COVID-19 Updates
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April 25, 2021Pastoral Letter to the Faithful
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May 2, 2021Fr. John's Bulletin Column
Dear Friends,
By now many of you may have heard that our Bishop Joe Vásquez has announced that on Pentecost weekend we will be lifting the temporary protocols for Mass. This decision has many implications. One is that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will once again be imposed on all the faithful. But, it is important to remember that if one is ill or concerned about health issues they need to make that decision themselves through and act out of a well informed and educated conscience. Please remember that this has always been the case and nothing has changed other than if we can be at Mass we should be at Mass.
Regarding our current safety protocols, I am seeking the guidance of our councils and medical professionals as we move forward. We may have a hybrid model in the church with some areas still taped off and other sections with the tape removed. This will allow for more seating and allow parishioners to sit where they feel most comfortable. We will continue to encourage the use of masks for all worshippers. This has been a practice that has been very effective and is the primary reason why I do not believe we have had any outbreaks or cases that are traced back to attendees at our Masses. I know that there are some that would prefer not to have to wear a mask (me being one) but it is important to remember that the mask protects other people from ourselves and that is a pretty Christ like thing to do! We will also have hand sanitizer available and ask that you use it. The Family Center is available for overflow. I also plan on opening the door that is on the west side of the church near the ladies bathroom for entrance. The other doors will be used for exit only at this time. We will continue to ask that people receive communion in the hand and the precious blood will still not be offered.
I want to point out that all of this is still being fleshed out. But, I did feel it was important to get some information to you concerning what my thoughts are with regard to our Bishop’s letter. It is good lately to see many faces of folks we have not seen in a long time. I want to make sure that all feel welcomed and comfortable as we move into this new season in our church.
Blessings!
Fr. John -
May 1, 2020Mass Opens to the Public
Following Gov. Greg Abbott's recent executive order on the phased reopening of the state of Texas, the Diocese of Austin notified parishes that they may resume the public celebration of Mass beginning May 5.
Bishop Joe Vásquez asked that we follow protocols that are consistent with the governor’s and attorney general’s recommendations. Please read the decree and letter to faithful below for more information.- Decree April 30, 2020 from Bishop Vásquez (La segunda página está en español)
- Pastoral Letter to the Faithful from Bishop Vásquez (La segunda página está en español)
This weekend we will continue to live stream Mass.
On Tuesday, May 5 we will open for public Mass while limiting occupancy in the parish to 25% to maintain appropriate distancing measures. Please note our change in Mass times below to follow protocols issued by diocese and allow for cleaning between each Mass. We will slowly reopen and do our very best each step of the way, thank you so much for your patience as we move forward to love and serve our parish community.
Saturday, May 2 - Vigil Sunday Mass at 5:00 p.m. in English live stream (Church not open)
Saturday, May 2 - Vigil Sunday Mass at 6:30 p.m. in Spanish live stream (Church not open)
Tuesday through Friday, May 5 - 8 Church opens for Daily Mass 9:00 a.m., we will also live stream daily Mass May 5-8
Saturday, May 9 Mass at 5:00 p.m. with 25% occupancy (also live stream) arrive 20 minutes before Mass starts
Sunday, May 10 Mass times below with 25% occupancy arrive 20 minutes before Mass starts
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. (Interpreted for Deaf)
1:00 p.m. Spanish
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church will follow the protocols as directed by Very Reverend James A. Misko Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin.
Temporary COVID-19 Protocols for the Celebration of the Sacraments for the Diocese of Austin Pursuant to Bishop Vásquez’ decree dated April 30, 2020, and with the recommendation of the governor’s directives for houses of worship, parishes in the Diocese of Austin must follow these temporary protocols when celebrating the sacraments until further notice.
1. Inform and encourage parishioners to maintain 6-feet of distance between each other at all times except between members of the same family or household.
2. Encourage the following parishioners to not attend Mass and to remain at home: (i) those who are sick; (ii) those who are 65 or older; (iii) those who have been advised by health care workers or caregivers to not attend Mass; (iv) those who sincerely believe that attending Mass will jeopardize their health or the health of a person with whom they reside; and (v) those who sincerely believe that because of the limitations imposed by the temporary protocols attending Mass is not reasonable.
3. Broadcast/livestream or promote another broadcast/livestream of at least one Mass each weekend for those who are not able to attend.
4. Provide hand sanitation opportunities at entrances and to the liturgical and altar ministers, encouraging the maintaining of social distancing.
5. Encourage the faithful to wear face masks during liturgies.
6. Disinfect pews and other regularly touched surfaces after each liturgy.
7. Train liturgical and hospitality ministers in fulfilling these protocols and establish a self screening protocol for all ministers each time they serve. Place visible signs to remind parishioners of hygiene protocols. These requirements apply to all liturgies.
These temporary protocols remain in effect until repealed. Published on April 30, 2020 -
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A message to our Spanish speaking community
EWTN En Español (Spectrum): Check local listings for channel number.
Weekdays: 7 a.m., 3 p.m.
Sundays: 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m.
Catholic TV En Español -
March 13, 2020Update from the Diocese of Austin
COVID-19 Additional Precautionary Measures
As your shepherd, I offer the following precautionary measures for the Diocese of Austin, effective March 13. In addition to what I outline below for the faithful, today I am sending additional guidance for parishes to respond to the coronavirus. Our attentiveness to community health is an act of charity and I call on all to cooperate in efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. I also ask the faithful to pray during this time of uncertainty for the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this diocese, and St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church.
Liturgical Celebrations
Until further notice, Mass and Reconciliation schedules remain unchanged in our parishes. Also, parishes will keep their normal hours so the faithful are able to pray in the church. During times such as these, it is of utmost value to provide the sacraments and the assuring presence of God to all people.
Parishioners who are concerned about attending Mass due to their own health condition, or that of others, are excused from the Sunday obligation. Parishioners with a high risk of contracting a virus due to illness, age, chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system should remain at home and join the parish in prayer through a spiritual communion. This may also apply to caregivers.
Parishes are asked to develop methods for making Mass available via social media, either livestreamed or recorded. Check your parish website for more information. Visit our website for information on broadcasts of Mass. You may make a spiritual communion at any time. Through a spiritual communion, we unite ourselves to God and the Church in prayer when unable to physically receive the holy Eucharist. Distribution of holy Eucharist should only occur within the celebration of Mass or a Communion Service.
Recently, I sent an instruction to all parishes temporarily modifying the manner in which we receive holy Eucharist (e.g. receiving the Body of Christ in the hand and suspending the distribution of the Precious Blood). This instruction remains in place.
Homebound Ministry of Holy Communion
I anticipate requests for homebound visits with holy Communion to increase. If you are unable to attend Mass and are in need of holy Communion, consult your parish. If your parish is unable to bring you Communion, make every effort to make a spiritual communion.
Other Planned Gatherings & Events
I have asked pastors to use prudential judgment when postponing or canceling parish events where large numbers are gathered, such as retreats, off-campus activities, overnight events, parish food events, festivals and others. Consult your local parish for the status of these events.
Religious Education & Sacramental Preparation
Until further notice, Religious Education programs will continue as scheduled.
Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Development Centers
The Superintendent of Catholic Schools will continue to consult with the principals and pastors of Catholic Schools on their schedules. Consult your school for updates.
For Early Childhood Development Centers, contact the center or the parish for updates.
Going Forward
I continue to monitor the situation in consultation with diocesan leadership, our parishes, and public health experts. I ask you to join me in prayer for those who are sick, those who care for them and those who are in distress during this time. Let us entrust ourselves to God who will never leave us to face our challenges alone. As an act of charity, let us work for the common good by observing these precautionary measures in our parishes, schools and throughout central Texas.
Sincerely,
Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez
Bishop of Austin
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Pope Francis’s prayer to Mary during Coronavirus pandemic
O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
-Pope Francis -
Additional Resources
About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
What You Need to Know - Fact Sheet
What to Do If You Are Sick - Fact Sheet
How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
Live Stream Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Central Time
Stream Mass online via EWTN