COVID 19

From Bishop O’Connell’s Liturgical and Pastoral Directives in a Time of Pandemic

“Since COVID-19 remains a virulent contagious respiratory virus communicated between people, everyone should remain aware that risks to contract or spread the disease are possible at any gathering of people, whether indoors or outdoors.  … We cannot and should not let down our guard no matter what pressure is being exerted upon us.

Those with a COVID-19 diagnosis or symptoms, those who have tested COVID positive, those who may be asymptomatic carriers, those with underlying health conditions or who are in a high-risk category, those not feeling well or frightened, should avoid public gatherings of any kind in general and in church in particular. … In light of these serious concerns, the dispensation from the Sunday/Holy Day obligation to attend Mass remains in effect until further notice by the Bishop.”

Pandemic Directives - Diocese of Trenton - Lawrenceville, NJ

As a parish community we want to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible when entering one of our churches in St. Francis Parish.  In order to create this safe environment, I ask that everyone wear a mask at all times and remain social distant from those not in your “bubble.”

All ministers are asked to record their temperature when arriving for their assigned Mass.  Hand sanitizers are used by our ministers during our celebrations. The churches are sanitized between Masses.

To assure the safety of the Presider and the Eucharistic Ministers communion is distributed only in the hand while we remain under these pandemic restrictions.  I ask that you please keep your mask on when you approach the priest or Eucharistic Minister.  Extend your hands, one on top of the other, to reverently receive communion.  After receiving the Body of Christ, please move away from the line giving the next person enough space to receive.  Then, lower your mask, consume the host, replace your mask, and return to your seat.

As we continue to pray for an end to this pandemic, we must also work together to make sure we have a prayerful and safe place for everyone who is able to join us for prayer.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM

Pastor