3/13/2020

Dear Friends,

            Over these last 36 hours, we have seen many ongoing initiatives taken to combat COVID-19. Having stated in my last update that I would keep you all apprised of any changes as directives are updated, I can now share with you our path going forward.

            At 5pm today, Bishop McManus reached out to all Priests, stating that Sunday Mass is not suspended, but will continue. However, if you are sick or vulnerable to illness under the current circumstances, PLEASE STAY HOME. I know this may be hard but for the health of the community and yourselves, please respect this directive.

At. St. Patrick’s, the following will be implemented in accord with best practices relayed to us regarding our schedule of upcoming events.

• All Hymnals and prayer cards will be temporarily stored due to the need for disinfection after each use. Instead, song sheets with the processional and recessional hymns will be distributed before each Mass. They can be taken home and disposed of at your leisure.
• Religious Education will be suspended immediately in light of the cancelation of school in the Wachusett Region. We will reevaluate in two weeks, as the district evaluates its next step forward.
• At Mass, please be conscience of the directives distributed last weekend regarding the sign of peace and shaking hands with one another. Please avoid unnecessary contact during this time
• The Governor has asked all gatherings to be under 250 people. At St. Patrick’s this would mean that our Church would be filled to Christmas Mass levels. We will monitor any changes to be aware of, should it become necessary.
• Masses, funeral Masses, weddings, baptisms, Stations of the Cross, and similar liturgical services like Adoration will proceed; however, all other events or functions (non-liturgical events) will be canceled or postponed until we reevaluate in two weeks.
• Regarding the Rutland Food Pantry, an update is forthcoming and will be shared as soon as possible.
• The Lenten Parish Mission has been postponed until May 12-14^th, now taking place around and on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
• Lenten Confessions for Monday, March 16^th and Monday March 23^rd are now by appointment. Please contact via email [email protected] or by phone at the rectory 508-886-4309

We will continue to assess the situation as updates become available. Our concern is for the health and spiritual wellbeing of every one of our parishioners. We will work on different ways to continue to prayerfully serve our community during this time and will update you again via our parish website, Facebook, or Flocknote (join by texting the word ‘rutland’ to 84576 on your phone or click on the link on the top of the website). Please pray for one another and bring the Lord to all you encounter. You all remain in my daily prayers.

God Bless,

Fr. Jim