Dear Parishioners and Friends of our parish,
As promised to you last weekend, I am providing here the details of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s new directive on the use of all
parish and diocesan facilities and how it is to be implemented here in our parish. Due to the rise in Covid infection rates, these
restrictions have become necessary for the protection of everyone.
Here in our parish, there are to be no large gatherings in any of our parish buildings, including the gym and rooms in the
Institute, as well as the hall at St. Margaret Mary’s chapel. This includes:
– No indoor sporting events (including CYO)
– No parish receptions of any kind
– No large meetings of any group
Please note that the prohibition does not include Religious Education Classes, as the safety protocols for which had already been
issued, and are already followed in our parish.
A smaller gathering can still be held, as long as all necessary safety protocols are observed. We will post outside of each
meeting room the specific number of people the space can accommodate, with allowance for social distancing. Masks are of
course required, and there must be no shared objects (such as utensils, food containers, etc.).
For celebrations of the liturgy in church, facial masks are highly encouraged even for those who are vaccinated. Social distancing
to the extent possible must be practiced, especially for those who are unvaccinated, and there should be no physical contact.
Communion in the hand is the preferred method for the reception of Holy Communion by the faithful, and it is no less reverent
than the reception of Our Lord’s Body on the tongue.
These protocols will remain in effect until the end of this year. Given the seriousness of the situation, the Bishop ask that these
updated diocesan restrictions be observed carefully. Because our parish has many groups that hold regular meetings and event s,
the collaboration of the parish group leaders is deeply appreciated. I am counting on everyone’s patience, understanding, and
charity in this regard. In the future, whenever these restrictions are lifted, I will be the first to inform you and celebrate with you.
For now, let us continue to proceed with caution and consideration for the good of all whom we serve.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham