Brothers & Sisters of Assumption Parish,
Alleluia! Come back!
Below I am attaching the letter from our Archbishop Thomas Wenski about re-opening our Church(es). This will begin for weekdays on Tuesday, May 26th at 9:00am and for Sunday and its vigils the following Saturday/Sunday (May 30-31). What will be so crucial in the process is patience and openness to significant adjustments from where we have been, as well as ongoing adjustments we may need to make in the future.
- There are revisions in the Mass schedule. Because sufficient time is needed to adequately sanitize/clean the facility between liturgies, we are incorporating (at least) an hour interval.
- Therefore on Saturday (vigils) we will maintain the 4:00pm, preceded by Reconciliation/Confessions at 3:30pm. But the next Mass will begin at 6:00pm so to meet safety needs and accommodate those who arrive early.
- On Sunday we’ll have the 8:00am Mass as usual but again for health concerns move the next Mass to 10:30am. Our Mass in Spanish will start at 12:30pm.
- When other pastors and I recognized more and more we can’t expect things to remain as before in returning, we also received a letter from the Archbishop. In it we heard of his concern that our health could be compromised by the coronavirus and that some of us are more vulnerable due to age or personal health conditions. You’re familiar with clergy who have served you here at Assumption and how the previous sentence applies to us. Additionally, the Archbishop asks me as pastor to have contingency plans should I be unable to function for a while, let alone the other priests who assist us. Also, some of these men wish to be away (at times) in the summer. With all these factors, after consulting various parishioners and leaders, I’ve been advised to cease offering the Sunday evening liturgy at 5:30pm. Other factors contributing to making this decision include clergy availability (as I’ve mentioned) and shortage of ministers disposed to serve, and the number of participants. While this isn’t something we wish to do – it seems a wise decision.
- We are still not having our regular ministry meetings, but will little-by-little return to what was customary as time proceeds.
Although this message is lengthier than I wish, I truly can’t wait to see and speak with you in person again. Finally – Remember! Bring your mask! Keep a proper distance and refrain from personal contact (except for family members). Let’s be safe and grow spiritually together!
Blessings & Welcome Back,
MJG