We are looking forward to beginning public weekend Masses this weekend, June 27th and 28th. We will begin with two weekend Masses – Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am.

Remember that Bishop Brennan has granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass until September 15th, 2020 and we strongly encourage everyone who is not able to attend mass or not comfortable attending mass to watch the live stream mass. If you are sick, you must stay home.

Returning to Mass in this time of COVID-19 brings a new mass structure and participation guidelines. If you choose to come to mass, here are a few reminders:

Seating will be first-come, first-seated; no reservations will be taken. Each mass will be limited to 200 people.

You must wear a mask the entire time you are in the church. This is to protect both the clergy who are celebrating mass and those who will be sitting around you. Please do not take your mask off. This will ensure that we are able to worship in peace and safety.

You must maintain social distance in all areas of campus: the parking lot, entryways, the gathering area, the aisles of the sanctuary and in the pews.  Ushers will direct you to open pews. Sitting in the pews marked closed is prohibited.

You should wash your hands before leaving your house and make use of the hand sanitizing stations once inside the church. We encourage you to carry your own for use before the reception of Communion.

Mass will be very similar to the live stream you have been watching from home. The clergy will be the only people on the altar.

All mass parts will be recited. There will be no singing. The main way the virus is spread is through airborne particles. Studies show that the respiratory aerosols produced by singing or loud speaking may linger in the air for an hour or more, and travel farther than the six feet commonly prescribed for social distancing. It is not safe to sing.

The red worship books and paperback hymnals have been removed from the pews. You may view the readings on your phone. We recommend visiting the USCCB website.

We continue to encourage online giving via our website. Offertory Baskets will not be passed during mass. Instead, you may place your weekly gift in the basket in the gathering area upon arrival for mass.

There is to be no physical contact between households at the sign of peace.

Communion will be distributed at the conclusion of Mass. Please wear your mask to receive the host in your hand then step to the side, raise your mask and receive the Holy Eucharist. After receiving Communion, you are to immediately exit the church through the propped open exit door closest to you.

We will not be distributing paper bulletins. A link to view the bulletin online will continue to be sent out via email every Saturday at 2pm.

Please note, that at any time and without notice, public masses could be halted again. This relies heavily on our ability to maintain public health and safety. Your cooperation with the above guidelines is greatly appreciated.

I am proud of your response to the challenges this pandemic has posed for our world, our state, our community, our St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and your family. I thank you for being prayerful, patient and encouraging in these challenging times. Please remain united in faith and continue to pray for those most affected by the pandemic and for the church and government leaders guiding us through these unprecedented times.

Msgr. Joseph Hendricks
Pastor

Please watch this video message from Msgr. Hendricks detailing this information.