A Letter to all Parishioners from Fr. John - August 12, 2020

I hope you are enjoying summer this year. For the most part, we have had beautiful weather (well, except for Isaias and the power outages) and for that we can all be grateful. Thank you for the wonderful welcome I have received.  I am really looking forward to learning more and more about each of you and the parish community of St. Cecilia.

Someone mentioned to me they were looking forward to celebrating New Year’s this year----not to celebrate 2021, but to mark the end (finally) to 2020! Who would have thought back on New Year’s morning 2020 this year would be so tragic?! But in-the-midst of it all, we have found creative ways to stay connected to our faith. After all, our faith is our rock.   

I thought it would be good to catch up on some things and use the bulletin to communicate some information. This letter will be sent out via email, on our website, and in our weekly newsletter that we call our bulletin. Here are some updates:

• * The Easter Vigil was cancelled this year. So, we had a special RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Mass to welcome three (3) individuals into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.  That Mass was on August 2^nd.
• * First Communion was also delayed because of the pandemic. However, we will be having three (3) special First Communion Masses before the end of August. This will help with social distancing.  All second graders will receive communion at that time.
• * We also have some children in RCIC - like the RCIA program but for children. They will have a special Mass to welcome them to First Communion as well. they too were delayed because of the pandemic.
• * Our confirmation students also were delayed because of the pandemic. We will be having (3) special Confirmation Masses for those students as well in early October. 
• * We will be having several weddings in the early Fall. Many of these were delayed because the venue for the reception had temporarily closed. We are back to scheduling these consistent with current guidelines.
• * We also are catching up on baptisms. As you recall, baptisms were temporarily postponed.
• * We are having Memorial Masses for those who died earlier in the Spring and could not have a Mass because of COVID-19.  Several have already been scheduled.    
• * Our student Faith Formation Classes will be creatively designed by the Director of Religious Education, Rosemary Oldread. Information on classes to be communicated to the parents.
• * The tradition at St. Cecilia is to return to four weekend Masses after Labor Day weekend. Beginning on the weekend of September 13, our weekend Mass schedule will be: Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The 9:30 AM Mass will be the Family Liturgy, as it has in the past.  Because of social distancing, etc., we will be creative as to how this happens.  But some hybrid of the Family Liturgy at 9:30 AM will begin on Sunday, September 13. The additional 4^th Mass will also help with our capacity limits for Mass.
• * Right now, we are limited by Massachusetts to 40% of our Building Inspection limits and due to the physical distancing requirements, our capacity for St. Cecilia Church, is 170 people. The additional Mass after Labor Day will help us manage that number.
• * I am sure many here in Wilbraham were impacted by power outages from the recent Tropical storm.  Our church and rectory were also impacted but are now back online. Our phones were a problem for several days. In addition, we do have some trees down up at the rectory.  But we are recovering.  There was no significant damage, but cleanup is required. 
• * We are planning to have a blessing of pets in October in honor of St. Francis. There will be more information in the bulletin in the weeks to come. 

Keep in mind the above is subject to changing requirements on safety. We should remember the three “W”s:  WATCH your 6-foot distancing at Mass; WEAR your mask in church; and WASH your hands frequently. Many people bring small bottles of hand sanitizer for church. Let us all pray for an end to the virus and for the health of our community. May God bless you!

Each week, as we welcome back more parishioners, we need to keep in mind these guidelines set forth by the Diocese. Thank you for doing your part in keeping everyone safe.  (Newest guidelines are in bold.)

Diocesan Restrictions

• Omission of the Sign of Peace.
• Communion in the hand only.
• Holy Water fonts to remain empty and covered.
• Physical distancing (6 ft. minimum) at all times.
• Masks (covering MOUTH & NOSE) are required.

Additional Diocesan/Parish Guidelines

• Bishop has extended the dispensation of obligation to attend Sunday Mass at this time. Those who are vulnerable should not attend Mass in person.
• Masks (covering MOUTH & NOSE) must be worn prior to leaving your vehicle.
• The Main Street entrance to the church is locked.
• The outside Rotunda doors will be locked when the church is being cleaned in between Masses.
• The Children’s Room is available for limited seating.
• Families can sit together without 6 ft distancing, but all others should maintain 6 ft distancing while sitting in the pews.
• Please do not congregate in the church facility.
• Communion will be distributed as Mass is dismissed.

• Communion will begin with the center aisles.
  • There will be ONE SINGLE FILE down the center.
  • There will be two Eucharistic Ministers (EM’s) at each Mass. In the center aisles, please go to the next EM that is available.
• If you are seated on the choir or children’s section, please wait for the EM to come to your section.
• Please wear your mask (covering MOUTH & NOSE) while in line for Communion.
• Extend your hands in a flat position.
• Please reverently exit immediately after receiving the Eucharist.

• Please wear your mask (covering MOUTH & NOSE) until you have reached your vehicle.

• The restrooms along Main St. will be available for emergency use only; no other restrooms will be open.
• Reconciliation on Saturdays from 3:00-3:30 PM will take place in the Vesting Sacristy.
• Bring your own hand sanitizer if possible.
• Parish social gatherings and pastoral home visits are not allowed.

Understand that we have legally mandated occupancy numbers. Kindly know that it is not our intention to turn anyone away, however, we must adhere to these restrictions. For up-to-date information, please visit us at www.saintceciliawilbraham.org and diospringfield.org.

Fr. John & the Parish Staff