[Parish of Saint Monica] When Will Public Mass Resume?

[Fr. Jon Thomas]

* Parish of Saint Monica e-Newsletter 5/18 *

*When Will Public Mass Resume?*

The Bible ends with the promise that Jesus is returning "soon."  When is
public Mass resuming?  All I can say is, soon!  The situation is very
complex.  Some states have allowed churches to reopen and some bishops have
reopened churches in defiance of state orders.  And now President Trump has
threatened to force states to reopen their churches.  What's clear for New
Jersey Catholics is that we have a cautious governor and cautious bishops.
To be absolutely clear, our parish churches cannot open for public Mass
until both Governor Murphy and Bishop Sullivan permit it.  Hopefully, that
will occur "soon."

*But Let's Get Ready Now!*

The parish will be ready to open the moment the orders are given.  The
staff has been testing an online reservation system for public Masses.
Those without Internet access can reserve by calling the office.  During
the transitional stage - which may last until a vaccine is available - you
will have to make a reservation to attend Mass.  Yes, it's strange!  The
diocese (or its advisors) has speculated that attendance will be limited to
25% of capacity.  I think the state will impose an absolute maximum,
probably of 50 people, which would apply to our large churches.  To allow
more time for checking reservations and cleaning the churches between
Masses, we will have to reschedule Sunday morning Masses.  The Mass
schedule depends at this point on whether we have enough volunteers.  If we
do not have enough volunteers for a Mass, that Mass will be canceled.

Here's the help we need:
1) Outside the church, directing traffic
2) At the church door, checking reservations
3) Inside the church, directing households to their pew
4) Inside the church, enforcing mask wearing, social distancing, and
traffic flow
5) Inside the church, disinfecting between Masses

If Sister Celeste or Laura reach out to you, please consider saying "yes!"
If you'd like to make yourself available for this work, please reach out to
Sister for English Masses (sisterceleste at accatholic.org), Laura for Spanish
Masses (lbello at accatholic.org), and Fr. Andrew for the Vietnamese Mass (
atpham at accatholic.org).

Home Shrine Photo Contest

Has a small shrine in your home helped to get you through two months
without Mass?  Take a photo and upload it to the parish Web site by *Wednesday,
May 27*.  Parishioners will be able to vote for their favorite photo
through *Pentecost Sunday, May 31*.  Gift card prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place!

http://accatholic.org/contest/index.php?cid=6

Parish Services

*Emergency Food Pantry*

The parish is operating an emergency food pantry at Star of the Sea.  If
you need food, please contact Laura Bello, pastoral associate, at
lbello at accatholic.org.  Thanks to Downbeach and offshore donors and the St.
Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Trinity Parish and St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Parish.

*Prayer Hotline*

The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal invite parishioners and others to
leave prayer intentions on their voicemail.  The phone number for St.
Michael's Convent is (609) 343-1545.


*Free Book Service*

Call the office or email Maria to request a copy (mespinoza at accatholic.org).
Provide your mailing address.  The following titles are available:

   - Song of Silence: The Journey of Saint Jeanne Jugan
   - Poor in Spirit: The Spirituality of Jeanne Jugan
   - Sayings of Jeanne Jugan
   - Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You
   - Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope and Love

*Online Bible Study*

Fr. Jon's Tuesday night Bible study concluded this past Tuesday, but you
can view the slides and notes at your convenience at accatholic.org/online.
We have been studying the Second Book of Kings, learning about the great
prophets Elijah and Elisha and the tragic fall of the kingdoms of Israel
and Judah.

*Fr. Jon's English Mass on WOND 1400*

Airs on Sundays at 7 AM

*Other Resources on our Web Site*

On the parish Web site, you can also find a guide for following Sunday Mass
from home (in English and Spanish) plus special prayers for "spiritual
Communion" and for our needs during the pandemic.

Staying in Touch

*Web site* - www.accatholic.org
*English Facebook page* - facebook.com/accatholic
*Spanish Facebook page* -
https://www.facebook.com/Parroquia-Santa-M%C3%B3nica-102170761264036
*Parish Office* - 609-345-1878 - although the office is not open to the
public, staff are answering the phone Monday-Friday, 9 to 4 PM



-- 
Fr. Jon Thomas
Pastor, Parish of Saint Monica
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