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May 27, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
Today concludes the Paschal feast that bean fifty days ago on Easter Sunday. In the gospel, Jesus gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit by breathing on the disciples. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to know that the gifts that God gives us are unique to us and we are called to use those gifts for the Glory of God. St. Paul reminds us that all gifts come from God. Instead of comparing our abilities and talents to those around us, let us focus on how we can use our gifts for the good of all.
St. Paul goes on to remind us that the Holy Spirit “comes to aid our weakness, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groaning”. On the feast day, we gather to seek the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We all know we need to be the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live a life of grace.
The celebration of the sacraments, with a congregation, has now resumed. In keeping with the directives issued by Cardinal DiNardo, and in accordance with national, state and local mandates, St. Hyacinth has resumed liturgical celebrations in the following manner:- Dispensation from Sunday obligation to attend in person is extended through May, especially with respect to people who may be considered physically well to attend yet believe it best to stay at home.
- The at-risk populations are encouraged to continue participating by tuning in to the YouTube livestreamed Mass on our parish website sthyacinth.org, from their homes and avoid attending Mass in person. At-risk population is defined as those who are 65 years or older, those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; or weakened immune system.
- Parishioners are asked to take their temperatures before coming to Mass and should not attend, if exhibiting any signs of illness or an elevated body temperature.
- In order to accommodate social distancing protocols, and to abide by Phase One state regulations, no more than 25% of the mandated fire code seating capacity of the building is allowed. Therefore, each Mass at St. Hyacinth will be limited to no more than 125 people.
- Church doors will be open for 15 minutes before Mass is to begin. Church doors will open Saturday 4:45 pm, Sunday 7:45 am, 9:45 am and 11:45 am. Please stay in your cars until the doors are open for the Church.
- The Church Narthex will serve as the ONLY entrance to the Church. Enter Narthex doors from either the Center Street parking lot or the P street parking lot.
- Parishioners are required to wear masks, upon entering the church and throughout the celebration of the Mass.
- For the safety of all, the Holy Water fonts and Holy Water tank will remain empty, the exchange of the Sign of Peace, the distribution of the Precious Blood and the offertory procession will be omitted and missalettes and hymnals will not be available.
- Parishioners should be careful not to gather too closely when entering or leaving the church.
- Hand sanitizers will be available and easily visible at the church entrances.
- Social distancing will be practiced and enforced.
- Parishioners will be seated in every other pew.
- Those of the same household can be seated in the same pew.
- Priest will wear masks during the distribution of Holy Communion.
- The congregation will remain in their pews for the distribution of Holy Communion, which prevents the formation of a Communion line.
- For health and safety reasons, parishioners are asked to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
- The church will be closed for sanitation between Masses. Pews and bathrooms will be sanitized thoroughly between Masses.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated Tuesday thru Friday after the 8:00 am morning Mass. Saturday between 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Penitents are asked to wear masks and utilize the screen, in order to avoid face-to-face confessions. While in the confession line, penitents are asked to practice social distancing.
All St. Hyacinth Special Masses for First communion will be rescheduled for a future time to be announced.
Cardinal DiNardo is working to reschedule all confirmation masses in the Archdiocese. We are looking for the Chancery to advise us as to a new date for confirmations.
Even as we have resumed duties in the parish, I ask for your patience as we work our way back to making the parish fully operational again. Meetings and gatherings at the Church and parish facilities will resume, once we received the official go ahead from the Archdiocese.
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels