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    Pastor Letter – Christmas Eve Survey – Emailed October 12, 2020

      Dear Parishioners,

      Over the years and before COVID-19 the Christmas Eve 4:30pm Mass congregation size was beautiful, heart-warming, and very large; standing room in every nave of our church!

      • In 2016 there were approximately 1000 in attendance;
      • In 2017, 950 in attendance;
      • In 2018, 900 in attendance; and last year,
      • In 2019, 750 in attendance!

      While each year there was a bit less in attendance, for this year, due to COVID-19, public safety and regulations for large gatherings (50% occupancy for your space) IHM church building can only handle 400 safely distanced people.   If there were no COVID-19 regulations our IHM Church can typically seat 897 people! (This number includes 70 people in the choir loft balcony.)

      So, what can we do for the 430pm CHRISTMAS EVE MASS?

      I have these ideas to help in our planning:
      Answer a survey concerning your attendance or not for the 4:30pm Christmas Eve Mass.  While this survey will not be foolproof, it can generate a good approximate number of people who may attend.  PLEASE remember that this mass will be livestreamed as the dispensation from attending Mass still remains.

      While not wanting to turn anyone away on such a joyous 4:30pm Mass…….
      Prepare to be “counted” (as Joseph and Mary were) at ONE DOOR ENTRY ONLY, on PORTAGE TRAIL; MAIN DOORS!  This will be a bit inconvenient for many who park in the big lot, but, most helpful to avoid overcrowding and most helpful to any handicapped!

      So, it will be: “first come, first serve.”
      We can fill up to 400 people (including babies and children) for IHM Church seating, then resort to a second Mass in the All Purpose Room, which can safely seat 200 people.  Ushers will be available in both locations.

      It would be the same for the 10:30pm Christmas Eve Mass as well.

      Masks would be required.  Singing softly would be encouraging to these great celebrations.  There will be no children’s or adult choirs, nor any kind of beforehand singing/concert.  And, unfortunately, we will not be able to have the Christmas pageant.

      So plan ahead, complete the survey online at https://forms.gle/tUjmqTbuGcSXBBok9, and if you choose to attend the mass, be ready for these procedures for such a great feast.  Please only complete the survey once. I will keep you all updated as the surveys are answered.

      Many healthy blessings,
      Father Jim

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