LETTER CONCERNING THE PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF MASS

Baxley GA May 24, 2020

Dear Church Family:

I am writing to let you know that we are planning to begin offering “in-person” Masses here at St. Rose, Good Shepherd and Saint Frances of Rome, beginning on Sunday, May 31. 

The seriousness of this pandemic dictates that we follow the guidelines and safety measures given not only by State and Local authorities and health officials, but also by the Diocese of Savannah. Therefore, please understand this logistics:

Mass Obligation Dispensed

  • ïThe dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation remains in effect and you may make the decision to remain at home even as we offer public Masses. This includes, but is not limited to those with COVID-19 or exposed to it, as well as those with upper respiratory or flu like symptoms or underlying medical conditions, the sick, the elderly, those who are living with or in the presence of any individual at risk, or those that still do not feel comfortable being in a public setting. 

Weekend Mass Schedule

  • •Beginning Sunday, May 31, we will offer ‘in-person’ Mass at 9:00am.  I have moved our Mass in Spanish at 12:00pm so the flow of public will help social distance.

  • •We will ask everyone to use hand sanitizer upon entering the church. You may choose to bring your own sanitizer.

  • •Bring your face mask and use it in our celebration.  I will be celebrating Mass with a face mask as well. 

  • •For Communion receiving communion in your hands is the desirable practice.

  • •We will continue to live-stream our Sunday Mass.

Weekday Masses

  • •Beginning Tuesday/Thursday,  weekday ‘in-person’ Masses will be offered at 9:00 am. 

Confessions

  • •Confessions will be heard  by appointment.  Please call me at 706-6315904.

Liturgical Ministers

  • •No altar servers will be serving Mass at this time. Only one lector.  No Eucharistic Ministers until things are better.  Sacristan will use gloves to handle hosts and wine for the priest.  We will continue to have music but having a cantor only.

Books

  • •Resources for Mass have been removed.  Only the lector will use missalettes and prayer of the faithful book.

Bathrooms

  • •Our church bathrooms will only be available for emergency situations as it is required that they be sanitized after each use. Please consider the bathrooms unavailable for use.

Bulletins

  • •Bulletins will no longer be distributed. They can be viewed on our parish Facebook page and by text message.

Attending Mass/Seating

  • •Pews are to be mark with a X mark showing distance to be kept by parishioners.  However , families can be seating together and in habitual seat accommodation.

Collection

  • •Ushers will place a basket for our offertory.  Please drop your contribution at beginning or at the end of Mass.

Communication

  • ïWe will really on our Facebook page and our radio.  Please stay in touch.  Email will be use as well.  Occasionally I will sent text messages.

Thank you for helping our Masses to continue by following these temporary measures.

May the Power of the Holy Spirit be with us All.

In Christ,

Fr. Rafael Estrada M. Pastor.