Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,
 
Good News! We are preparing to enter a new phase. As of Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Holy Mass will be open to the faithful. This is a great grace, but we still need to prudently follow some directives and protocols.
 
Temporary Directives:

• All the faithful in the Diocese of Gaylord are still dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend Mass through Sunday, September 6, 2020. Those who wish to attend Mass may consider that they have fulfilled their Sunday obligation not only on Sunday but by attending Mass any day of the week. It is helpful to spread Mass attendance throughout the week since we are not allowed to go over 25% of the capacity of the Cathedral.
• Those who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to another with the virus within 14 days are not permitted to enter the church. Members of the same household are to remain home as well.
• Before coming to church, everyone is requested to take their temperature at home. If a person’s temperature is at or above 100.4 (CDC guideline) they and members of their household must remain at home.
• Those who are at risk because of age (65 and older) or because of an underlying health issues are strongly encouraged to remain at home.
• Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a mask/face covering and to bring their own hand sanitizer.
• It is encouraged to receive Holy Communion on the hand. Gloves cannot be worn while receiving.

 
Our first phase of reopening the cluster of St. Mary, Holy Redeemer and St. Thomas is to offer Holy Mass at the Cathedral at the following times: 

• Saturday 4pm (streamed online) and 6pm.
• Sunday 9am and 11am.
• Weekday Masses will remain at the same times, Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. at 7am, Wed. at 5pmnand Sat. at 8am (streamed online).

Temporary Protocols:

• Unfortunately, once the Cathedral (250 pers.), Chapel (25 pers.) and Hall (60 pers.) reach capacity, all other persons will be required to attend another Mass.
• On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, entrance will only be allowed through North and South Gathering Space doors. Trained personnel will greet everyone at the door and direct them to their seating place. It is permitted to use the restrooms, but it is strongly encouraged to use the restroom before leaving home.
• It is necessary to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from anyone of a different household.
• For those wishing to leave an offering, a basket will be available in the Gathering Space in front of the baptistry doors. The slot in the table by the sacristy may also be used.
• The priest will say “The Body of Christ” only once to the entire congregation and everyone will respond “Amen.” Personnel will release pew by pew for the reception of Holy Communion. The 6 feet rule must be respected while in line.
• When approaching for Holy Communion, communicants first lower their masks and then present their hands, remembering to not say anything. The communicant reverently places the Eucharist in their mouth and immediately replaces their mask.
• Holy Communion will be only available with the Host. Low gluten communicants must inform personnel upon entering so as to sit in the correct area.
• Saturday and Sunday, dismissal will be pew by pew following the indications of personnel. Patience and a little extra prayer time may be needed. :)
• Unfortunately, upon indication, all must exit the building without stopping or gathering.  This is for safety reasons and to allow for the entire space to be sanitized.

We are excited to offer the Sacraments and to come together to pray. I know that all of these directives and protocols require patience. It may help to remember this is just the first phase and the Bishop’s guidelines are meant to charitably balance providing the Sacraments while protecting people at the same time. Thank you so much for all your prayer, continued support and understanding.
 
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Matthew Wigton

To view all of our announcements regarding COVID-19 click here.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you for your generous support! I cannot stop thinking about all of you who have communicated to us priests and staff, with your hearts overflowing with emotions, your unwavering support through prayer, service and donations.

About three weeks ago I sent you a letter explaining the impact of the Stay-at-Home order on our parish and school. Your response has been amazing! The Corona Relief Fund has currently brought in over $22,000 and our Sunday offertory has increased. The average of the last 3 weeks is $21,813. This is a huge help toward keeping the parish and school in operation. Thank you!Your continued support is essential and so very much appreciated. For online giving options please click here.

We are in the process of being approved for the Federal Paycheck Protection Program which is a forgivable loan. If we receive these funds and they are forgiven, it is our intention to refund our employees who have so generously offered to take a pay reduction during this time. Albeit remotely, our teachers have been working hard to create lesson plans and follow their students.

Please remember the Church is open every day for personal prayer. Even though Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is only exposed on Sundays, you are still welcome to adore Him in the tabernacle whenever you wish. Confession times remain the same with the addition of Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pm. Confessions by appointment are also encouraged. We continue to live stream our daily Masses as well as the 5:00 pm Saturday Mass on our website, and Mass is also broadcasted at 8:00 am on Fox 32 as a way for all to remain virtually connected. 

I am very grateful to Jesus for each one of you. With all my heart and with every Communion I implore His blessings upon you and your families. 

With longing for the time when we can all come back together, I remain sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Matthew Wigton

Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm

The Parish Office is located in the Diocese of Gaylord Pastoral Center across the parking lot from St. Mary Cathedral

For a full staff listing click here.