A Letter from Fr. Wayne
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March 16, 2020A Letter from the Pastor
My dear Parishioners,
In response to the concerns related to COVID-19, also known as, “Coronavirus,” and following directives from Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Saint Michael the Archangel is taking preventative measures to ensure the well- being of our parishioners, clergy, and staff.
On Thursday, March 12, the Archdiocese issued a memorandum stating that, “. . . the faithful need to maintain some degree of normalcy in the midst of the current health crisis,” recommending that each parish, “continue to maintain their regular Mass schedules for all those who wish to participate. The obligation to attend Mass is being dispensed until further notice. In addition, if a parishioner is in the higher risk category due to current illness, age, or suffering from a chronic health condition or compromised immune system, they are also asked to remain at home.” The following individuals are asked to remain at home and not attend Mass or large gatherings:- If you are currently ill;
- If you are suffering from a chronic health condition;
- If your immune system is compromised;
- If you are over the age of 60; or
- If you are uncomfortable attending Sunday Mass due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
For those parishioners who are unable to join us for Mass at the parish, a Live Stream of our Saturday, 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass and our 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass will be available on our parish website during the current crisis. For those of you who decide to attend Mass, I want to let you know that we are exercising an abundance of caution in the following areas:
The interior narthex doors will be open to minimize the touching of door handles.
The ushers have been asked to wash their hands when they arrive at the church and will use gloves when taking up and handling the collection and washing hands after the collection.
The gifts of bread and wine will not be processed to the altar during Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will use hand sanitizer at the Credence table before distributing Holy Communion to the faithful.
All are requested to receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue.
We will not be able to supply hand sanitizer for everyone who attends Mass. But we do encourage you to make use of the soap and water offered in our restrooms.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) will not be available until further notice. In consultation with senior church officials, members of the pastoral council and following the directives of the Archdiocese I have made the decision that all parish activities, ministry meetings or organizational gatherings that meet at St. Michael’s except the Masses are suspended effective immediately. I realize that these restrictions are a disappointment for us all. They are actions the Archdiocese has set in motion and I feel they are in our faith communities’ best interest. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping us all safe.
In closing I urge you to take care of yourselves, to exercise prudence and discernment during this critical time. Above all let us not be overcome with anxiety and fear but trust in the compassionate care of our loving God and that our prayers will be answered and we will soon be able to celebrate this holy season of Lent and the joy of Easter with grateful hearts.
I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Wayne W. Wilkerson, Pastor