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. And remember: ADORATION IS SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER. THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY MORNING MASS AT 9:00 A.M. UNTIL AT LEAST ADVENT.
His Excellency Bishop Joensen has emphasized the following points when attending Mass:
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. Since the virus is still spreading, social functions and large meetings 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. Please see my letter in the bulletin for 26 July explaining all of this.
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 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 Gaza has also been hired part-time to be in the office for Hispanic Ministry in the school to help coordinate the needs of the Hispanic parishioners.
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, if not up to Advent. 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