Monday, March 16, 1:00 p.m.

We have received many questions as to whether we are having weekday Masses Monday-Thursday at 8 a.m. and a Friday Communion Service at 8 a.m. The answer is at this very moment we are having them until we hear a directive to suspend them.

Please keep in mind today’s CDC guidelines that those who are 65 years of age and older, those who are immunocompromised and those who are sick in anyway should not go out and should stay home.

Those who go out in public should:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

At weekday Mass, Bishop Pates has given the following directives which are effective immediately. They will be ended as soon as it is prudently advisable:

1.Dispensation from the obligation of Sunday Mass is effective immediately.

2.The reception of Holy Communion should be by hand only…Reception on the tongue is temporarily suspended.

3.Reception of the Precious Blood is suspended.

4.The exchange of peace should be expressed verbally.

5.The Holy Water fonts should be emptied. Anyone wanting Holy Water should bring a container and ask Father to bless it before or after Mass.

May God bless each and every one of you as you strive to stay safe at this difficult time.