I hope many of you will be able to read this message before Sunday, even though it is the bulletin reflection. The full bulletin is available on the church website:
www.stjosephmilton.org Yes we are able to return to coming to Sunday Mass and celebrate the Eucharist together at the Parish Center, THANKS BE TO GOD! But this is not the end of the need to fight the Wuhan Corona; it is still out there. We must follow all regulations, keeping social distance at all times. We don’t want to go back from yellow to red. We need to continue to be vigilant fighters.
Thank God for our parish Center, as we are able to set up seats at a safe distance. You must wear a mask; your seating is well placed for your health and well-being. Only those individuals who have good health should come. Families will be given a chance to come closer together to help care for one another, for the children. Holy Communion will be given out after Mass, to avoid getting too close, plus I need time to take off my chasuble vestment and put on a mask and to re- disinfect my hands before giving out Holy Communion.
For Confessions: I will be in the multi –purpose room hearing Confessions before all the Masses: 3:15 to 3:45pm and on Sunday 9:00 to 9:45am. On the Holy Day:
6:15 to 6:45pm and 11:15 to 11:45am I will be wearing a mask, you should also wear a mask or else remain behind the screen. Or you can call me to arrange a special time to receive the Sacrament of Penance. I will be happy to help you. For those who will be staying home and watching the Mass on Live- Stream on our Facebook page, I will remain at the CCD Religious Ed. front door for a half hour after Mass to offer any one who drives up to receive Holy Communion from their car, especially those who find it hard to get in and out of the car. If you are able and want to leave your car and stand six feet apart, please do so. This is just a small effort to help those who watch the Mass online to receive Holy Communion.
Let us get ready for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy day, and a holiday also celebrated by the Amish. There is a special reason we have this mystery as a Holy day. Come and find out.
No one should feel that any of the Masses are obligatory, as Bishop Gainer has dispensed you of the obligation, only come if you feel safe and want to be with us in the Lord.
Remember Daily Mass: Mon-Friday will be offered at 0900am at the parish church, you will need to wear a mask and keep a safe distance. But you are welcome to come throughout the week. Let us pray as often as we can to over come this terrible pandemic. Remember those who are in the front lines and in nations that do not have health care for the over flowing number of sick and suffering souls.
God Bless You, Fr. Hoke