COVID-19 cases are on the increase recently even in our locality. As a Church built on the principles of love and care for one another, it is our obligation to protect ourselves and others from the spread of this disease. Bishop Weisenburger is still encouraging people to get vaccinated and continue to practice social distancing and other safety protocols. According to him, all those who volunteer to help at the church should get vaccinated or withdraw their services till this current surge is over. This advice is given mostly to those who work closely with others, like CCD teachers, RCIA instructors, Holy Communion distributors and other areas that contact with people is evident. Though we cannot ask people not to come to church at this time, we encourage all those who are unvaccinated for any reason to be mindful of their conditions and try to wear masks to the Church and maintain 6ft. distance from other people. We know that God is helping us but we need to help ourselves too. Remember the assigned pews at the back of the church are meant for those who are still practicing strict observance of the protocols. Please avoid those seats if you are not putting on your mask. Thank you for accepting to do these things for the sake of Christ and his people.
Thanks and God bless you all.
 Fr. Nathaniel Mma

As of July 1, 2021, the general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for the general public will cease.  However, the dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in place for those at serious medical risk. Serious medical risk refers primarily to those with a chronic health condition, those providing direct care for the vulnerably ill, or those with a compromised immune system or other health condition that leaves them unable to be vaccinated.   
 
In some respects, the language of “obligation” is unfortunate as it tends to speak of something unpleasant.  Nevertheless, the language of obligation is not entirely inappropriate.  Indeed, most cultures make obligatory those things that are deeply treasured, such as education for children. For faithful Catholics, the primary motivation to participate in Sunday Mass should be a sincere desire to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to gather in community.  Many have said to our clergy that they have greatly missed participating at Mass in person.  I pray that same holy longing is in each of our hearts.   

Gathering in community to celebrate the Eucharist is a most serious matter, originating in the Commandments given by God to the Jewish people.  The first Christians quickly recognized that all things were made new by the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It was within this spirit that the Commandment to keep holy the Sabbath was transferred from the last day of the week (Saturday) to the day of Jesus’ resurrection, the first day of the week (Sunday).  Nevertheless, the obligation has never been without exception. Canon Law for the Roman Catholic Church notes that while Sundays are holy days of obligation, there always have been exceptions for people in serious situations.  Not only the local bishop but also pastors can dispense members of their congregations from the Sunday Mass obligation for a proportionate reason.   

As noted above, the current dispensation from Sunday Mass attendance remains in place for those at serious risk of the Covid-19 virus.  This will require a prudent evaluation on the part of responsible Catholics.  In traditional Catholic theology a prudent decision flows from a properly formed conscience.  Those at serious risk should have a clear conscience in refraining from in-person gatherings of any kind at our churches.  But those who are comfortable dining at restaurants, shopping for non-essentials, traveling, or engaging in other public activities would have no legitimate reason to claim the dispensation.  
It also must be noted that the recent and creative uses of technology to serve the faithful have been a blessing. Many are truly unable to leave their homes or care facilities and they have found live streamed, televised or internet Masses, holy hours, and other events to be a great spiritual comfort. While pastors are prudent to continue at least some of these services offered via technology in the future we must be careful not to allow this blessing to substitute for gathering around the altar of the Lord in person and receiving Christ sacramentally. The Judeo-Christian history is one of encountering God through actual lived community, and community is built and sustained through actual lived interaction with other believers. There is no tradition of privatized religion within Catholicism.  The ease or convenience of religious offerings via television or the internet can never legitimately replace a lived experience of community.  For this reason, the use of televised or internet liturgies can never replace in-person worship for those who are capable of participating in parish life.  Moreover, to choose not to participate personally in Mass when we are capable of doing so is to deprive ourselves of the immeasurable spiritual graces that can be received only by active participation with others in the Mass. 

Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger 
Bishop of Tucson

 

UPDATED PROTOCOLS OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN TUCSON DIOCESE

Dear parishioners,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am writing regarding the current trend of COVID-19. As you have seen, heard, and watched from various sources, this pandemic has not gone anywhere. The church through our bishop has shown concerned about the spike in the cases recently. The Bishop is asking that we adhere strictly to the regulations stipulated by health officials and CDC. It is by caring for ourselves and each other that we can get over this together. Social distancing and wearing of masks should be continued when we come together to worship.
At this time, we shall continue to do the following:
   -Indoor masses with a limited number of people as we are already doing.
 -Baptism can be celebrated with 10 people in attendance.
 -Marriage and funeral services can be celebrated with 25 people in attendance.
 -Sanitizer wipes will be provided at the entrance of the Church to wipe where you sat before leaving the Church.
 -We continue to stream our masses for those who would join at home.
 -Communion will be given after 10 am mass at Holy Cross starting 10:50 am. If someone needs communion at home, we can arrange through the office and bring communion.
Those persons identified in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as high risk are strongly encouraged to receive the Church’s ministry at home.
We shall continue to do mass and stream on our Facebook page on every Wednesday at 6pm. I want to try 6pm to see if there is an improved participation other than 12noon.
Know that we can visit homebound outdoors if there is need or that which is safer for both of us.
Note: For some who have read the Bishop’s message on the website about suspension of Masses, I want to tell you that we got certification from Bishop that we can continue with indoor based on the reasons I gave him. So, our masses are not suspended.
These changes are expected to last for a period of four weeks. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call the offices.
Let us continue to pray for each other and look up to God for deliverance.
God bless you all.
 
Rev. Nathaniel Mma.