Dear St. Benedict Parishioners,

Recently, the number of COVID-19 cases in our country has grown at an alarming rate. Our state, town and Diocese still have guidelines in place for our Masses to be allowed to be open and for our parishioners to remain safe. Unfortunately, this past Sunday we had a situation that requires us to restate and emphasize several points from previous messages to safely continue our worship at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:

1. We are once again implementing our procedure of locking the doors of the church once Mass begins so those attending Mass will not be forced into an uncomfortable situation. As there are far too many people showing up after Mass has begun, our ushers are becoming overwhelmed in trying to find seating with proper safe distancing. Too many people are sitting or standing too closely to others especially in the narthex.

With this in mind, please plan accordingly so that you arrive early for Mass and are not caught on the wrong side of the door when Mass starts.

2. We are still requiring those attending Mass to have a mask, face shield or other appropriate covering. Please be aware that others are only coming to Mass because we have these safety measures in place, thus we are not making exceptions. Being concerned for others is an act of Christian charity.

As stated in previous messages, if you are nervous or anxious about returning to Mass, please stay home.

3. As previously indicated, there is still no obligation to attend Sunday Mass. The bishop will continue the dispensation for those who are immunocompromised or otherwise vulnerable to COVID-19 until the end of January 2021. As I have stated before, for those in this group, not attending Mass (during this crisis) is not a sin. However, if we can go to stores, restaurants, schools and participate in other activities, we can and should give time to God. Otherwise healthy, non-vulnerable parishioners are encouraged to come to Mass and practice safe and responsible protocols. PLEASE REMEMBER that Sunday is still a day dedicated to the Lord. So, if you are not attending Mass for the above stated reasons, please watch a Mass online and offer prayers as well.

One thing we must constantly remind ourselves of is this: no one can formulate a solution to satisfy all people at all times. We ask that everyone be flexible, patient and prayerful. This is how we will get through this together.

In Christ,

Fr Mark

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First Friday Mass - December 4, 9:00 AM

First Saturday Mass - December 5, 9:00 AM

 

-Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM Mass, followed by Eucharistic Adoration.

-Friday: No Mass

-Saturday Morning: No Mass

 

Weekend Mass schedule:    

-Saturday: 5:00 PM

-Sunday: 8:00, 9:30, & 11:30 AM 

    Please note that Bishop Guglielmone has still not lifted the dispensation from Mass attendance, so there is no obligation to attend Mass. You are, however, warmly welcome!

NOTE: Father Mark will continue to present a Mass on our Facebook page for those who can't physically make it to Mass, but it will no longer be live-streamed at 10:00 AM. Typically it will be recorded on Saturday and made available for viewing on Facebook immediately thereafter. 

    

 

• Saturdays 12/5; 12/12; 12/19  2 - 4:30pm
• Wed 12/9  10 - 11:30am
• Wed 12/16  5 - 7pm
• Thu 12/3 5 - 7pm

Saturday: 3:30-4:30 PM in the St. Scholastica Room.