Pastor’s Corner — May 30th, 2021
Big Announcement: We’re Moving to Phase 3 of our Reopening Plan
Based on input from the Pastoral Council, the parish staff and my leadership team, I have decided that starting June 1st, our parish will be entering Phase 3 of our “Reopening Plan.” Here is a summary of the new features that go into effect:
Phase 3
• Masks are recommended (but not required) for all Masses in the Church and parish gatherings
• No capacity limit for Masses and parish gatherings
• PLC Livestream Sunday Masses with Holy Communion (9:30 AM and 11:30 AM) continue at 50% capacity
(masks required for PLC Masses, no exceptions)
Since we started this Reopening Plan we have had an extremely low turnout at the PLC Livestream Masses which were intentionally designed to be more strict on the COVID protocols than the Masses in the Church. (I think last week we had 12 max at one of them.)
Given this very low turnout, the PLC Masses are all the more ideal for those who want to fulfill their Sunday obligation and receive Holy Communion but still want more COVID protocols in place. Once again, the logic of the Reopening Plan really does allow space for parishioners who are in different places coming out of this pandemic.
Congratulations to Those Confirmed Past Couple of Weeks
On Monday, May 17th Bishop Boyea confirmed over one hundred parishioners and last weekend Fr. Joe confirmed eight more parishioners during the Pentecost Vigil. Receiving the Holy Spirit is critical to our ability to live out our mission of witnessing to Jesus in the world. May God be praised for our newly confirmed disciples of Jesus Christ!
Welcome to Two New Seminarians
This summer we are hosting two more seminarians at the rectory: Dominic Schoenle and Thomas Watza. They will be working with our maintenance team at the parish this summer while staying here at the rectory.
You might remember Thomas as he’s our parish seminarian who just finished his first year of seminary at St. John Vianney Seminary. Dominic has also just finished his first year of seminary at St. John Vianney and is from Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor.
Coming Back for Masses and Confessions
I am no doubt getting stronger as I recover here at the rectory. I am working about half-time now at the parish, some days closer to three-quarter time. You may even have seen me at some parish events the past couple of weeks, but as of yet I haven’t returned to full Masses and confessions.
After a couple of procedures coming up this week, I’ll have a better idea as to when I will be able to readjust the Mass and confession schedule. Thanks again for the continued prayers as this week will be big for me.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias