Happy Independence Day!  Please pray for our nation – for peace – for all who defend and preserve our freedoms and liberties, in our communities and throughout the world.

Just a few updates as we continue to restore Public Celebration of the Sacraments, and make adjustments, for our Parish schedule and some helpful information.

1. As announced at all the weekend Masses last week, the Sacrament of Confession is now available on Saturday Afternoon in the Education Building at Sacred Heart Church, from 3:30-4:30 pm.  (The morning offering of Confessions at Saint George Church has been suspended.)  When arriving for confessions, please enter via the double doors to the lobby, near the Church on the Parking Lot side of the building (as you would for Holy Mass).  Tape will be placed upon the floor in the hallway to indicate proper social distances.  Facemasks are to be worn when in the Church building, for both Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Confession.

 

2. The windows and doors are propped opened in the Church to increase ventilation of fresh air, as well as make it safe for all who enter, therefore the outside temperatures have a greater impact on our gatherings.  Please do note that during these warm (many are hot and humid) days of Summer the 5 pm evening Mass on Saturdays is likely to be warm within the Church.  We are doing our best to make it comfortable, but given current recommendations to allow fresh air to circulate we continue to keep our windows open and doors propped open during our liturgies.  All are encouraged to plan accordingly, considering the weather and the need to wear a facemask continuously while in Church, when determining if and when to attend Holy Mass.

 

3. As a reminder, the dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligations to attend Holy Mass remains in effect in the Diocese of Harrisburg as granted by Bishop Gainer, this remains effective until further notice.  All are encouraged to exercise prudence as they consider if and when to attend Holy Mass. 

 

4. Of note, five (5) parishes in our diocese have had persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 attend Holy Mass in the past two weeks.  Pastors of these parishes have made the appropriate announcements to alert the faithful.  To the best of my knowledge, this has not occurred in our parish as this point. Along with the increase in COVID cases reported within our region, this is yet another reminder of the importance of all of the cleaning, various limitations, and preventive measures in place within the Church.  We continue to follow the recommendations for cleaning from public health officials and all of the directives of the Diocese of Harrisburg in our efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy. 

 
Anyone who has a cough of any sort, is sick, or has any symptoms of illness should refrain from attending Holy Mass to safeguard the health of others. To this end, if anyone has attended Holy Mass in Parish and tested positive for COVID-19 please contact me directly – your name will be kept confidential – so that we can make the appropriate announcements to help others be aware of potential infection, to be vigilant in recognizing any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
 
Also, anyone who is in an at-risk health group (e.g.: older adults, persons with severe medical conditions, etc.) or those who do not feel comfortable attending a public gathering should stay home.  No one is obligated to attend Holy Mass at this time. Even with the increased efforts to clean the Church, there is a risk of infection anytime a person enters a public space. 
 

5. In closing, a word of thanks to all of you: I sincerely appreciate your cooperation and understanding! Our many restrictions and new guidelines in these recent months are uncomfortable and frustrating at times, but they are a true opportunity to live the virtues of the Christian Life: patience, humility, obedience, and charity.  Also, a word of particular gratitude to the many who have volunteered to clean our Churches after each liturgy – your generosity makes it possible for us to have Holy Mass in a safe manner.  Thank you to all of you for goodness to one another and for abiding by the directives of the Diocese of Harrisburg!

 
An overflow room continues to be available at Sacred Heart Church given the limited space in the Church and the continued demands of social distancing.  When Sacred Heart Church reaches capacity, we will be able to continue to welcome the faithful to Holy Mass –  ushers will direct persons to use this room when it is need – because of the availability of this space.  All who are in the overflow room will be able to receive Holy Communion.
 
No doubt the many limitations we are experiencing are challenging, but we must continue to receive them as an act of charity for one another (especially for older adults and those who are particularly vulnerable to illness due to other medical conditions). Let us continue to pray for our medical professionals and first responders, as well as all civil leaders and everyone who serves in our community, that God will protect them from all harm and guide them as they care for the sick and suffering, seek lasting resolution to the COVID-19 illness, and serve the common good these difficult and uncertain days.