The Basilica of Saint John

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Phase I and II have been implemented at the Basilica. Our Sunday 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. ADORATION IS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY MORNING MASS AT 9:00 A.M. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The intentions for these Masses will continued to be offered in the Abbey of St. Joseph.

His Excellency Bishop Joensen has emphasized the following points when attending Mass:

• The use of masks and hand sanitizer is strongly urged. Both are provided at the doors.
• Proper social distancing should be maintained. This goes for the Communion line as well.
• Those wishing to receive Holy Communion on the tongue should come last in line. The Communion ministers will wait for you.

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 small social gatherings at the pastor’s discretion. Since the virus is still spreading, large gatherings are on hold at the Basilica until further notice.

The other Sacraments will be implemented on a case by case basis. RCIA reception into the Church is scheduled for August 16th at the 10:30 Mass. Confirmation is scheduled for August 30th at the 10:30 Mass. First Holy Communion and First Confessions will be done individually this year.

Because we have lost about half of our teachers who wish to protect themselves from the Covid 19 virus, and also because there is a danger in large gatherings, religious education classes this year in the school will be cancelled and religious education must be done by the parents with the help of the parish staff. Registration will be online. Please see my letter in the bulletin for 26 July explaining all of this. Parents must cover the required material with their children, making time each week for this obligation. Margaret and Elvia will be at your service for any help that is needed.

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. We must do all we can to protect each other to the best of our ability, especially

being mindful of the most vulnerable among us. Please be patient with all of this and obedient to the directives of the Bishop. And know that I miss you all very much! I hope that later in the year 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 40th Jubilee of ordination to the Sacred Priesthood on June 29th. The formal celebration will take place next May 16th 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.

Deacon Frank has been transferred to St. Anthony Parish and Deacon Juan Bustamante will be taking his place. This is effective the first of August. We thank Deacon Frank for his years of ministry among us and we welcome Deacon Juan as he takes up his new duties here at the Basilica. Jenifer Parsons has decided to retire. We thank her for the good work she has done in the area of Faith Formation. Margaret Stastny will be taking her place and will be in charge of all Faith Formation in the Parish including RCIA and Religious Education. Elvia Garza has also been appointed by me to be in the office for Hispanic Ministry in the school part-time to help coordinate the needs of the Hispanic parishioners. She will usually be in the office on Wednesdays after 4:00 p.m.

Remember that our Masses continue to be recorded every day except Saturday. On weekdays it is broadcast at 12:00 noon and on Sunday at 10:30. 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, using masks and social distancing. 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