Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update on the wearing of masks. Local, state and federal health guidelines now state that fully vaccinated people may attend Mass without wearing a mask. “Fully vaccinated” happens two weeks after the reception of the second Pfizer or Moderna Vaccine or two weeks after the single Johnson and Johnson Vaccine. People who do not meet those requirements are not considered fully vaccinated, and must keep taking all precautions. Also, those who are vaccinated and still feel more comfortable wearing a mask where groups gather indoors, you are more than welcome to continue wearing your mask while at worship.
As the pandemic safety protocols continue to be updated, and as more people get vaccinated, it is really wonderful to see more people returning to in-person attendance at Mass. We really look forward to having everyone back as soon as possible. The Diocese of Harrisburg has asked all parishes to review their updated guidelines and incorporate them into parish life. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, capacity limits for Masses will be lifted. Our staff will continue to work in implementing what is best for our parish, and we will update you as we are able. The dispensation from the obligation of attending Mass will remain in place until further notice, and we plan to continue livestreaming out Masses that take place in Church.
You are reminded that next weekend, while our in-Church Mass schedule continues as is, the Gazebo Mass schedule has this revision: Saturday at 4:00 PM and on Sunday at 9:45 AM (the 11:30 AM Gazebo Mass is being canceled). We will continue to make the audio portion of the in-Church Mass available via FM 95.5 if you prefer to attend from inside your car in the parking lot.
CONFESSIONS will resume in the Church next weekend, from 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM. As prior to the pandemic restrictions, penitents will wait their turn seated in the pew along the back wall near the confessional.
IN OTHER NEWS: We are very excited to welcome one of the newly ordained transitional deacons to our parish, Matthew Smith. Deacon Smith begins this week and will be with us for most of the summer. We keep him and his classmates in our prayers during this final year of their formation process for ordination to the Priesthood next Spring.
And, we congratulate our First Holy Communion class (70 all together) who received the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time last Sunday, and also this coming Sunday. The hosts for these celebrations were provided by the Passionist Nuns of Pittsburgh (they made these hosts “with love and prayers.”) We thank Bill and Diana Moser, who have a relative in that religious community, for making these arrangements for us. We thank the Passionist Nuns for their kindness to our parish.