St. Patrick's

July 1, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
Last weekend’s attendance at our four Masses was about the same as the prior week—163. It seems reasonable now that the summer has really begun that we continue the same schedule that we have followed the last 2 weeks: 5:30 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 12 noon on Sunday. I know this is not what everyone would like, but with 2 priests for the time being, Fr. Joseph and I as well as the Parish Council agree that this is the best for now and the foreseeable future.
As we celebrate July 4^th weekend and the 244^th birthday of our nation, our thoughts turn to perhaps what is going on in our beloved country. Not only have we endured the Covid19 pandemic, but also the great divisions we see and the civil unrest and violence going on throughout our country. Statues of those who were once considered heroes are now being vandalized and ripped down. Even statues of Saints are threatened. Those who serve and protect us in our police departments are being painted with a broad brush as all being bad. All nations have had and continue to have flaws. We should all work together to mend those flaws not through destruction but by discussion. Let us thank God for the many blessings and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this country. May our nation be healed of all divisions and let us come together for the good of all! 
May God Bless America!
Monsignor Ferry

Last Sunday, June 21^st, we saw a slight increase in Mass attendance from 128 to 163. Every Mass was significantly below the 75% limit of attendance so there was no problem whatsoever with social distancing. Everyone who came cooperated by wearing a face mask and using hand sanitizer. As we have now begun the summer months when our attendance normally drops, it seems wise to continue limiting the number of Sunday Masses for the time being as we did last weekend. I know not everyone is pleased with this but we have to try to be flexible and do what is best for everyone.

For the time being then, we will continue the Mass schedule we began last weekend. The Masses will be at 5:30pm on Saturday and 9 am, 10:30 am and 12 noon on Sunday.

As we approach the celebration of July4th, may we all continue to pray for healing and peace in our country and our cities.

God Bless,
Msgr. Ferry
 

Confessions Have resumed on Saturdays at 4:30 PM. Those coming to Confession should wait in line at least 6 feet apart. Face masks are required. 

For Sunday Masses:

1) Face masks are required for Mass and social distancing as well. People may only sit in the pews marked with tape while leaving every other pew empty. Families may sit together in the same pew.
2) Attendance is limited to 25% of the church’s capacity which is about 75 people.
3) Entrance is only through the main doors at the back of the church. The side door is for wheelchair and handicapped persons ONLY. If you have hand sanitizer please bring it with you and use it. There will be a limited supply in the back of the church.
4) When coming forward for Communion, people must line up at least 6 feet apart in the line. Communion should be received only in the hand.
5) There will be no physical exchange of the Sign of Peace. A wave or nod will suffice.
6) The priest will not be greeting the people at the end of Mass.
7) The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still suspended. Persons over 65, especially those with previous health conditions, should refrain from coming.

This is new for all of us. If we all follow the guidelines everything will go well.
Blessings,
Msgr. Ferry
 

June 8, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
We have received word from the Archdiocese that on Tuesday June 9^th, WEEKDAY MASSES may resume with certain restrictions. As we would soon be beginning the summer schedule anyway, we will begin it now meaning that there will only be a 9 AM (no 7 AM) daily mass. SUNDAY MASSES will resume at a later date. In the meantime:

• only 25% of the Church may be occupied
• face masks should be worn, and social distancing must be practiced
• hand sanitizer should be used
• there will be Communion with the host only, preferably received in the hand
• there will be no physical Sign of Peace, just a wave or nod will suffice
• those over 65 or who have underlying health conditions should refrain from attending
• Baptisms may resume with limited attendance. One child to be baptized at a time.
• Weddings & Funerals may resume with attendance of only 25% of the church filled

We hope that this will be the start of a return to our normal routine. Please be cautious and safe.
 Blessings.
 Msgr. John T. Ferry

1. Make a one-time donation to help us make up the Covid-driven shortfall.  If your company happens to match, please take advantage of it.
2. Please join WeShare and sign up for regular weekly donations.  It will really help the Parish if we have steady weekly income.  Signing up is easy as there is a link on the St. Patrick’s website.  https://www.churchgiving.com/?pc=aqqyw421
3. Please make your Easter donation if you haven’t.  Again, Easter donations were down -42% and it would really help if we narrowed the gap.
4. Regular Weekly Donations – If you are not using WeShare, please mail your envelopes to: