Dear Parishioners
We have received permission from the Bishop to cautiously begin re-opening public Mass and Sacraments from 8th June 2020 as Lackawanna county entries the amber phase.
It must be noted that during the amber phase the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains dispensed. Hence if you are ill, elderly, in poor health or have an underlying condition effected by Covid-19 please consider carefully before returning to Mass. All those attending are asked to practice social distancing, and observe the usual precautions to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Please note that because of the reduced seating in place to afford social distancing preference will be given to registered parishioners. The servers and ushers have been authorized to restrict entrance to those included in the parish register unless space is available.
Registered parishioners with last names included within each group are welcome to attend public Masses at the times stated from 8th June.
The Mass times will be as follows:
Saturday 8:00am (Group 1 for family names A—D)
Saturday 10:00am (Group 2 for family names E—L)
Sunday 8:00am (Group 3 for family names M—R)
Sunday 10:00am (Group 4 for family names S—Z)
Holy Communion will be distributed before each Mass. This is a very traditional method of arranging the Sacrament and is not the same as a communion service. 30minutes before the scheduled Mass time the Pastor will offer a homily and conclude with the rite of Holy Communion outside of Mass according to the Roman ritual as traditionally practiced before 1910. To avoid unnecessary movement and disruption during the distribution of Holy Communion those wishing to receive are asked to be present 30minutes before the scheduled Mass.
Please follow the Servers instruction during the distribution as this will be different from usual. Holy Mass will then follow and should be used as a Thanksgiving after the worthy reception of the Blessed Sacrament. Please note that it is impossible to completely guard against virus transmission during the distribution of Holy Communion.
Parishioners are instructed not to congregate outside the Church or in the vestibule, which will remain off limits even to nursing parents. The church hall will also remain out of bounds except for bathroom use. After each Mass the Servers will wipe down the pews, door handles and common areas. The Church will be professional disinfected before the next weekends Masses.
Weekday Masses and a return to the usual Friday Holy Hour will resume at the same time but with no group restrictions. Confessions will also resume in the church from Saturday 13 June one hour before each Mass for 30 minutes. Please be sure to practice social distancing while awaiting confession. Unfortunately at this time it is impossible to restore the Saturday Holy Hour devotion however the amber phase is anticipated to last only a few weeks at most. Finally, thank you for your prayers and patience during the last few months. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
fssp scranton 