Changes to Reconciliation and Reminders for In-Person Mass Attendance
We are blessed that so many of our Parish Family have continued to engage our Faith together, both in-person as well as virtually, through this Pandemic. It is incredibly important that our Church is a refuge and support mechanism for those in need, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The isolation many are feeling is palpable, and Saint John is here to serve you and your loved ones through the COVID-19 Response and beyond.
We have been able to update some of our Policies and Procedures from the initial Public Attendance for Mass participation recently. A message was sent out to the internal Ministry leadership of the Parish to evaluate their Ministry’s ability to meet again on-site. Some additional changes we would like to announce are:
Opportunities for Reconciliation Move Into the Church Building
For the last several months, the clergy of Saint John the Evangelist have been providing the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Middle Parking Lot, rain or shine (including blazing hot summer mornings), for individual Confessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. We are now authorized to provide Reconciliation back in the Church building, rather than outside. Beginning November 1, 2020, all Confessions will be held in the Inner Sacristy room immediately after the Daily Masses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays still. Penitent individuals may wait in the Narthex (Church Lobby) socially distanced and the priest will come out and receive the individual to bring them into the Sacristy.
Confessions will start after the Daily Mass completes (around 9 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on Saturdays) until all are heard.
Pulte Family Life Center Expands to Saturday Hours
We are now able to allow individuals who have memberships to the Pulte Family Life Center to utilize the building on Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM for their personal health and wellness activities, along with our normal weekday hours of Monday – Friday, from 7 AM to 4 PM. Only members are allowed to enter the facility during these times and everyone must follow our Pulte Family Life Center COVID-19 Policies and Procedures while in the building.
Continuing Our Health and Safety Practices for All Activities On Campus
Saint John the Evangelist has instituted significant operational activities to ensure the healthiest environment possible for our Parish Family to attend Mass, Faith Formation Programs, and many other activities on our campus. We respect the life and safety of all who step foot here, and we hope our Parish Family and visitors also show their care for the life of those around them by following our Policies and Procedures, including:
- Continuing to require wearing masks properly, including over your mouth and nose, during the entire Mass.
- Staying a respectful social distance from other individuals and families while in the church building.
- Providing your generous offerings to our Ushers at the Exit Doors of the Church as you depart.
If you are at-risk, or have health concerns, please continue to participate joyfully in our Masses virtually. You can find Masses on our website, including our Daily Mass, and multiple weekend Masses, including an on-demand video of the Mass available at any time.