Beloved sisters and brothers,
On May 27, we received a New Health Order from Dr. Bonnie Henry which allows our Churches to reopen again. We can now have 50 people plus two additional persons helping to make sure the COVID-19 protocols are observed.
God has indeed answered our prayers. After about 190 days, we are now able once again to have in-person worship. Praise God!
All these months, our faith life has continued as our Lord comes out into the parking lot to meet us, to greet us, to bless us, to come into our heart, to be with us as we go for work, or as we return home. We are also grateful that we’ve been able to have outdoor celebrations in both of our parishes. Many letters have come my way from parishioners expressing their gratitude that our parishes have persevered during these unusual times in finding a way to make Mass and the Sacraments available. Thank you immensely for your letters of encouragement, love and hope. Immense thanks to all who have been working closely with me during these months. You have been amazing.
The news about reopening came to us on Thursday. It didn’t take us by surprise: we had been prepping and considering all the logistics. But, when the news came, we literally had one day to make the final preparation: signage, preparing for 6 Masses on the weekend, putting back the cables inside the Church, cleaning, registration, phoning people, getting St. John Vianney hall ready etc. After over two hours meeting with our core liturgy group, it became clear that it’s better to do all that needs to be done well before we reopen. There’s a lot of work involved.
Our parishes will therefore reopen for weekend Masses on June 5/6 which is the feast of Corpus Christ (the Body and Blood of Christ). What a fitting day for us – we who are the body of Christ – to begin again, to come into the Church and be able to receive our Lord in our heart, in His house, as a community! Praise God! God is good…. all the time…. and all the time, God is good.
Meanwhile, we will start having in-person weekday Masses beginning Tuesday, June 1. Weekday Mass is less complex and people can be registered when they arrive.
So, this is the upcoming reopening schedule:
- June 1 & 2 In-person Mass at St. John Vianney
- June 3 & 4: In-person Mass at St. Ann
No prior registration needed. We have your names already. You only need to check in when you arrive.
June 5 & 6: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Read the details of the Mass schedule in our Reopening Letter.
Bless the Lord O my Soul
All that is within me, bless the Lord
Bless the Lord O my soul and never forget all His blessings!
Let us take this wonderful opportunity and come for in-person Mass starting next week Tuesday, June 1.
God love you!
Happy Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity!
Your brother, Fr. Obi