Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

The Catholic Church has long followed both belief and logic.  The Church has never been afraid of using science in her pursuit of knowing God and the world He made for us. After all, the Church did help develop the scientific method. Pope St. John Paul II said in 'Fides et Ratio' (or Faith and Reason), "Faith and Reason are like two wings of the human spirit by which it soars to the truth."

So we will respond with some logical steps for health and safety, while at the same time remembering that we are the Lord's (Romans 14:8). We place all our hope in Him alone. 

With some of the recent health updates, direction from the regional health districts, and guidance from the Bishop, we will observe the following: 

At all three Parishes the following health precautions are taking place: 

• The Precious Blood is not being offered. We receive all of Jesus in every crumb of the Host. 
• Holding hands has never been required. 
• Masks are not a requirement, but welcomed for those who need or want  them. Please give space to those who wear the mask. 
• The Sign of Peace does not require a physical touch, and we will respect the mode in which one offers the Sign of Peace. 
• Hand sanitizer is available. 
• The gifts will be prepared and presented as normal, so long as the vessels have sealed lids. 
•  Collections taken via the staffed basket. 
• Using the restroom is at your own risk. 
• The Churches are being kept clean. 

It would be good for our souls to be spending extra time in daily prayer with our families. Offering prayers in the morning and evening together will help us grow in a trusting relationship with the Father. Simple prayers like the Rosary are great ways to reflect on Jesus and ask the Spirit to help us. Additional prayer resources will be available on the Faith Formation Page. 

“Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ.” -Saint Jerome

The Church composed the Bible early on with the Apostles. Then In 382AD Pope Damasus at the Council of Rome listed the 27 books of the New Testament and 46 books of the Old Testament as the Canon of Scripture. Since then the Catholic Bible consisted of these original books of Sacred Text. Since we rely on Scripture and Tradition, it is important to take brief moments of the day to read some Scripture. Times just before bed or when waking up usually help create consistent habits of versing ourselves in the Word of God.  

The Churches are open so folks can go in to spend time with the Physical Presence of Jesus. This is always a blessing and Jesus is always there in the Tabernacle waiting to talk with you. It is always good to speak with Jesus and tell Him all your fears, challenges, hopes, joys, successes, and acts of thanksgiving. 

"When you approach the tabernacle remember that He has been waiting for you for twenty centuries."

 - St. Josemaria Escriva

Masses will Continue to be held so that the Faithful can receive Our Blessed Lord.  There is no longer a dispensation to skip the Lord's Mass, outside the established norm (weather, being sick, caring for the sick, homebound, etc...). 

The Rosary is a spiritual weapon to combat the forces of Satan, the world, and our own struggles. Mary always intercedes for us to her Son. The mysteries keep us focused on Jesus.

Going to Confession allows us to get rid of all the excess baggage in life which weighs us down. Our sins, when honestly and sincerely confessed, are always absolved by the Father. It is a ministry of Mercy from Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18; John 20:21-23; Luke 4:16-21; Isaiah 43:25). After Confession we can be sure that we are in a state of grace to receive Holy Communion.