You may have read a recent headline regarding Archbishop Hebda’s letter, in which he stated that we are developing a gradual, multi-phase approach to the return to public worship. There are very careful guidelines for those locations that will be approved to hold liturgy with a limited number of worshippers present. The archbishop’s letter continues, Our plan presumes that throughout the state the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays...will continue until such a time that it is safe for all to return.
We at St. Richard are currently at the phase where we can have a few liturgical ministers in the building to pre-record the Sunday Masses that we are now posting each weekend at www.strichards.com/from-home.
We are not at the phase where we can hold public Masses at St. Richard on May 18. Once we do begin to hold live Masses (on a date that has not yet been determined), there will be necessary limitations on gatherings at the parish, so that we can ensure proper personal distancing. It will likely be months before we will be able to hold faith formation activities or other non-liturgical gatherings in our building.
As an expression of Christ’s love for one another, we are focusing on the most essential ministries first and are sacrificing additional activities for the good of all God’s people. Thank you for understanding.