COVID RESTRICTIONS LIFTED FOR DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG!
Concurrent with the lifting of the mask mandate in the Commonwealth of PA, effective June 28, COVID-19 liturgical restrictions for parishes throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg were also lifted. In a press release from June 28, Bishop Gainer stated: “As we continue to move closer and closer to a sense of normalcy, I encourage all of the faithful, especially those in good health, to return to in-person Mass. Now is the time for our Catholic family to come together so that we can actively live our faith as the Body of Christ in our communities,” While the mandate has been lifted, those who wish to continue wearing a mask are welcome to do so. The Dispensation from the Obligation for attending Mass remains in place. Those who are unwell or under care for COVID-19 should continue to refrain from attending Mass in-person.
IMPACT ON OUR PARISH
We have been adjusting to the changing guidelines as they have occurred these past few months. The immediate impacts of this most recent announcement are:
Volunteers will no longer be needed to sanitize after Masses. THANK YOU to all who have assisted with this important task since we reopened!
All 3 Narthex doors will be opened for weekend Masses. The Alcove and Infant Chapel doors will remain locked for entry, but can be used to exit the church.
Our cantors will resume using the small ambo in front of the church to lead us in the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation.
Meetings in parish spaces can resume. We will maintain the same process as in the past, including requesting spaces by using the facilities reservation form, which can be found on our website. We ask for your patience in scheduling as we reopen our meeting rooms. Please note: the school building is closed to visitors due to summer maintenance.
Effective 10 July, our weekend livestreaming will be reduced to one Mass, the 9:45 AM celebration on Sunday. Weekday Masses will continue to be livestreamed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thanks to our tremendous volunteers, we have already hosted several events these past few months, including food trucks for Father Sahd’s farewell and the golf tournament to support our school. Mark your calendars for these events for the remainder of the summer / early fall:
July 16 & 18: Memorial Services for those who died during the pandemic
July 25: 2:00 PM Gazebo Mass followed by our Parish Picnic, featuring a Polka band! We will also honor Deacon Jack Paruso, who retired after 38 years of active diaconal ministry this past Spring, during this Mass and at the Picnic. Please make sure to see Jack and Marlane that day, even though they plan on continuing to be very much of part of our Saint Joseph Family.
August 1-5: Vacation Bible School
September 11: Annual Parish Yard Sale
Check next week’s bulletin to see the things we have planned for the rest of the calendar year!