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public mass Guidelines October 5, 2020
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Updates from Bishop Walkowiak ~ Oct 5, 2020October 5, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
God calls us to be in relationship with one another. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”(Acts 2:42-44) These words remind us of the importance of the Christian community. It is the place where we are nourished by Word and Sacrament.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the ability to open our churches in the diocese more widely. I have provided guidance to our pastors allowing them to admit to Mass the number of people they are able to safely accommodate while maintaining proper social distancing.
We have been able to safely and effectively return to public Masses for the last four months. Within this timeframe and across our 80 parishes, we are aware of only five people who have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Mass. We have no reason to believe that any of these cases were a result of transmission at a parish. To safely maintain public Masses with an increased seating capacity, parishioners need to continue to follow our guidelines including wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing their hands. Parishes will continue to ensure that high-touch surfaces are disinfected after every liturgy.
It is good that more of you will now be able to attend Mass. I also realize, however, that by maintaining proper social distancing, our churches still face some occupancy restrictions. I am extending the dispensation for all Catholics within the territory of the Diocese of Grand Rapids from their obligation of attending Sunday Mass through November 23 to address this concern.
I grant this dispensation to ensure that anyone who needs to stay home to protect the common good can do so in good conscience. If you are homebound, please contact your parish to inquire about the ability to have Communion brought to you. Mass will continue to be televised at 10 a.m. Sunday on FOX 17 and livestreamed on the diocesan website (grdiocese.org) and Facebook page (Diocese of Grand Rapids).
Those who are able to attend Mass should return, remembering that our physical presence at the Eucharistic table is irreplaceable. While this dispensation is in effect, all baptized Catholics are reminded of their obligation to keep the Lord’s Day holy.
We entrust our prayers to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of those who suffer illness. Please continue to check the diocesan website: http://bit.ly/GRdioceseCOVID19Updates and social media for the latest information on our COVID-19 response.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids
**************************************************************************************************************We have resumed our normal weekday and weekend Mass schedule.
Weekend and Daily Masses have resumed.
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30PM St Marys
Sunday 7:30AM & 9AM St Michaels (Mar-Oct)
Sunday 8AM & 9:30AM St Michaels (Nov--Feb)
Sunday 10:30AM St Marys (Mar—Oct)
Sunday 11:00AM St Marys (Nov—Feb)
Weekday Mass Schedule:
Tuesday 9AM St Marys
Wednesday 9AM - St Michaels
Thursday 9:00 AM St Marys
Friday 9:00 AM St Michaels
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday 3:30 PM—4:15 PM St. Marys
(or anytime by appointment on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Wednesday 3:00 PM—4:00 PM St. Michaels
(or anytime by appointment on Wednesdays & Fridays))
We have plenty of room for you to join us safely. Pre-registration is NOT required. If you feel more comfortable, we have seats set up in the community room Via closed Circuit T.V and in the Chapel.
Please know that we are taking extra COVID-19 safety precautions:- The pews are cleaned and sanitized after EVERY Mass
- The pews are clearly marked for specific seating assignments
- We have social distancing tape lines for receiving communion
- Masks are to be worn by everyone attending Mass
After reading this, if you still have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The pandemic is not over, and safety precautions must be followed, in order to promote the continued health and safety of everyone in our community. Your cooperation is vital as we take these steps:- We will not be using Hymnals.
- Social distancing MUST occur. Only people living in the same household may sit together. All others should remain 6 feet away in every direction from another individual who is not a member of their household. Please show patience with parents with young children.
- There should be no physical contact between parishioners (e.g. parishioners should not hold hands during the Our Father, (the invitation for the Sign of Peace will be omitted).
- Masks or appropriate equivalent facial coverings MUST be worn by all participants 2 years and older (i.e., by all those not performing a liturgical ministry).
- Place your offertory in the baskets placed in the entry areas. There will be no passing of the collection basket.
- Only the priest will distribute Holy Communion so there will be some slight changes to receive communion. For the distribution of Holy Communion, the faithful keep their face covering in place while approaching in procession. At an identified position marked 6 feet from the minister, they should respond "Amen" and remove their face covering before coming forward for Holy Communion. Their face covering should be placed back on their face before proceeding to their seat. Holy Communion must be received by hand. Gloves may not be worn.
- We urge anyone who is considered vulnerable due to age or underlying health conditions to remain at home.
- If you are sick, or have been exposed to anyone who is sick, please stay home.
The Parish Office has reopened for visitors. We will have new guidelines in effect.- Due to space and social distancing guidelines only TWO people will be permitted in the office at a time.
- You must answer a series of questions before entering.
- You will have your temperature taken before entering.
- You must wear a mask while in the office.
- (these restrictions may change at any time due to instructions from the diocese and the state of Michigan)
As this is a situation, we Catholics have never experienced before, please be patient as we work through this extraordinary event together. Looking forward to celebrating Mass with you. If you have any questions, please call me at 616-901-0974.
Sincerely yours,
Fr. Ayub Francis Nasar (Pastor)
Updates from Fr Ayub ~ July 23, 2020
Updates from Fr Ayub ~ July 2, 2020
A letter from Bishop Walkowiak - August 24, 2020
A letter from Bishop Walkowiak ~ October 5, 2020 -
Watch your emails, our Facebook pages and websites for further updates. We appreciate your patience during these uncertain times.
St Mary's Parish Office & St Michaels Parish Office has re-opened. We will have new guidelines in effect.
Due to space and social distancing guidelines only TWO people will be permitted in the office at a time.
You must answer a series of questions before entering. You will have your temperature taken before entering.
You must wear a mask while in the building.
(these restrictions may change at any time due to instructions from the diocese and the state of Michigan) If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fr Ayub 1.616.901.0974 or franasar@grpriests.org.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding. Please watch your emails, our facebook page and website for further updates. Please share this information to anyone who maybe homebound and/or does not have access to the internet. Thank You.
Updates can be found at: https://grdiocese.org/bishop-walkowiak-guidelines-to-help-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/
Please be sure to use the “social distancing” guidelines. If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home. We appreciate your patience during these uncertain times Please share this information to anyone who maybe homebound and/or does not have access to the internet. Thank You.
Helpful Links and Information...
Diocesan Guidelines for Parishes & Schools
Ottawa County COVID-19 Response -
Formed ~ Catholic Faith on demand
We want to encourage you to explore your Catholic faith at home, our diocese is partnering with the Augustine Institute to give you a FREE 40-day subscription to FORMED – an online platform that provides the best Catholic movies, programs, audio books and talks, all at your fingertips, on your Roku, Apple TV, web browser, or FORMED iOS and Android apps.
FORMED is a great way to help you and your entire family understand, live and share the Catholic faith during these times. Visit https://formed.org/signup and enter “Faith At Home Grand Rapids” for access to faith-fueling, inspiring and informative stories, teaching and more.
Additional resources may be found on the diocesan website and Facebook page:
Holy Week at Home
Spiritual ResourcesFeel free to share this link and information with your friends and family!
