WEEKEND OF AUGUST 28-29, 2021

Dear Friends,

            It seems impossible to me that we are already at the end of August. Of course, this reality means that the end of summer is close at hand, and with that the beginning of school and the re-start of parish activities and functions.

            In light of current circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as school will soon be beginning and the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays has been reinstated, I would like to share with you the communication we received from Archbishop Perez via our archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship. It reads as follows:

The celebration of the Sacred Liturgy—the praise and worship of God by his people—is the greatest work of the Church carried out in all the parishes and institutions throughout the Archdiocese. At the same time, it is important that reasonable measures are observed on the part of all to mitigate continually the spread of COVID-19.

· As already widely communicated, the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass in person is restored effective Sunday, August 15, 2021. Those who are sick, have a health risk, or are a primary caregiver, are excused from this obligation.

· The celebration of Holy Mass and all the Sacraments are to be carried out according to what is described in the liturgical books. For Mass, however, in all circumstances:

-  The Invitation and the use of the Sign of Peace continue to be suspended until further notice. Alternate signs of peace should not be arbitrarily introduced.
-  The distribution of the Precious Blood continues to be suspended until further notice.
-  Priest concelebrants and assisting deacons receive the Blood of Christ typically by intinction until further notice.

· For the parishes and institutions in the City of Philadelphia, the August 12, 2021, Mask Mandate for the City of Philadelphia applies in the following ways:

-  People are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering/mask, whether vaccinated or not, in the body of the church. There are to be no vaccination check points and congregants will not be asked to provide proof of vaccination.
-  The priest, deacon, and liturgical ministers are not to wear a face covering or mask in the sanctuary.
-  If a face covering or mask is worn, it is to be removed before the reception of the Body of Christ at the Communion of the Mass.

            I believe that we need to be, as we have throughout this long crisis, respectful of one another, acting with Christian charity toward everyone, even those who may have differing viewpoints from us regarding the mask mandate, vaccinations, and COVID-19 in general. In all circumstances I encourage everyone to act with the health and safety of everyone uppermost in your minds and hearts. We cannot claim to be Christian and act in any other way.

Know that you and those you love are daily remembered in my Mass and my prayers.

                                                                                    Love and prayers,
                                                                                    Father Olivere