As we resume public worship at Holy Trinity on May 25, a few important items to note.
Archbishop Schnurr has extended the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass until further notice. This means that although we will have public Mass again, there is no obligation to come. Those who are sick or experiencing symptoms of illness should not attend. If illness is very serious please contact the parish office to arrange for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
Furthermore, since the Sunday obligation is suspended, and social distancing requirements reduce the seating capacity of the church, those that can attend Mass during the week are strongly encouraged to do so. Please consider deferring Sundays for those that are otherwise unable to attend weekday Mass due to work, transportation needs, etc.
All Masses, including daily Mass, will be in the church. Seating at Mass will only be every third pew. These pews will be marked with tape. These pews will be wiped down with water and wood soap after each Mass. Only the front doors and the parking lot side doors will be unlocked for entry to reduce the burden of sanitizing those entryways.
There will be no public Masses celebrated in the day chapel. The day chapel is set for social distancing confessions, which will be by appointment only. Penitents should enter and exit the day chapel for confession only through the door to the parking lot. Please do not walk through the sacristy.
Other liturgies, including weddings and confirmations, will be rescheduled at a later date. Hopefully in a month or so the restrictions on distancing will be reduced and more people will be able to participate and celebrate together these milestone moments in the life of faith. In the meantime, we will begin the process of scheduling memorial Masses for those who have died during the shelter at home period. Families are encouraged to contact the parish office to discuss details. These and upcoming funeral Masses will observe the social distancing and sanitation guidelines until further notice.
Due to the concerted effort of many generous parishioners, we have done much better financially than many other parishes. Anyone may continue to send in contributions by mail and, of course, consider signing up for electronic giving if you haven’t already done so. There will be no baskets passed for the collection, however a secure drop box will be available in the church for donations.
As your pastor I cannot adequately express how grateful I am for your patience and perseverance during this time. Let us continue to pray for relief and recovery for all those affecting and for a final end to the pandemic. Mary, Help of Christians and Mother of the Church, pray for us!
Father Eric Roush
Pastor