Dear friends,
Welcome back home!
Today we celebrate the solemnity of Pentecost. It is providential that we are taking new steps on our reopening process, embracing with courage and faith the challenge of the “new normal” the novel coronavirus pandemic has imposed on us. With the Blessed Mother I will sing: “My soul proclaims the goodness of the Lord; and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” And again, “This is the day the Lord made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Like the Apostles, we are coming out of our homes and confinement to shout for joy and praise the Lord for His endless love. Again, like them, we have been pruned and now filled with gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are called and sent to proclaim the Lord’s victory. Unity that the Holy Spirit to the world at Pentecost is renewed in our parish family today. We were apart from one another, but today as we embrace the coming of the Holy Spirit, we are made one again. As we remember the birth of the Church with the coming of the Holy Spirit, we celebrate our own birth as Family of God here at Holy Cross. Because, as St. Oscar Romero said, “The Church is all of us!”
For sure, I am aware of the challenges we still face as parish family with regards to this pandemic. Thus, I hereby make precise that Bishop Parkes’ dispensation from attending Sunday Mass accorded to all Catholics of our diocese still stands. If you are concerned, worried, ill or uncomfortable with this resumption, it is your right to say home. Moreover, to avoid the risk of the spread of the virus through missalettes, Sunday readings are integrated in the bulletin.
I would like to reiterate here the protocols I shared with you last week. For those who will be attending, the protocols are the same as for our daily Masses:
- The church occupancy will follow “first come, first served” to maintain 50% occupancy
- Wearing masks is mandatory
- Observing social distancing
- Using hand sanitizers at the Church entrance and before receiving Holy Communion
- It is more fitting and the right thing to do, although not mandatory, to receive Holy Communion
on hands at this moment - Nothing should be left on the pews. Please take the bulletin or worship aid you used with you as
you exit the Church
I would like to thank you once more for your courage, resilience, and your continued support to Holy Cross. May the Holy Spirit fill you all and your loved ones with His gifts, keeping you all safe and healthy.
Happy Feast of Pentecost and Happy Birthday to the Church!
Fr. Emery