PARISH LETTER May 1, 2020—Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
Let us pray.
O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (
Roman Missal, Collect, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker)
The usual schedule of Weekend Masses will return this coming weekend, May 2
nd and 3
rd. Namely:
St. Agnes, Weiser
Saturday, May 2nd
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Confessions
5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass
Sunday, May 3rd
9:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 noon Misa en español
In the Missions—St. Jude and Holy Rosary
Sunday, May 3rd
3:30 p.m. Mass at St. Jude Church, Council
Sunday, May 10th
3:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Rosary Church, Cambridge
Dispensation from the Sunday Obligation: Bishop Christensen has given a very “wide” dispensation from the Sunday obligation to all the following:
Those 60 years of age or older;
Any whose circumstance make them vulnerable;
and to all who judge it prudent not to assist at Mass at this time.
I understand this to mean that anyone who decides it is best for them (and their families) not to assist at Mass at this time is excused and are not obligated to do so.
Social Distancing is to be observed at the Masses.
You are familiar with our churches—St. Agnes, Holy Rosary, and St. Jude—they are not large spaces that would promote social distancing. Because of this, no particular “structures” will be put in place for social distancing. I ask those who decide to come to Mass to exercise as much as possible the required social distancing.
With the Bishop’s wide dispensation and the practicalities of social distancing in mind, I ask everyone to prudently and prayerfully consider whether you and your family should participate at Mass or not this and the coming weekends.Frankly, I think many—if not most!—should decide that they are excused from Mass. I would rather we error on the side of precaution than on the side of devotion or obligation.
Other Measures we will take:
The wearing of face masks is welcomed and encourage, but not required.
Hand sanitizer will be available at the church entrances; however, the supply is limited.
Hymnals and missalettes will be removed from the church.
Only the clergy—Deacon Ignacio and myself—will distribute communion; communion ministers will not serve.
Only the Body of the Lord (the consecrated host) will be distributed and it is to be received in the hands. The Blood of the Lord (the consecrated wine) will not be shared.
The collection baskets will not be passed around; the ushers will take up the collection using the baskets with long handles.
Any assigned lectors and/or altar servers who decide not to attend Mass are excused from their ministry. Lectors of St. Agnes who excuse themselves are asked to advise the parish office.
The regular schedule of weekday Masses at St. Agnes will resume beginning Monday, May 4
th; namely:
Monday 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday 7:30 a.m.
Friday 12:15 p.m. en español
At Holy Rosary Church, Cambridge—Mass at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 6th.
Confessions beforehand in the sacristy, off the sanctuary.
At St. Jude Church, Council—Mass at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 8th.
Confessions beforehand in the basement.
Possibly some could consider attendance at a weekday Mass as an alternative—at this time—to Sunday Mass.
Eucharist Adoration will be on Tuesday, May 5
th, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in St. Agnes Church. The proper social distancing should be observed.
I ask everyone to prayerfully consider the above information. Please make prudent decisions for yourself, your family, and the community.