Mass

With the lifting of most pandemic gathering restrictions this week, Bishop McManus has announced the restoration of the obligation to take part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, effective Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2021.

Bishop McManus has also modified those adaptations of liturgical practices which we have been observing for the past year in mitigation of the virus.
 

• Beginning on Saturday, May 29th, masks and social distancing are no longer required of all parishioners. However, per CDC guidelines, non-vaccinated persons are still encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The tape has been removed, therefore, from all but a portion of the church. (Only the pews located by the baptismal font will remain taped in order to maintain social distancing.)

• Reservations are no longer required for attending Mass. However, we encourage all parishioners to continue to enter the church through the Parish Hall entrance so that our greeters have the opportunity to welcome you and share any useful information with you.   

• The singing of hymns and acclamations has been restored, although choirs will not return until the end of the summer.

• Holy Water, Hymnals and Missalettes will, once again, be available.

• Processions will also be restored.

• The passing of the collection basket at Mass will be discontinued until further notice. Instead, donation baskets will be placed at the entrances of the church where you may leave your offering. We encourage parishioners and guests to consider making any financial gifts to the parish online at stmaryuxbridge.org/give

• The distribution of Holy Communion will return to its pre-COVID form, although the distribution of the Precious Blood will not be restored until the fall. We kindly ask that those who wish to receive the Eucharist on the tongue approach the communion ministers located at the head of the main aisle only and not the other communion ministers.

• We will continue to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation outdoors (drive-up) on Saturdays from 2:00 – 3:00 pm until further notice.

• Limitations of the size of gatherings in non-liturgical spaces have also been lifted.

How excited we are to see the restrictions on Mass lifted and to welcome you home again! All of this will take some time to get used to. Please be assured we will continue to carefully monitor the number of cases as we proceed to return to a “new normal.” Please join in praying that the success we have so far enjoyed in quelling the pandemic may continue throughout the summer and the months to come.