The Basilica of Saint John

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Phase I and II have been implemented at the Basilica.   Our weekend Masses have started, and I think we can say, “So far, so good.”  But please remember:  IF YOU FEEL SICK IN ANY WAY OR THINK YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO HAS THE VIRUS, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO ANY OF THE MASSES.  The obligation to attend Mass is still dispensed.  The Bishop has strongly encouraged the use of masks.  I ask that you take this to heart.  Masks are provided by the parish.  You are responsible for your own mask as far as washing and keeping them clean.  And remember:  ADORATION IS SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER.  AND THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MASS AT 9:00 A.M. UNTIL AT LEAST SATURDAY 05 SEPTEMBER. 

Please observe that when you come up to Communion, come in a single line with six feet between you and the next person or family.  When you are before the minister of Communion remove the mask, consume the Blessed Sacrament, and put the mask back on.  DO NOT WALK AWAY WITH THE HOST OR WAIT TO CONSUME IT IN THE PEW OR WHEN WALKING AWAY.  Those wishing to receive on the tongue should come at the end of the line.  But be advised, it will be impossible for the minister to disinfect his hands after each person receives. 

Since we will not be able to take up a collection with the basket in the normal way, please avail yourselves of the secure boxes in the Basilica for your donations when you attend Mass.  The PENNIES FROM HEAVEN BOX is just down from St. Joseph’s Altar and a SECURE BOX is by the last pew on St. Joseph’s side.  A basket will also be placed in front and in the back of the Basilica for your convenience.  The ushers will collect the donations from these baskets after each Mass.  When there is a mandated second collection another basket will be provided and will be clearly marked.

PHASE III:  The Bishop has given permission for certain social gatherings at the pastor’s discretion.  Starting 06 July necessary meetings of small groups may begin.  As a precaution, I am not allowing larger gatherings or meetings such as Coffee and Donuts, Altar and Rosary, Parish Council and Finance Council until September.  Permission for meetings between 06 July and 06 September will be decided on each individual case.  Please seek the permission of the Pastor for any meetings before September though the parish office.

The other Sacraments will be implemented on a case by case basis.  RCIA reception into the Church is scheduled for August 16^th at the 10:30 Mass.   Confirmation is scheduled for August 30^th at the 10:30 Mass.   First Holy Communion and First Confessions will be done individually this year.   The parents will be contacted by the Director of Religious Education regarding Confirmation, First Confession and First Holy Communion.

To keep me safe from infection I will not distribute Holy Communion and will keep a safe distance from the congregation.  Distribution will be done by the Deacons and MC’s.  People in the sanctuary will be very limited according to diocesan guidelines.  I will also limit my close contact with others for now.  If I get sick, there will be no Masses since help from other priests will be nearly impossible to find, especially among the retired priests who normally cover for me.  They are among the most vulnerable.  Please be patient with all of this.  And know that I miss you all very much!  I hope that by September we will be back to a more normal way of life in the parish as far as possible.  However, that remains to be seen since the virus is still spreading.

I want to thank all those who sent their greetings to me for my 40^th Jubilee of ordination to the Sacred Priesthood on June 29^th.  The formal celebration will take place next May 16^th at the 10:30 Mass.  Hopefully by then we will be more back to normal and can have a celebration for the whole parish at that time.

Remember that our Masses continue to be recorded every day except Saturday.  On weekdays it is at 12:00 noon and on Sunday at 10:30.   The Saturday Mass intentions that are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. will continued to be offered at the Abbey of St. Joseph until at least September.  Please be cautious and stay well.  Take seriously the restrictions that have been placed upon us for our good and the good of others, such as frequently washing hands and keeping social distance.  Do not lose heart.  The Lord is still in charge and he will sustain us in our present difficulties.  We shall emerge from this trial stronger in faith and with blessings from the Lord for our perseverance.    Let us continue to pray for the day when we will be able to once again gather normally around the altar of the Lord.

Devotedly yours in the Lord,

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols
Pastor