Dear Parishioners,
I want to thank you for your patience and perseverance over these past many weeks. I know this has been very challenging for you as it has been for me. I am hopeful we can now begin to emerge from this current state and begin, even with small steps, to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion
.
Bishop Paprocki has authorized the reception of Holy Communion but we must do so within very strict guidelines. Having said this, we all know the current pandemic IS NOT OVER. Please do not put yourself, your family or our parishioners at risk--we must use extraordinary caution and good judgement.
In a Tuesday video meeting with the Springfield Deanery, each pastor determined how this individual reception can take place, but it is important to realize that the current limit of 10 people together is still in force and we will try to accommodate as many as possible.
Here is how we can accomplish this at St Joseph the Worker:
--The use of face coverings or mask will be required on the campus. Hand sanitizer will be available and used. A physical distance of six-feet is necessary, although family members may present as a group; locations will be marked on the carpet.
--There will be two specific areas for the groups to meet: Franzen Day Chapel and the Church Gathering Space. These areas will have marked access and egress and we will have assistants available to direct the people. Deacon Candidate Rob and I will offer a short service (Our Father/Communion/Prayer).
After reception of Holy Communion, the faithful must return to their vehicles, as private prayer is
NOT
allowed in the Church during these hours due to the potential for larger crowds than allowed by law at this time.
--We ask the people to remain standing on designated spots during the service to reduce the need to sanitize a large area. Holy Communion will be received in the hand and so we ask that you only remove your mask for the actual reception of Communion.
--Holy Communion will be offered from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Sundays. We are also working on the dynamics of offering it during the week if needed.
--It is my sincere hope that these arrangements will meet most of our parishioners’ needs.
Please remember: This opportunity is for the reception of Holy Communion only.
How can you help us: Prayer & Patience because this is the best option we have right now. We will also hope for favorable weather to make waiting outside comfortable, but please come prepared.
I want to urge all those in the high risk population (65+, or compromised immune systems, or possible asymptomatic conditions) to use the general dispensation from the obligation to attend the Sunday celebration of the Mass which continues indefinitely during this crisis that is already in place. There is no serious sin committed if you decide that you and your family should not attend.
