+JMJ+
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we seek to move forward with the guidelines given for Phase D from the Bishop’s Decree and the options given, there will be some adjustments for seating in Mass. Phase D is the latest phase from the Diocese and will be in effect until an unknown date in the future. Taking into consideration that the dispensation from the obligation of going to Sunday Mass is ending on August 15, we want to have the opportunity for people to come to Mass, even if they may have to do so with the inconvenience of wearing a face mask. I invite you to treat the wearing of the face mask as an act of charity to your neighbor more than a concern for yourself.

Looking forward to after August 15, I invite you to please keep this teaching from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (par. 2181) in mind, 
The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.  
For those with underlying health issues, you do not have the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation. 

One of the guiding principles with the decree from the bishop is that we have either 1) 6ft minimum social distancing between households or 2) wear face masks with adapted social distancing. Having a 6ft minimum social distancing within Mass would mean that less than 50% of the church seating could be utilized. There is a strong desire to allow more people to come and participate within Mass. For the time being, the 4:30pm Vigil Mass will still be designated for the vulnerable. Beginning Saturday, July 25, the Masses for Sunday will be arranged as follows:

Saturday, 4:30pm Vigil Mass: (for the vulnerable)
Face Masks required
6ft social distancing in place
Sunday, 8:00am Mass
Face Masks recommended and optional
6ft social distancing in place
Sunday, 10:30am Mass
Face Masks required
Adapted social distancing

This means that at the 10:30am Mass, all pews will be open and you can determine the social distancing you have between yourself and your neighbor. Face masks are required at that Mass. With the additional seating, we will move away from the option of reserving a pew section at any of the Masses. There will be a slight adjustment to pew availability. It will be first come, first to choose their seat, as it has been in the past. Daily Mass along with Adoration will have the 6ft social distancing in place with the face masks being recommended and optional.
St. John Vianney...pray for us! 
-Fr. Tony Rowland