PUBLIC MASSES

(PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER)

As you know, our State Government has decreed that Houses of Worship may begin Public worship/prayer when they are ready to do so. The Archdiocese of Boston has decreed that this may be done following the guidelines of the State and the Archdiocese.

In all of this, we must remember that we are in Phase 1 of the   re-opening of our State. The Virus is still very active and present within our Society. Phase 1 is a beginning, a slow, strict, re-entry into that Society. Our quarantining, social distancing, wearing masks have helped to make this move possible. But, as we know,

to some degree these must be continued and maintained until the Virus is over-come and a vaccine is produced. We move slowly and cautiously! 

With all that said, what about the re-introduction of Public Masses? The Archbishop and the Archdiocese has stated that each Parish may do so as soon as they are ready, and as soon as they are able to do so. Much has to be done to follow the guidelines of the Church and the State. After consultation this is what Our Lady of Hope Parish will do, and what you must do to allow us to begin the public celebration of weekend Masses on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 4:00 PM and Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. (Weekday Masses will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 9:00 AM). Please remember! we are in Phase 1, things will be a little different, they will slowly change back to the way they were when and if we as a State progress to Phase 2, 3, and 4. This will not be a quick process. We are only at the beginning.

The Parish must fully wash and cleanse the entire Church...  floors, walls, pews, tables, altars, etc. Following that all areas that could be touched, must be disinfected…pews, door knobs, railing, toilets, etc. The disinfecting must continue before and after each Mass. I am grateful for those who have volunteered to help with this.

Following social distancing rules people must sit 6 feet from each other. We will mark where people may sit (blue tape). We will have 72 spots where a person may sit. A couple or small family may sit closer to each other, but that will also limit the number of spots for others. Seating will be in every other pew, blocked off pews may not be used. Standing at the back of the church or in side aisles cannot be allowed. No one is to sit or stand in the choir loft. Basically, 72 spots, 72 people per Mass.

The Church will be opened 30 minutes before the Mass. We ask that all enter the Church through the front doors only. Those who park in the parking lot are asked to walk up the side walkway to the front door….the side door will not be used for entrance. There will be volunteers at the front door to greet you, show you where the designated seats are. It is requested that there be no gathering or congregating before or after the Mass in the Church. When you are in the Church, and during the entire Mass, you must wear a mask. Gloves are not required or suggested. You may not receive Communion in the hand with gloves on.

The Mass will be quite simple. There will be no Missalettes, you may want to use a personal IPhone or similar device to see the readings. There are Apps for this. Universalis.com is a good App.

There will be no singing during the Mass. There will be no Holy Water in the Church. There will be no Altar Servers, no Choirs. The only persons in the Sanctuary will be the Priest, Lector, and Organist. They are not required to wear a mask while in the Sanctuary, but must put one on while distributing Communion.

There will be no Offertory procession of gifts, no processions at all. There will be no giving of a sign of Peace.

Communion can only be given in the hand, not on the tongue. The process will be explained at the Mass. And, you may think I forgot, but I didn’t! The Collection! The ushers may not take up collection as usual. We will leave a basket at the door, you may put your envelope, offering, in as you leave.

So, that is basically all that we as a Parish have to do, what do we ask you personally to do?

Who should come to Mass? The Obligation to attend Mass has been suspended for the past 10 weeks and will continue to be in effect into the future. You are not obliged to attend. There is one group that the Archdiocese is particularly concerned about… the elderly and those with any medical or physical problems. You are strongly urged to remain at home and watch Mass on TV. Hopefully in a week or two we will be able to live stream our Masses on Facebook or possibly Zoom. In addition, anyone who feels sick, has a fever, etc. is asked to stay home until you are better. All this is done out of concern for you and others.

If you come to Mass during this time you must come with your own mask and personal hand sanitizer. We all must be responsible for our own health, and for the health of others.

This all seems complicated, but it is really simple. Continue doing what we have been doing for the last 10 weeks…social distancing, wearing masks, and watch out for yourself and others.

Next Sunday is Pentecost. Let us make this our prayer, “Lord send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the Earth!”

         In Christ,     

      Fr. Tom Keyes  (and Becket!)

 

Returning to Mass; we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe and healthy. The video can be viewed by clicking on the picture below. Please take a few minutes to watch this important information which demonstrates this first step in reopening.