Dear Flock,

On this the Sixth Sunday of Easter we also mark the ninth week of our pandemic shutdown. Following the directives issued by the State of Ohio, we will gradually return to the public celebration of Mass, effective next week, beginning Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day at 8:00 am Mass. IHM will begin to have one daily mass at 8:00 am and ONLY TWO WEEKEND MASSES – one on Sunday at 10:00 am (live streamed) and the other on Sunday at 4:30 pm. For now, there will be NO SATURDAY VIGIL or SUNDAY MASS at 8:00 am. PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THAT.

Here’s what’s going to happen. Please read this letter carefully and then let me know what you think, either by replying directly on Flock Notes or emailing me at fatherjim@ihmcfo.org.

First of all, the obligation to attend Mass is still suspended; attend Mass only if you choose to do so. No one is required to attend weekend Mass, at least for the next several months. Please do not come to Mass if you are running a temperature or if you are coughing. Furthermore, if you are in the “high risk” category (above the age of 60, suffer from diabetes, have heart or immunity concerns, or have undergone chemotherapy), I particularly encourage you to STAY AT HOME. We will continue to live stream the 10:00 am Sunday Mass from now on and while the dispensation that Catholics have been given remains in place.

Arrival for all Masses will mean there are only 4 SELECT ENTRY DOORS and the parking lot will show 6’ social distancing lines as you cannot enter in groups. Follow the arrowed floor signage to get to your seat. Those parishioners that come in one car may all sit together, shoulder to shoulder. All individuals must respect the 6’ social distance of someone else in the pew. HONOR SYSTEM HERE!

For those who choose to attend Mass at IHM, you will be required to wear a face mask while in church. You are also expected to follow “social distancing” when you approach the altar for Holy Communion. Holy Communion will only be given IN THE HAND.

Every reasonable precaution will be taken for your safety. The church will be sanitized after each Mass. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available at each church door. Rather than passing a collection basket for your offertory donations, there will be “large collection baskets” at the entry and exit doors of the church.

The hymnals have been removed. Health officials have advised that congregational singing and choirs are not permitted. The current missalettes will be at the doors of the church for you to use, but DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN CHURCH AFTER MASS. TAKE THEM WITH YOU and bring each time you choose to come to Mass. Worship aids for participation can be found in the weekly bulletin; bulletins will be in the racks when you arrive and you are asked to take that bulletin home with you—please do not leave it in the pew.

When leaving the church, please exit “pew by pew” and continue to honor the six foot “social distancing” guidelines following the arrowed floor signage.

Even with all these directives, keep in mind we are gathering because it is now time to do so and to be nourished with Christ to live in our world situation as CHRIST would want us to live; in imitation of him.

Many blessings,
Father Jim