Within a week of receiving a notice about returning to our normal Mass outside with singing and the final blessing at the end of Mass, the Governor and the Bishop have notified us that we are now allowed to return to indoor worship. The Bishop says that it is up to the pastor if Mass outdoors should continue. Fr. Tom and the committee for the reopening of the church have decided that while the weather is nice, we will continue Mass outside. With all the guidelines we are following, we feel that Mass outdoors is safe.

This is the notice that is in this weekend’s bulletin for September 6:

Liturgy Returns to Normal With the guidance of Bishop McElroy, Father Tom has been prayerfully examining the liturgy and has decided to return the liturgy to normal. The congregation will now be able to sing the Mass responses, the Gloria and the other hymns. All the Mass prayers that were omitted for the shortened liturgy will now be restored and communion will be distributed at its regular place in the Mass. Having Mass outside, participants wearing masks, and obeying social distancing guidelines, we believe our Mass is as safe as can be. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time as we continue to do what is best physically and spiritually for our parish community.