We are no longer requiring you to sign up for Mass but we do request that you follow all the safety guidelines that have been established: social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.
We are able to accommodate 100 people at each Mass this weekend. We will continue to offer Holy Communion in the parking lot after Mass. Please arrive before Mass is to begin so that you may be appropriately seated. Thank you!
Use this Sign-Up Link to Sign up for Mass
We are able to accommodate 100 people at each Mass this weekend. We will continue to offer Holy Communion in the parking lot after Mass.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Before going into the details of what Mass at St. Mary’s will look like this weekend, a few reminders.
June 7, 2020
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity*** See important clarification below
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am pleased to share with you a letter from our bishop announcing Phase II of the opening up of Masses to greater numbers of parishioners, beginning this coming weekend, June 13-14 (enclosed). The guidelines to pastors the Bishop references will necessarily have to be adapted to each parish’s particular circumstances. In this letter, I want to share with you what Phase II will look like at St. Mary’s.
First, some reminders and information.
This weekend we will celebrate Mass in our church as it has never been celebrated before. Please pray this week that the Blessed Trinity increases our faith and bestow on our parish the virtues of patience and charity.
Yours in Christ,
Msgr. Benwell
Postscript: on another topic of importance, Bishop Checchio has directed a time of sustained prayer during this month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to bring racial harmony, healing, and peace to our nation. You are invited to participate in the celebration of Evening Prayer every Friday evening in June at 5 pm. The live-stream will be available from our diocesan website; Facebook page and YouTube page.
***
Yesterday I communicated with you by email and regular mail that pastors had received permission to open our celebrations of Mass to the number of people equaling 30% of our church’s capacity—which in the case of St. Mary’s is 160 people. Also yesterday, the Governor announced he was limiting the amount of people inside a building to no more than 25% lawful capacity or 50 people, whichever number was lower.
Last week, the Governor’s office had no objections to the plan for reopening Catholic churches for Sunday Masses based on the 30% criteria and on the condition that safety protocols be in place, e.g., the wearing of masks, social distancing, etc.
Pastors have been advised by the vicar general that we may use our discretion in proceeding with the public celebration of Masses this weekend. Here at St. Mary’s we will follow the guidelines I shared with you yesterday. Again, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains suspended. You are the ultimate judges of what is best for the health of yourself and your family. Know that the Lord wishes you to be safe and at peace.
Msgr. Benwell
May 18, 2020
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (JOHN 13:38)
Daily Mass
We have also received permission to celebrate Mass in church for gatherings of ten persons and less. Again, we are working on the logistics, such as how to maintain social distancing and sanitize pews and, again, the safe and reverent distribution of Holy Communion. Given the small number able to gather for daily Mass, these are the rules at this time.
Daily Mass under the above conditions will begin the week of May 25. Additional instructions regarding safety precautions will be provided as they are finalized.
As always, if you would like to receive real-time parish updates and information, please check our website (www.stmaryswatchung.org) or join Flocknote, our parish email and text communication tool. Information on how to join Flocknote is on the home page of our website or you may contact the Parish Office (908-756-6524 x10) for assistance.
It is sometimes difficult to know the right thing to do in unprecedented circumstances, but by proceeding carefully and patiently, with the common good always in mind and with God’s help, I am confident St. Mary’s can successfully navigate the journey back to worshipping as a faith community again. Assuring you of my prayers and asking for a place in your own, I remain
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Msgr. William Benwell
Pastor