Public Masses have resumed at Saint Mary Church in Groveport and in the Diocese of Columbus and in most parts of the Catholic Church. Our first public Mass was today ... Memorial Day. How special! We honored those who gave “t
heir last full measure” in our country’s battles and also the COVID heroes who died in service to the ill. I’ve been saying Mass privately for many weeks since the suspension of public Mass; so, it was a special treat for me to have worshippers in the pews today joining me in the Mass. Praise be to God!
Folks appreciated today’s Mass AND followed the new
Pandemic Health Precautions (see Blanket Letter of May 17.)
These procedures are required for us to gather for worship during the COVID threat. Let’s consider three of them:
Masks - Yes, masks covering our faces are uncomfortable and disconcerting. But they are perhaps the most effective barrier to airborne transmission of the Coronavirus. Wearing the mask
protects others. They are required for entry into the church … no exceptions. You should have you own mask, but we also have a supply in the entryway.
Seat Spacing - Every other pew is closed and seating places in the open pews are marked every six feet. These seating restrictions disrupt the practice of sitting with friends at Mass, but we must maintain “social distancing” while in church. (Family members who reside together may sit together … there was such a family at Mass today.) Seating restrictions may be disappointing, but they’ve proved effective in limiting the transmission of the Coronavirus.
Because of spacing, the seating capacity is reduced to about 40 spaces.
No Physical Greetings - This one is especially difficult because we’re a “greeting type" of people! But we may not hold hands during the
Our Father nor will we “pass the peace.” When arriving and leaving we may give only by a distant nod and smile. Once outside, we may chat as we maintain 6-foot separation.
If you have any concern about your own health status or you are uneasy about going into a public space … STAY HOME. The Bishop has dispensed the Mass Obligation through September 13.
PENTECOST - Coming of the Holy Spirit and Resumption of Regular Worship This Sunday is the Solemnity of Pentecost … the coming of the Holy Spirit. We return to regular Eucharistic Worship on Saturday at 5pm Mass and Sunday Masses at 8:30 and 11am. Please observe the Pandemic Health Precautions, summarized in the Blanket Letter of May 17.
Plus! There’s more!
Our schedule for Weekday Masses resumes on Tuesday, June 2. Regular weekday Masses are: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30am and Wednesdays at Noon ... every week! I’ll be there until my departure in July ... how about you?
We conclude with this prayer for the Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Christ with Mary your loving pastor,
Father John