Dear
Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
First, and foremost, I must say you are missed and hope you have been well and safe over these past few months. You have been in my prayers every day.
Archbishop Blair, in consultation with State and health officials, has announced the second phase of the opening of parishes on
July 4-5, 2020
. Please take into consideration when evaluating your readiness to attend Mass that the Archbishop has
extended the
suspension for the obligation
to attend weekend Mass until September 2020.
Our Schedule starting July 4-5
:
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at St. James
capacity of 80 people
Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton
capacity of 50 people
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton
capacity of 50 people
Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at St. James
capacity 80 people
Reservations will be required due to limits for seating capacity.
There are two options for making your reservations:
- Sign up online at www.saintjosephinebakhita.org beginning each Tuesday and Wednesday until capacity reached for each weekend Mass…one week at a time. Enter the # (quantity) of people attending from each household when you make your reservation.
- If you have no access to internet call 860-529-8655 or 860-529-1274 and our office staff will assist you with reservations. Please call only on Tuesday or Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Do not leave a voicemail, there will be no guarantee to reserve a seat by voicemail.
Who Can Attend
?
You can only attend if you have successfully made a reservation.
Admittance Restrictions:
- 65 years old and up: strongly discouraged to attend
- Those with pre-existing health issues, any vulnerability, fear, or anxiety MUST NOT attend
- Caretakers of infirm MUST NOT attend
- Any person in contact with someone diagnosed with covid-19 MUST NOT attend
- You MUST NOT attend if you have any symptoms of covid-19
Before Mass
Mask/covering
MUST
be worn (bring your own)
- From vehicle throughout Mass (except briefly at communion) to return to vehicle
- Cover your nose and mouth
- Required from age 3 and up
Bring your own hand sanitizer (very limited supplies at church)
Main church doors will open 20 minutes prior to Mass
- you will be asked to have your temperature taken
- you will be directed to specific seats marked with blue tape
- At St. James only: rear main doors will be open for entry (parish center side)
No congregating at any time
Absolute 6 feet social distancing always
Restrooms will be restricted (except for an emergency…come prepared)
During Mass
Wear Mask/covering
always
(except briefly at communion)
No touching: hand holding or kiss of peace
Be attentive to instructions for reception of Holy Communion in the hand.
No Holy Communion from the cup
Cry room is closed/ Fr. Shea Hall closed
No holy water in fonts
No missalettes, hymnals, bulletins, booklets, programs, etc.
No singing (causes serious spread of virus)
Leaving Mass
Attendees will be dismissed row by row…6 feet apart
No congregating…return to vehicles directly
DO NOT congregate around candle stands/statues/shrines/tabernacle
DO NOT remove mask until in your vehicle
Additional Information
- Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will resume on Mondays starting July 6th at 6:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, until further notice. The same safety requirements will be in place.
- Our Sunday Mass live streamed on Facebook will continue along with the Archdiocesan TV Masses on your local TV stations.
- Parish office is open by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. M-F: wear a mask and social distance.
On a more personal level, I am 65 years old and fall in the category of risk and vulnerability. If I had a choice, which I do not, I would opt to remain home until there is a safer way to return to Mass. I have minor pre-existing health conditions; therefore, I ask that you try to make plans about your attending Mass that will not impact me or Deacon Michael, especially at Holy Communion time.
I realize these directives may be startling and cut-and-dry, but necessary to enter a more open church with safety and responsibility for the welfare of all parishioners. And so, we pray for your patience and understanding, as you make the wisest decision about coming to church. Finally, if you do come to Mass you may want to come less frequently to give other healthy parishioners a chance to attend. Consider attending on alternate weekends.
Remember - reservations are required!
The link to sign up will be on the parish website starting Tuesday morning.
We are aware that not everyone has a computer or internet service and we want to stay connected to you. Would you like to receive the weekly Church bulletin by mail? Please contact the church office at 860-529-8655 and we will put you on the mailing list.
Finally, a sincere word of gratitude for your continued financial support by mail or online. With your help our mission and ministry continue uninterrupted.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. George Couturier
