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The Ascension of the Lord, Year A

Dear Friends,

After having the church doors closed for what seems an eternity, a return to opening for prayer and the Mass has brought us

indescribable joy! We are thrilled to have so many of you present for daily Masses; however, this does not mean that many are still apprehensive about coming to church, nor does it mean that the virus is no longer a threat. Most, if not all of us, are no doubt feeling the effects of “isolation fatigue,” eager to get out. At the same time, many are fearful and cautious. While this opportunity to return to gathering might be liberating for some, others may still feel threatened and vulnerable. Feelings will be mixed for some time to come.

When we do open the church for the Weekend Masses on 30/31 May, I want you to know that your safety and health are paramount. We have taken all precautionary measures to ensure our facilities are sanitized and clean.

A few things to keep in mind:

General Dispensation from attending the Sunday Masses is still in place, which means you are not obligated to come to Sunday Mass. It will remain in effect until we feel it is safe for all to return. If you experience a cough, fever, and/or cold-like symptoms, please stay at home. If you choose to remain at home, we strongly encourage you to participate in the SJE Mass via livestream at 11 a.m. every Sunday until the obligation is removed. Please visit our website at www.stjohnviera.org.

Your return to church brings us great joy … words simply cannot express our delight! For those of you who feel comfortable joining us, I request that you follow the recommended cautionary protocols and guidelines:

  • You  are highly encouraged to wear a mask out of consideration for others.  Please consider it an act of charity rather than   an infringement of your rights.
  • Consider bringing with you a personal hand sanitizer.
  • Please use the main doors only to enter the church. The side doors will remain closed for now. The holy water font and stoups are empty for health reasons.
  • Please be seated in the pews that are open. We have blocked off every other pew with blue painter’s tape to ensure safe distancing. Families are encouraged to sit together.
  • If the number of people coming to church exceeds the limit of permissible occupancy guidelines, you may be asked to   return for another Mass. However, we do not want to turn anyone away, so we are prepared to have simultaneous   weekend Masses in the Holy Cross Hall, particularly for the Saturday 4.30 p.m. Mass and the Sunday 9 and 11 a.m. Masses. The overage number will determine availability.
  • Gifts will not be brought up by faithful for now.
  • Collection baskets will not be passed around. Please use the baskets located in the rear of the church as you enter/exit for your offertory.
  • When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, you are not required to hold hands.
  • Please offer “The Sign of Peace” with a bow and/or a verbal greeting such as, “Peace be with you.”
  • Communion on the hand is preferred. If you would like to receive Communion on the tongue, please wait until all others have finished receiving in the hand and come directly to the priest. This will assist with sanitizing concerns.
  • Reception from the CUPS is suspended until further notice.
  • Bulletins will not be distributed for now. A limited number will be available in the narthex. Please visit the website for complete access.
  • No liturgical aids such as books or cards will be placed in the pews.
  • After the Mass, please do not linger in the narthex or near the doors. This poses a challenge to our safe-distancing regulations.

Thanks to our generous volunteers who have offered to assist the staff with sanitizing the church and restrooms after each Mass!

I am sorry for the inconvenient imposition of so many restrictions to our normal way of worship. On a positive note, let us remain thankful that we are finally allowed to come together to celebrate the Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist.   It’s such a joy to see you in the pews!  For those of you who choose to stay at home for a while longer, please know that we will continue to keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. You will be greatly missed, but your safety and health are important to us as well.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. This was a bittersweet moment for the disciples. They had enjoyed the magnificent and glorious presence of the risen Lord for 40 days, only to learn he was to leave them again. Yet Jesus assured them that the one to come, the Holy Spirit, would live in them and animate their lives. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples, our Mother Mary, and many other women clung together in prayer for nine days in anticipation of the Holy Spirit. This would inspire our tradition of the “Novena.”

Let us continue to pray the wonderful words of the familiar “Veni, Creator Spiritus” as we prepare for the Holy Spirit to empower the church once again and renew the face of the earth. Come, Holy Spirit, come! Enkindle in us the fire of your love!

With Love,

Fr. John Britto Antony C.S.C.