Welcome back! We are open!
March 4, 2022
Dear Parishioners of St. John Chrysostom:
As you have no doubt heard, our churches and parish facilities are able to safely reopen at full capacity. Fr. Rafal and I look forward to welcoming all parishioners back to their spiritual home and participating in parish life.
These changes to public health directives have been long awaited. If you have not been to Mass during the pandemic, I encourage you to return to church when you feel comfortable. Please know we are doing our best to make sure you feel safe and welcomed.
Cardinal Collins reminds us that the Eucharist remains the source and summit of our life in Christ. Participation in the Sunday Eucharist is the central experience of the week. It is also the obligation of Catholics, if they are able, to be personally present at Mass.
It is understandable that some may well feel hesitant at first about returning to personal participation. Rest assured, we remain in step with public health and, for the time being, you’ll need to wear masks. Sign-in is not required, nor is pre-registration for Mass.
Some additional information:
- The use of hand sanitizer is highly encouraged and available at the entrance of the church.
- Congregational singing has resumed. Masks need to be worn while singing.
- The back doors are open for accessibility.
- Communion on the tongue has resumed. One minister will be assigned to distribute Communion in this way.
- Parish social events will return to the hall.
For the time being, our Mass schedule is as follows:
Saturday: 5 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am
10 am
12 pm
1:30 pm, in Spanish
Monday: 8 am
Tuesday: 7 pm
Wednesday: 12 pm
Thursday: 8 am
Friday: 8 am
First Fridays of the month: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 1 pm to 7 pm. Mass at 7 pm.
In closing, thank you for your patience during this time of transition, and a special thanks to all our volunteers who have worked so hard these past two years. Please know of my prayers as we enter the season of Lent.
God bless you,
Fr. Landorff J. Garcia Mariona, Pastor
P.S. I invite you to view this brief and inspirational ‘welcome back’ video: https://youtu.be/yIazmUIUXNs
