Further Notes for Church Reopening: In-church Mass and Sacraments
As we work to restore Masses with a congregation, we will do so with the safety of all in mind.
All hymnals and other such items are removed from from the pews. Nothing is to be left in the pews after Mass. Please take home your Parish Bulletin and Song Sheet. Singing will be limited.
All are expected to wash their hands at home before coming to church and to carry their own hand sanitizer. Keep in mind that to follow social-distancing guidelines the seating in the church is considerably reduced.
The Most Reverend Bishop continues the dispensation to attend Mass until further notice. You may chose to watch Mass on TV or from any parish live-stream or prerecorded platform.
For the common good, those in vulnerable groups, sick or symptomatic must stay home. Face masks are to worn by all for the health of all.
Bishop Checchio and your parish clergy are most grateful for your understanding and cooperation.
The Pastor's Pen
God is so good!
05-02-2021Fr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.Dear Friend,
A Catholic Magazine carried a story about four young men, Catholic College students, who were renting a house together.
One Saturday morning someone knocked on their door. And when they opened it, there stood this bedraggled-looking old man. His eyes were kind of marbleized, and he had a silvery stub of whiskers on his face. His clothes were ragged and torn. His shoes did not match. In fact, they were both for the same foot. And he carried a wicker basket full of unappealing vegetables that he was trying to sell.
READ MOREEveryday Stewardship
Do You "Walk the Talk"?
05-02-2021"Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth." 1 John 3:18
Regarding our Catholic faith, do you "walk the talk?" Do your actions reflect what it means to be a good disciple? Are you an active participant at Sunday Mass? Are you joyful when participating in parish ministry? Do you give gratefully and generously with your financial support to your parish and other Church needs? If no, it's not too late to start!
READ MOREGospel Meditation
Jesus is the vine upon which we grow
05-02-2021© LPi"Spiraling out of control," is a phrase that can easily describe the current display of human existence. In addition to the violence, unrest, uneasiness and turmoil that are common elements of our daily news, other essential pieces are misplaced or missing. Many lack an objective center around which to order and structure their lives or a clear set of definable goals or mores to act as guideposts and life directives. It appears that "feelings" have become a "new god" and traditional structures and ideals set aside. It is almost as if history only shows that we got this whole thing wrong and many are determined to finally set things right. The real truth, however, is that while wrongs and errors are certainly a part of our often-checkered past, it is hardly the case that all was wrong. It is not our task to rewrite the history of our lives, but to learn from mistakes that were made, and preserve the perennial wisdom at the root of our successes. Learning is an essential part of being human.
READ MORESunday Mass & Holy Day Obligation
It is both a precept of the Church and Church law that Catholics must worship God on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation by participating in the Holy Mass. This follows from the fact that in the Mass it is Christ Himself who worships the Father, joining our worship to His. In no other way is it possible to adequately give thanks (eucharistia) to God for the blessings of creation, redemption and our sanctification than by uniting our offerings to that of Jesus Christ Himself.
