Along with social distancing and mask usage, it appears that the recent increase in vaccinations has led to a significant decline in COVID-19 new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, even as Texas has fully opened its economy. These successes are likely to continue as more people are vaccinated each week. It is very important that people continue to be vaccinated, and that this positive momentum not be lost.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Archdiocese of San Antonio has balanced the spiritual needs of the faith community with the serious physical dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, took swift, measured and appropriate action to protect the people of the archdiocese, and the archdiocese has continued to be vigilant for more than a year.
We must still remain vigilant, however, it seems prudent to begin to relax some of the restrictions which reduce the number of parishioners who can participate in the Mass and receive the Eucharist.
Beginning Wednesday, March 31, 2021, parishes may open all pews and reduce the social distancing requirements in the sanctuary from 6 feet to 3 feet.
It is to be emphasized that mask usage and thorough facility sanitation are still required in accordance with previous proclamations. Those protocols remain unchanged. Masks must be worn in church.
The archdiocese will continue to evaluate the health situation as more information becomes available and make appropriate changes to our guidelines as circumstances dictate.
I am so please that attendance has been very good for all of our weekend masses! As you might suppose, our 9:00 AM Mass is the most attended.
In an effort to prevent anyone feeling frustrated or more, I want to let you know that if everyone attends as planned, we only have eight unassigned places for the 9am mass on Sunday. If a person has not signed up in advance, there is a fairly good possibility that there will not be available space.
Our plan is to fill all 60 places on the list. Once that happens, anyone who arrives and is not on the list may wait outside until mass time. Then, if anyone has not filled their seat, we will admit those who are waiting up to our limit of 60.
3:00 PM on Friday is our cut off, because I leave the office then and have already printed the sheets and put them in the church.
Attendance at weekend Masses is limited to 25% capacity. Please contact Trudy at the church office to reserve your spot - (830) 644-2368 or email stfrancisx@beecreek.net prior to 3:00 PM on Friday.
This week, we reviewed the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of San Antonio that were issued in May for the reopening of the masses the weekend of May 23-24, 2020. The only adjustment that we identified was the mask requirement. The guidelines state "Masks will be required for all persons except those too young to wear a mask throughout the Mass and anyone unable to remove a mask without assistance." Therefore, beginning the weekend of September 12/13, St. Francis Xavier will follow this requirement. For the full set of guidelines provided by the Archdiocese, please follow this link: Mass Guidelines.
Dear parishioners and families of St. Francis Xavier,
First, let us rejoice that we will soon be together once again in greater numbers for the celebration of the Eucharist. As you all are aware Archbishop Gustavo announced last week that the public celebration of daily Masses beginning on Tuesday, May 19th, and the weekend Masses on May 23rd and 24th, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will resume once again. However, the faithful who are concerned for their health are dispensed from the Sunday obligation, which will continue until the Archbishop revokes it. It has been approximately TEN weeks since the public celebration of Mass has been suspended due to global pandemic of COVID-19. As I type this letter, my prayer and hope is that you are doing your best with staying home and keeping safe. As Catholics, we place our trust and hope in our God, who in His mercy, leads us to the safe shores. At the moment, the parish staff, volunteers, and I are preparing to gradually open our parish for the public celebration of Mass. This involves deeper communication, profound personal and social responsibility. Based on the directives from the Archdiocese task force for COVID-19, and from civil health officials, we will be implementing these best practices/strict measures, to safeguard everyone's health.
These best practices will bring temporary changes to our liturgy. Here are just a few changes you see when you return to Mass. First, we will be limited to 60 parishioners these next few weeks, as we do our best to gradually and safely reopen. In order to reserve a seat for you or your family at a weekend mass, please call the office or email with the names of each person who will attend and which mass you want to attend. At this time, weekday masses will not require this step. These are but a few of the changes you will experience. Other changes you need to be aware of can be found below. Please keep in mind these changes are only temporary until which time we get a better handle on the pandemic.
Prior to Mass:
I have received a few emails and text messages from those of you over the age of 65. Many have asked if those 65 or older can come to Mass. The answer is absolutely YES. The Archbishop and I simply want to make sure that our seniors, those most at risk, know they still have a dispensation to the weekend Mass, should they choose to not to attend because of potential risks involved.
Lastly, I ask that each of us remain patient with one another and with these temporary changes. I know it is hard on many of you. Know that Fr. Jean Baptiste and myself, have never ceased praying for you and your families. Please continue being the amazing parishioners I have come to know. Let us love one another and be patient with all of these temporary changes. May we draw our strength from the abundance of God's love manifested through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. May the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother help us in these times of uncertainty and bestow her manifold blessings upon us.
Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
Fr. John