Dear Parishioners,

I am grateful for the communication to you from FLOCK NOTES as well as your responses back to me from them.  Here is one more note concerning attending Mass and the reception of Holy Communion.

An observance while at Mass is your approach to receiving Holy Communion.  It has come to my attention that some of you remove your masks as you approach the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and when they present the consecrated host to you with the words: The Body of Christ, you respond AMEN and your face is unmasked.  Again, scientists have said that the spread of germs comes from the unmasked individual who speaks words, such as: AMEN!

The directive is to approach the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion with your mask remaining on, then move to the side, remove your mask and consume the consecrated host.  Place the mask back on your chin, mouth, and nose.

There may be some individuals going to communion who walk with the assistance of a cane in their hands which complicates this directive for them.  That will be okay as we need to be ready for those who cannot comply fully to this directive.  Kindness is always first and foremost.

Masks required remains a priority in attending Mass at IHM, as well as being conscious of social distancing in the church and in our pews.

I have heard parishioners getting a bit anxious about the pandemic situation; believe it or not, some say it’s nothing, while others say this is terrible.  No matter these opinions, I do follow the governor’s directives for the safety of others that our Diocesan office uses to guide all diocesan churches as we celebrate Mass.

We are the followers of Christ who look out for others.

Many blessings,
Father Jim