There was no question it was summer in Irvington this week. As summer embraces us, please make sure to venture outdoors carefully. For those of you for whom being out in high temperatures is not so healthy, such as our seniors and folks with underlying health conditions, please remember that wearing a mask can make you even more prone to overheating. If is hot, stay home and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.  Be kind to yourselves. 

As we mentioned last week, our parish has updated its website. Our goal was to streamline it, and make it more user friendly for you. There are a lot of features in it that you may find useful, too. You can consult our Calendar, see Mass times for weekdays and Holy Days, register in the parish and in the REP, request Masses or prayers, volunteer for a Ministry, and request a Sacramental Certificate. You can also download the Sunday bulletin, read and watch Church and Vatican news and videos, find explanations of our Sacraments, guides to a good Confession, information about the "whys" and "hows" behind a lot of what we do, and even a little history. We invite you to visit and familiarize yourselves with it. After all, it is all for you!

Although we are happy to be having public daily and Sunday Mass again, coming to church may not be feasible for some of you, yet. That is why we are also happy to offer you the opportunity to participate in Spiritual Communion with our Sunday Mass, right on our homepage website. The Readings for this Sunday are attached to this email. 

As the transition back to public Mass continues, we have noticed some commonality in the questions we have been receiving. So here is a look at some of our most Frequently Asked Questions...

A. Yes! We are very happy to be able to distribute the Eucharist to our faithful parishioners. All we ask is that you wear your mask as you wait on our socially distanced line, and follow the Priests' and Ushers' prompts.

A. No. Communion is distributed, as always, during the Communion Rite.

A. Yes we do. We have two well marked, touchless hand sanitizer stands at the entrance to the church with some very pleasant and non-sticky sanitizing solution in them. You are welcome to use them as you enter and leave the church.

A. Absolutely. The Priests and volunteer parishioners sanitize the pews after every Mass! We care about you and want to make you feel safe physically and spiritually.

A. Yes there is. The pews are clearly marked to designate where to sit, and we have done it in such a way so as to preserve the dignity and beauty of our Sanctuary.

A. Yes. According to Archdiocesan and State guidelines, we are limited to only 96 people in the church at a time, and we are sticking to it. 

A. Masks are required at all times except, of course, as you receive the Eucharist. 

A. Anyone sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness is asked to refrain from coming. Senior citizens, or individuals with underlying conditions, are encouraged to consult with their health practitioner before making the decision to attend Mass. Families are welcome to come, and there are pews set apart which allow them to sit together.

A. Don't worry, we have that covered. We have a very faithful group of parishioners (for whom we are very grateful!) that have been instructed on how Mass will proceed and how to socially distance everyone. Feel free to speak with them, or with a Priest, if you have any questions.