We continue to experience the reality of a worldwide health crisis because of COVID-19. The fear, anxiety and uncertainty this virus has caused in our society is indeed overwhelming. We have taken all the precautions necessary, following CDC guidelines, Archdiocese directives and State of Texas guidelines, in order to keep our Church open and our community safe. That being said, I fear that we may have driven this point home too much. In an attempt to ensure everyone that we were being safe, we may have also ensured everyone to be afraid.
Our previous guidelines, posted below, will remain in place. Essentially we ask that everyone wear a face mask, maintain social distancing and practice good hand hygiene. Weekly Divine Services will continue as usual. We will serve Divine Liturgy every Sunday morning and Wednesday morning.
Our goal in everything we do concerning COVID-19 is to keep our Church open and our parishioners safe. It is essential that our parishioners continue to participate in the sacramental life of the Church, so that we don’t neglect or even lose our faith in the midst of crisis. We need the Grace of the Holy Spirit now more than ever. The frequent reception of Holy Communion will ensure that we are being spiritual fulfilled so that we can continue to fight the good fight. Essentially, we need to learn to lean on the ministry of our Church and our faith during times of crisis. This is how we overcome the world through Jesus Christ. “The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and you will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16.32-33).
Much love and many blessings to you all!
Fr. Mark
-In order to follow social distancing guidelines, we will allow no more than 55-60 laity in the Church sanctuary during each service.
-Everyone is being asked to sit 6 feet apart, unless they live in the same household.
-Everyone is being asked to wear a face mask during our services, taking it off briefly when they receive Holy Communion.
-If you have any flu like symptoms we ask that you not attend in-person services.
-Choirs are not allowed at this time. Only 2 chanters will chant each service. Each chanter must sing from opposite sides of the solea.
-No altar boys can serve in the altar, only 1 altar server.
-Only two members of the clergy, priest & deacon, can serve in the altar.
-Please make sure to maintain good hygiene and wash or sanitize your hands often.
-The altar server will distribute the Antidoron, bread we receive after Communion, and must wear a latex glove.
-No collection basket will be passed. Instead we will have a collection box (donation station) located in the back of the Nave.
-Given that we have more than 55-60 people in our parish. We will serve weekday Divine Liturgy each Wednesday morning at 9:00am. If you have the option to attend weekday Divine Liturgy please do so, that way we aren’t overwhelmed on Sunday mornings.
-All weekend services are still being offered on Facebook Live for streaming.
-If you feel that you are more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of health concerns, we ask that you continue to live stream our services on Facebook Live from your home.
-Appointment can be made with the priest for Confession and Communion during office hours.
