Mass of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Senior Graduating Class of 2020: Mass of Thanksgiving

St. Mary’s All School Virtual Rosary

June 20, 2020

My Dear Parishioners,
My thanks go out to you for your continued patience, understanding and support during the gradual and safe reopening of St. Mary parish for the sacramental celebrations of our faith! I hope this letter serves as a guide and reminder of our safe-distancing practices and an update on scheduling.

Up to August 15, you are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass and those over 65 years of age who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus or those having underlying health concerns at any age are encouraged to stay home and continue to participate in prayer and the Mass on-line or TV or radio. (Even after these circumstances surrounding Covid-19 subside, our Sunday Mass will continue to be aired for the homebound on WRBI radio and our parish and Facebook sites. Right now on ETC TV our Mass is also aired. Thanks to all those who are making it possible to broadcast our Masses for those at home.)

Communion to the homebound is possible especially by family members who were previously taking them Communion. Our church bus will be offered again August 15.

Our arrangement in Church and in the Gathering Space will remain the same through July and at least up until August 15. Please observe the safe distancing signs and please use the masks and sanitizer which are readily available. (It’s up to you to “measure” 6’ from your neighbor in pews.)

Masses on Saturdays and Sundays will continue to be around 30 minutes. Church doors will be unlocked a half hour before Mass. Except for July 21/23, Masses will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 7 at 5:30 preceded by confessions from 4:30 to 5:00. Church will be unlocked those days for private prayer from 8am to 6pm using only the ambulatory, and Mary’s shrine for kneeling and sitting. You will be unable to use the kneelers in the pews at least until August 15. Restroom usage is restricted to the Family bathroom also until August 15.

Starting July 6, the Adoration Chapel will reopen. If you are not comfortable returning for your usual time slot, please call Linda Ortman at 812-614-4553. Adorers are asked to arrive at 5 minutes after the hour and leave 5 minutes before the hour so as to prevent contact and conversation with other adorers. Sanitizing wipes will be available for your chair and/or kneeler. Our church cleaning and sanitizing practices will remain in effect at least until August 15.

While you may continue to contact us anytime at the parish and school offices, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be the best days for appointments and visits.

Peace,

Father John