St. Mary Catholic Church

April 28, 2020
 
Parishioners of St. Mary’s,
 
Praise be to God, Christ has Risen!
 
In cooperation with Governor Abbott, Bishop Olson has permitted the phased restoration of public Masses and the sacraments. The changes will go into effect this Friday, May 1. Please, out of respect for those who are susceptible to illness, follow these protocols when coming to Mass.
 

• Our regular Mass schedule will resume this weekend, May 2^nd/3^rd.

• There is still no obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Parishioners over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay home or in your car for your own safety. We are hopeful that by the end of May we will return to normal.
• When attending Mass, we must keep 6 feet distance from one another. Please sit only where you see marks on the pews. We are only allowed by to 25% occupancy inside the church.
• Everyone inside the church MUST wear a mask when you attend Mass. Plan ahead and obtain/make your own masks. They can be simple, improvised masks, even a bandana or scarf. If you are not wearing a mask, the ushers will ask you not to come inside. When you approach for Holy Communion, please briefly remove the mask. Bishop asks that we still receive Holy Communion in the hand for the time being.
• The collection baskets will not be passed around. Please drop your envelope in the red offering basket at the front entrance of the church or try online giving, Click “Giving” on our website: www.stmarygainesvillecc.org.
• When Mass is over, please allow the ushers to dismiss you from your pew. Those seated nearest the doors will exit first. This will prevent crowding at the exits. Please remember no visiting after Mass.
• Still no sign of peace, no hymnals or missalettes and no Blood of Christ.
• Funeral Masses may now be celebrated with the above protocols.
• Confessions will resume beginning Wednesday, April 29^th after the 5:30pm Mass from 6/7pm and Saturday, May 2^nd from 3pm/4:45pm. Fr. John will be either on the front steps of the church or in the garden! Please line up on the church sidewalk to wait your turn!
• Masses will continue to be live-streamed via St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gainesville, TX Facebook page.
• We will not resume visits to the homebound at this time.
• Palm branches were blessed on Palm Sunday, but may not be distributed at this time. We will let you know as soon as we are able.
• Please remember that the scammers are out in full force. I will not email or text you asking to purchase ITunes cards and/or Steam Wallet Cards for sick children in the hospital.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will return on Friday mornings from 8:30/9:30am in the church. Remember to keep the 6 foot distance!
• I am grateful to all those who have continued with their weekly contributions to the church. Options: drop your envelope in the parish office’s slot in the glass door of the office, Online giving thru our website or you can request a form for Auto Draft from your checking account.

 
 
May God be with you and your family!
 
Fr. John Pacheco
Pastor of St. Mary’s

All are reminded to NOT answer email and/or texts that look to be from Fr. John.  We have received word they are now using your first and last name and asking for either Itunes gift cards or Steam Wallet Gift Card for some patients battling Coronavirus currently in the hospital. They also go on to say, "I just left the church service and I'm in the meeting and currently can't do that. Can you please get that for me from any store around you now? I will reimburse you. Please message me back to know if you can help me with that. May the peace of the lord.  Once you purchase the cards just scratch the back to reveal pin. Then take a snapshot of the cards or send the pin directly to me here. I will pay you later. Fr. John Pacheco.
DO NOT RESPOND!  This is NOT from Fr. John but a scammer wanting something for free.   Remember, Fr. John probably does not have your email address or your cell number!  If you get an email from the church it will  

CLICK HERE FOR TIPS FOR ATTENDING A VIRTUAL MASS

CLICK HERE FOR THE 11:00AM MASS FROM ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL

(Scroll until you see the live screening and click.) 

For your convenience, St. Mary’s weekly bulletins can be viewed online. You can also subscribe to receive the bulletins each week via email.

View Parish Bulletins Here