May 8, 2020
Dear St. Teresa Parishioners,
On May 11, 2020, it is with great joy and anticipation that we are looking forward to resuming public Masses at St. Teresa Church while taking appropriate precautions to contain the spread the COVID-19 virus. These guidelines are subject to change in the event of new instructions from local or state health officials and the Office of the Bishop. If anything changes from the dates I have communicated, I will let you know as soon as possible.
All other parish and school activities remain restricted, including after-Mass gatherings such as coffee and rolls, funeral luncheons, wedding receptions, etc. In-person meetings of parish groups continue to be indefinitely suspended.
Beginning Monday May 11th, and until further notice, our Mass Schedule is this:
Guidelines and Safety Measures for Parishioners During Reopening
Please use your judgment and the following guidelines in determining your attendance at Mass. The dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in place so that parishioners feel no pressure to come to church and so that parishioners can come to Mass any day of the week, rather than everybody attempting to come on Sundays.
Those Who are Encouraged to Stay Home:
We have 15 Masses at St. Teresa each week, so do not feel obligated to come only to one of the 4 Sunday Masses, but please consider coming to weekday Masses as an alternative.
We will do everything that we can to make sure that all surfaces, pews, door handles, hand railings, etc. are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Your priests have missed your presence and are so looking forward to once again celebrating together at the Altar of the Lord! Please know of our sincere appreciation for all of your expressions of support, prayers, and offers of help, food and bakery that many of you have provided. We are very grateful. Be assured of our daily prayers for you.
We offer a special blessing this Sunday to all of our mothers and for all of the sacrifices and love that you continue to give so selflessly even in these trying times.
Be well in the Risen One,
Fr. Hottovy
Dear St. Teresa Parishioners,
On May 11, 2020, it is with great joy and anticipation that we are looking forward to resuming public Masses at St. Teresa Church while taking appropriate precautions to contain the spread the COVID-19 virus. These guidelines are subject to change in the event of new instructions from local or state health officials and the Office of the Bishop. If anything changes from the dates I have communicated, I will let you know as soon as possible.
All other parish and school activities remain restricted, including after-Mass gatherings such as coffee and rolls, funeral luncheons, wedding receptions, etc. In-person meetings of parish groups continue to be indefinitely suspended.
Beginning Monday May 11th, and until further notice, our Mass Schedule is this:
- Monday – Friday: 8:15am and 5:30pm
- Saturday: 8:15am and 4pm Vigil Mass (the 4pm will also be streamed)
- Sunday: 8am, 10am (the 10am will also be streamed), and Noon Masses
Guidelines and Safety Measures for Parishioners During Reopening
Please use your judgment and the following guidelines in determining your attendance at Mass. The dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in place so that parishioners feel no pressure to come to church and so that parishioners can come to Mass any day of the week, rather than everybody attempting to come on Sundays.
Those Who are Encouraged to Stay Home:
- The sick
- The elderly
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Family members who live with elderly people or those who are at risk
- People who have access to those at risk in nursing institutions
- People who have upper respiratory or flu like symptoms
- People who live with someone with upper respiratory or flu like symptoms
- People with COVID-19 or live with someone with COVID-19
- People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Wearing a face mask is highly recommended.
- Alternate pews will be taped off so that families can sit with the appropriate 6 feet social distancing.
- Hymnals and missalettes have been removed from the pews. Feel free to take one from the back but do not return it. Take it home with you and bring it for personal use at future Masses.
- Collection baskets will be at the exits for you to leave your offerings.
- Please receive Holy Communion in the hand.
- The communion rail will not be used. In queueing to receive Holy Communion and returning to your pews, observe the appropriate distance between households.
- There will be two Communion stations: The priest will stand in the center aisle and will distribute to the people who are seated in the front half for the church. Communion will also be distributed from the back for those who are seated in the back half of the church.
- After Mass, maintain a 6-foot social distance when exiting the church as well as outside on parish grounds.
We have 15 Masses at St. Teresa each week, so do not feel obligated to come only to one of the 4 Sunday Masses, but please consider coming to weekday Masses as an alternative.
We will do everything that we can to make sure that all surfaces, pews, door handles, hand railings, etc. are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Your priests have missed your presence and are so looking forward to once again celebrating together at the Altar of the Lord! Please know of our sincere appreciation for all of your expressions of support, prayers, and offers of help, food and bakery that many of you have provided. We are very grateful. Be assured of our daily prayers for you.
We offer a special blessing this Sunday to all of our mothers and for all of the sacrifices and love that you continue to give so selflessly even in these trying times.
Be well in the Risen One,
Fr. Hottovy