Friday June 12, 2020 Ordinary Time
Parish Update
For the past number of months the lives of millions have been thrown into one of the worst health emergencies in history. The most powerful nations on earth have been forced to their knees. The covid-19 pandemic has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands and millions are ill. Homes, families, communities, and parishes live in hope for a cure, the virus eliminated, and the pandemic end. There are a few hopeful signs. However the future remains uncertain and every precaution must be taken. Many live in anxiety and some in great fear. Perhaps some might ask where is God in this time in our history. It is the question Elijah also asks in the first reading of the Mass today. He is too is living in perilous times. Standing alone in front of a dark cave on a high mountain he looks for God. We too stand alone in front of dark caves, in perilous times hoping, looking, searching for God. Powerful winds, earthquakes, and storms come Elijah’s way and he cannot hear, or see, or find God. Until all goes silent, and then, and only then, he hears the Voice. The Voice is God speaking to him. Elijah discovers God does not come to us in earthquakes, storms, winds, or pandemics, but comes to us, in the stillness and silence of the earth. God is found in silence. We struggle to find God in many places in our lives, but, he is not far, because he is found in the silence of our hearts. Many people struggle with silence. Many people fear silence. The lesson is not to fear the silence. God is heard in silence. Perhaps the pandemic has brought a measure of silence to our lives. Now is the time to listen to Him. The Voice tells Elijah to go and anoint Kings who will restore the nations. Today, the Voice is speaking, and saying, in the quiet of lockdown, and social distancing, and gloves, and masks, go out and anoint and restore the world. Anoint loved ones, anoint friends and neighbours, anoint the stranger. Anoint those who are afraid, anoint those who are anxious, anoint the sick, anoint past, present, and future. Anoint with love. Anoint one another in silence for God is saying go out now and repair a broken world. (Scripture Ref: I Kings 19.9,11-16)
This is my last commentary, at this time, as the church will now prepare to reopen this coming Tuesday. God bless you for your patience, faith, and devotion. Thanks for following the Mass readings. I now inform you of important directives we must all follow.
DIRECTIVES FROM GOVERNMENT AND DIOCESE THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED CONCERNING THE REOPINING OF THE PARISH CHURCH
THE CHURCH WILL OPEN FOR WEEKDAY MASS TUESDAY JUNE 16 @ 9 00 MASS. THE CHURCH IS ALLOWED 30% CAPACITY. USHERS WILL CLOSE THE DOORS WHEN DESIGNATED PEWS AT A SOCIAL DISTANCE ARE FULL. USHERS WILL HELP GUIDE YOU TO YOUR SEATS TRYING TO ACCOMMODATE FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. PLEASE DO NOT BE UPSET IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ENTER IF DOORS ARE CLOSED UPON REACHING 30% CAPACITY.
WEEKDAY MASSES ARE MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 AM ONLY. WEEKEND MASSES WILL BE ON SATURDAYS @ 5PM AND SUNDAYS @ 7 AM, 9AM, 11AM. A TEMPORARY 7AM MASS IS BEING ADDED ON SUNDAYS. IT WILL BE DETERMINED OVER TIME IF THERE IS A CONTINUED NEED FOR IT OR NOT DURING THE HEALTH EMERGENCY. I ENCOURAGE EARLY BIRD RISERS AND SENIORS TO ATTEND 7 AM MASS. THE WEEKEND MASSES BEGIN ON JUNE 21ST.
ALL MUST ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS OF THE CHURCH AND THE BACK DOORS. ALL SIDE DOORS ARE LOCKED. GOVERNMENT AND DIOCESE WANT TO MAINTAIN CAREFUL DISTANCE AND ORDER ENTERING AND LEAVING THE CHURCH.
WASH HANDS PRIOR TO MASS AND SANITZER SOAP BOTTLES WILL BE LOCATED AT FRONT AND BACK PARISH OFFICE DOORS OF THE CHURCH.
ALL WASHROOMS WILL BE LOCKED. NO ENTRY. ONE WASHROOM AT BACK OF CHURCH IS OPEN FOR USE.
CONFESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM. CONFESSIONAL IS CLOSED.
DOORS AND WINDOWS OF THE CHURCH ARE TO BE OPEN DURING THE MASS TO HELP PURIFY THE AIR. BRING A SWEATER OR COAT TO AVOID COOL DRAFTS.
THERE ARE NO HYMNALS OR BOOKS IN THE PEWS. THERE WILL BE LIMITED SINGING. NO CHOIR. ONLY INSTRUMENTALIST AND CANTOR. FAMILIAR SONGS AND PARTS OF MASS CAN BE SUNG.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR A MASK AT MASS BUT IT IS NOT MANDATORY IN THE CHURCH.
AT THE END OF MASS ALL MUST LEAVE. AVOID TALKING TO NEIGHBOURS OR GATHERING IN THE CHURCH OR PARKING LOT. MAINTAIN DISTANCE. THOSE WHO PRAY ROSARY AFTER MASS MUST PRAY IT IN THE LARGE CHURCH AT A SOCIAL DISTANCE. THE ADORATION CHAPEL IS CLOSED. WHEN FINISHED THE CHURCH DOORS ARE LOCKED.
THE OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED. THE CHURCH IS ONLY OPEN FOR MASSES. AFTER ALL MASSES THE CHURCH PEWS WILL BE DISINFECTED. AS WILL DOOR HANDLES. AVOID TOUCHING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
THE MASS WILL BE LIMITED OR SHORTENED IN LENGTH. COMMUNION IN THE HAND ONLY. THERE ARE NO CHALICES EXCEPT FOR THE PRIESTS. THERE WILL BE NO HAND SHAKING. ONLY BOW TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR AT THE PEACE OF CHRIST. THE PRIEST WILL NOT SPEAK WHEN GIVING COMMUNION IN THE HAND. HE WILL DROP THE HOST CAREFULLY INTO YOUR HAND. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HAND WIDE OPEN. HE WILL NOT SAY THE BODY OF CHRIST. AND YOU WILL NOT SAY AMEN. EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS WHO HAVE THE PYX TO TAKE COMMUNION TO NEIGHBOURS OR LOVED ONES, WHO HAVE BEEN FORMALLY ASSIGNED, MUST BRING THEIR PYX BEFORE MASS AND PUT ON TABLE IN THE SANCTUARY, ON A PIECE OF PAPER WRITE CLEARLY THE NUMBER OF HOSTS YOU NEED, AND AFTER COMMUNION, YOU CAN TAKE THE PYX CONTAINING THE HOSTS.
WEEKEND MASSES THERE IS NO COLLECTION. YOU CAN DROP YOUR OFFERING IN BASKET TO AN USHER AS YOU LEAVE THE CHURCH.
MAINTAIN SIX FEET DISTANCE WHEN COMING UP FOR COMMUNION. DO NOT TURN AROUND AND THEN WALK BACK THROUGH PEOPLE TO YOUR SEAT. YOU MUST WALK AROUND THE SIDE OF THE CHURCH BACK TO YOUR SEAT.
(Further instructions might have to be added. I will do so on Monday parish update. Thanks everyone as we try to follow the directives carefully for the health and safety or all.)
In gratitude to God a neighbour parishioner Mr. Paul Clarke wanted to share this song in honor of Our Lord as we to prepare to all gather again and celebrate the Holy Mass. Press on this link following. https://youtu.be/8z7gFes_6Wg
Prayers Requested:
For those suffering pain, depression, anxiety, and fear.
For the repose of the soul of Ennio Bittante, relative of Luciano Toscan received into God’s mercy. Who passed away in Italy.
For Danilo, also in Italy, gravely ill.
Prayers for all health workers, doctors, nurses, personal support workers. For all who have been afflicted and who have succumbed to Covid-19.
For a mothers request for her son, Adam, for his intentions and needs.
For Charles Robertson in hospital. For Charles Cunningham in hospital.
For Your Information:
Mass today is offered for the repose of the soul of Ennio Bittante in Italy.
For those who signed up for Care for Neighbours Team. Those assigned please keep a check on your neighbours.
Pray the Rosary at 4 PM in your homes offering prayers for end of the pandemic , the sick and afflicted, all who have requested prayers for our families, nurses, doctors, personal care workers. Pray for all in our nursing homes.
Mail drop off at the Rectory mail box kitchen door. Place prayer requests, Mass intentions, messages, envelopes, letters. The mail box is carefully monitored. Thanks for your continued offerings. Very much appreciated.
Dry food items for food pantry can be placed in the grey bin outside office entrance doors. Thank you! Also don’t forget to donate your spirit bottles to grey bin outside parish office door to help raise funds for the capital campaign.
DIOCESE DECREES ALL Large group weddings will continue to be CANCELLED. A WEDDING CAN TAKE PLACE BUT ONLY WITH THE BRIDE, GROOM, WITNESSES and number not exceeding 10 until further notice.
FIRST COMMUNIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS ARE ALL CANCELLED . TO BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.
Reminder that the Sunday 9 AM Mass June 14 Feast of Corpus Christi will be live streamed. This will be the last live stream mass. No live stream is permitted beyond opening of the church. Instructions are posted on the Parish Website https://holyrosaryguelph.ca/ under the “MASSES” header on the home page of website. A link to a recording of the previous Sunday Mass is also available in the same location.
Courage everyone. Pray. With my blessing.
Fr. Vernon P. Boyd S.J.
Pastor
Holy Rosary Parish, 175 Emma Street, Guelph, ON, N1E 1V6
