Dear Fellow Parishioners, How wonderful it is to see so many returning to weekend Mass. It has been a long time coming and we continue to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. We are following the Diocesan guidelines for worship, that are directed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the same time, we are listening to the needs of the community here on the local level. Some people feel more comfortable wearing masks and social distancing. To accommodate their comfort level, the front half to the Saint Joseph side of the church has the designated seating areas. I am asking that those who sit there continue to wear masks and sit in the marked areas. There is no need to apologize for wanting to feel safe; we want everyone to feel comfortable.
A few people have been asking when we will have altar servers, pass the basket, Sacred Heart Beats, coffee and…, share the communion cup, have two Sunday Morning Masses: in other words, getting back to pre-pandemic functioning. Again, we are following the guidelines that are in place for houses of worship in the Diocese of Worcester, and the Commonwealth.
At the same time, I am paying attention to what is happening in our own community. Let me explain what I mean. Beginning in September, we will need to invite and train more altar servers. This will include adults as younger members of our community are not vaccinated. When choirs and music groups are allowed, we will invite everyone interested to join in. When we receive permission to share the communion cup we will do so. When the Hospitality Team regroups, and others are willing to assist we will again host coffee and…
We will continue the “Summer Schedule” through Labor Day weekend. We are averaging about 105 people at Mass in a church that holds 500. When attendance reaches pre-pandemic levels, we will expand our schedule back to the 8:30 and a 10:30 Mass. We need to realize that increasing the Mass schedule increases expenses, volunteer ministers - many that are not readily available or comfortable currently. We will continue to live stream Mass so that families with young children, older folks and the homebound can be safe. Ministers of care will continue to visit homes, and we will be available after the livestream for communion.
I address these issues that have been voiced by a few people just in case you have the same questions. One other question that has been asked, “Why do Deacon Tom and you still wear a mask to distribute communion?” Even though we have been vaccinated there is still a possibility that we can contract a virus. If I get sick, there are very few priests available to step in. I want Deacon Tom and I to be able to serve the community for years to come. We want you to be safe, and I want us to feel safe. Hope that answers all the questions I have heard. The good news is that it is so wonderful to see so many back to worship. Fr. Bill