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Dear Parish Family,
As you may have heard, Bishop Weisenberger has asked parishes to tighten our health protocols due to a post-Christmas spike in new COVID-19 cases. At our parish of St. Christopher, we will be implementing some changes in an effort to recognize the need to have further diligence. At the same time, we will remain faithful in the knowledge that the sacrifice of the Mass and worship of Jesus in the Eucharist are the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians.
As we have been, we will exercise prudence of judgement, while not giving in to the fear that is from the Evil One. "Whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 Jn 5:4)
Here at St. Christopher, our diligence with regard to health safety protocols has been effective. So, after consulting with the diocese, I am pleased to say that there only a few changes.- Sunday Mass will continue to be celebrated indoors at 5:00 p.m. Saturdays (Vigil), and 7:00 a.m. Sundays in English. The maximum capacity at these Masses, however, will be reduced to 35 from the current capacity of 60. Please take advantage of the new lower capacity to create more distance between households.
- The Sunday 9:00 a.m. English and 11:00 a.m. Spanish Masses will be moved outdoors. Families may participate from their vehicles, allowing for an even greater capacity than what we have been able to allow in the church building.
- Both the 9:00 a.m. Mass in English and 11:00 a.m. Mass in Spanish will continue to be streamed online, for those of you in high-risk health groups.
- Holy Communion for those watching Mass from home is available at the parish following the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses.
- Weekday Mass will continue as it has been: at noon Tuesday-Friday outdoors at the parish grotto.
- Memorial Masses/Funerals will now be limited to a capacity of 25 people maximum. However, we will continue to provide online streaming whenever possible.
- Baptisms are now limited to a maximum capacity of 10 people.
- I will continue to hear confessions for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a drive-through manner on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m.
- The parish office will remain open virtually to serve the parish community. However, Beatriz, Mark and myself will be working from home as much as possible All items possible will be handled via email and phone. The goal is to reduce contact as much as possible for everyone's protection.
- All other protocols will remain in effect.
Words of encouragement come from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose feast was last Monday: "Be above the vain fears of nature and efforts of your enemy. You are children of eternity. Your immortal crown awaits you, and the best of Fathers waits there to reward your duty and love. You may indeed sow here in tears, but you may be sure there to reap in joy."
Almighty God bless and keep you †
Fr. Edson
Don't forget to smile. God loves you!