In the uncertainty of the times we are currently living in, I just wanted to bring you up to date on how we are complying with the Bishop’s most recent directives in our parish.

• The office will remain closed until April 13, 2020, or unless we receive new directives from the Bishop.
• All weekday and weekend Masses are cancelled until further notice.
• All parish and school activities involving groups of people are cancelled. Therefore, no meetings can take place.
• Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration are cancelled until further notice.
• Palm Sunday weekend: You may drive through the front area of the Church and pick up Blessed Palms. Any not picked up will be placed in the Church for people to pick up once Masses resume.
• • Pick up is as follows:
    • Saturday, April 4 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Sunday, April 5 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon)
    • The Knights of Columbus have volunteered to distribute the Blessed Palms.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated each Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Church. There are instructions on the inside doors of how to practice social distancing. Basically, people are to stay to the west side (Moss Street) of the Church until their turn for confession. I cannot hear confessions in the confessional because of the small proximity of the room. I would have to spray disinfectant spray in-between each person on the screen that separates the priest from the penitent. The person going face-to-face is too close in proximity. Therefore I am hearing confessions behind the Holy Family Statue. I must have an option for anonymous confessions so I have a sign for face-to-face enter on one side and anonymous on the other. Worked well last Saturday.

• The Bishop will issue directives regarding Holy Week later, as well as any new directives regarding our Diocese.

• As a reminder, the Church still has bills and obligations to make despite no Masses and collections. If you would like to give your weekly or monthly tithe to our parish you may do so online at https://www.setonchurch.org/giving/. It will show you how you may make your contribution to our parish.

Please contact me if you have any questions about our parish response to the Bishop’s directives.

Blessings,

Fr. David B. Hebert

Pastor