My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is my sincere wish that all of you are staying healthy and that you have avoided the effects of the virus thus far. Today, MONDAY 15 JUNE, we began the daily Masses in the Basilica. They are now be open to the public Monday through Friday at 12:00 noon. For the time-being, there will be NO MASSES ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. The Basilica will be opened at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and locked ten minutes after Mass in order to carry out the mandatory disinfecting. There will be no adoration until further notice. You must practice social distancing, and the Bishop suggests that masks be worn. 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 MASS.

When you come up to Communion, come in a single line with six feet between you and the next person. 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. Thus, the Bishop urges us to receive in the hand for the time being. My thanks to Marci Sears, Pamela Last and Jenifer Parsons for making the cloth masks. You are welcome to take one with you and keep it and launder it as need be.

PHASE II for the weekend Masses will begin when Bishop Joensen decides it is safe to do so. PHASE III will begin later as well. This will be for parish meetings and gatherings.

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 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 other Sacraments will be implemented once we enter Phase II. We will keep you posted.

RCIA reception into the Church, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are also on hold for the present, but hopefully we will be able to have these celebrations in August. Remember that our Masses continued to be recorded every day except Saturday. On weekdays it is at 12:00 noon and on Sunday at 10:30. On Saturdays I say Mass privately to give all those involved a break once a week. 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