Just a word of thanks and blessing for the 127 parishioners who are now beginning our small group communities. May we all grow closer to God and to one another through this new immersion into the living Body of Christ. Special thanks to the facilitators, who completed their orientation within the last week, and to Jill Kress for stepping in to coordinate all the activity! Congratulations also to Bridget and Jason Brown on the baptism of their son Francis this Sunday, and to parishioner Claudia Colin-Chavez who will be married to Silas Grimes on March 13.
Archbishop Vigneron has announced that while the general dispensation from Sunday mass attendance will expire on March 13, many dispensations for particular circumstances will now be in effect. (Details HERE.) For example, the following are still dispensed from Sunday mass attendance:
- Those 65 and older, and anyone with an underlying condition or in a high-risk category
- Anyone who cares for the sick, homebound, or infirmed
- Anyone who is pregnant
- Those who have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.
Given these particular dispensations, I do not expect our attendance patterns will be much different come March 14. But as more people achieve immunity from vaccination, I imagine our in-person congregation will gradually increase.
NOTE! All Archdiocesan safety protocols remain in effect (even after March 13): masks are still required, social distancing must be maintained in seating, and capacity is limited to 50%. Of course if you are ill, are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have been exposed recently to anyone who has a contagious disease or has tested positive for one, you are not only dispensed but asked to stay home.
Finally… March 17 will arrive before our next e-Newsletter, so Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who enjoy the custom!