Parishioners of Saint Katharine Drexel:
[updated April 11, 2021]

Please click here to read the latest update from Bishop Dewane regarding the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and the Ongoing Guidelines for Parish Life in the Context of COVID-19.

It is good to see so many of you returning to public Mass.  I do realize that due to health concerns some of you must watch livestreaming and I am pleased that we can provide that for you.

I agree with Pope Francis when he says, “I recognize the great value and spiritual benefit to so many people because of the technological possibilities.”  At the same time, Pope Francis reminds us that with regards to Holy Mass, “we’re not to make the mistake [of thinking] that virtual participation is the same as in-person.”  When speaking of the sacraments, the Holy Father says they are “meant to be celebrated in the flesh, in person.”  He notes that, “besides giving praise to God, the Eucharist is meant to build community among the faithful.”

We are called to journey together with each other, just as the disciples journeyed together on the road to Emmaus and found Jesus in the “breaking of the bread.”  Restoring Catholic life after the pandemic is a challenge, but it is one that must be informed by the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Why not ask God if it is time for you to return in-person to your faith community?  Come to the Altar to receive Your God and Savior in-person.

Since the Sunday 10:30 am Mass is the most crowded, followed by the 4:00 pm Vigil, I encourage you to choose a different Mass time.  I hope to see you at church.

Weekday Masses
Monday through Friday – 9:00 am FB-Livestreaming
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm

Weekend Masses
Saturday Morning – 9:00 am FB-Livestreaming
Saturday Vigils – 4:00 pm
Sunday – 8:30 am, 10:30 am FB-Livestreaming and 12:30 pm

Adoration Chapel is open… please observe the below guidelines.

*** GUIDELINES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MASS ***

- The general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days will be lifted as of May 1, 2021.

- The following persons are not obligated to attend Mass:

• Those who are ill, confined to their home, hospital, or nursing facility as well as those who care for them,
• Those who have reason to believe they were recently exposed to COVID-19,
• Those who have underlying health conditions or are in a high-risk category,
• and those who have a reasonable fear or anxiety of becoming ill if they attend Mass.

- Those in attendance at Mass continue to wear a mask/covering.
- Social distancing (3 ft. between persons per household), Parishioners may be seated in a staggered fashion, while respecting three feet distance.

- Limited choir may resume (but not a full choir at this time).

- Offertory/Gifts Procession may resume.

- Sunday Collection is before/after Mass (place offering in the collection baskets provided by Hospitality or on the Baptismal font).

- No holding of hands during the Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace during Mass.

- Keep one line for Holy Communion (instead of two lines). Observe social distancing during Communion (by standing on the blue crosses).

- Holy Communion may be received in the hand or on the tongue by the priest only.

- The distribution of the Precious Blood is not available at this time.

Thank you for your due diligence!