Prayerful and Responsible
Personal welfare dictates avoiding anxiety and any media sources that promote such.  Good information is critical but unnecessary fear mongering and politicizing of the crises, as is common in some media outlets, is detrimental and should be avoided. Be aware that we are community and have a responsibility for the welfare of all. 

Also note that what the parish can offer may change due to directives of public officials.  We will inform the parish of such as quickly as possible.
 
Fr. Hai and I along with Deacons Tony, Keith and Peter join the rest of the staff in prayer for our parish community and trust in the providence and mercy of God.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Fr. Larry