RESOURCES

STATE OF PARISH REOPENING

On June 1, 2020, Bishop Persico granted permission for the churches of the Diocese of Erie to reopen for the celebration of public masses.  This permission has brought great joy and solace to many of us in the opportunity to gather for the Eucharistic celebration and reception of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, but for some there is still hesitancy in large gatherings in the midst of this pandemic.  All of these feelings and struggles are “normal” and need to be prayerfully considered on an individual basis. 

A couple of things to remember:

1. Bishop Persico gave permission for us to gather for public mass, but we must keep all restrictions (masks, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc.)
2. Bishop Persico continued the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. If you are anxious, or ill, or weary you do not have an obligation to attend.
3. The Diocese is following the recommendations of Governor Wolf and does not permit any social gathering of more than 25 people (this does not include mass). In fact, the Diocese strongly recommends that all unnecessary social gatherings and organization meetings be postponed, or held remotely, until further notice. 
   1. Some have requested for their organization to meet – and at this time no group may have regular meetings in church facilities.
   2. Our faith formation program has gone to on-line (zoom learning) until January 2021, when we will re-evaluate the situation and make the decision concerning continued remote or on-site learning.
   3. Our parish office has been closed from “walk-up” business since the March 17^th closure decree. I want to afford parishioners the chance to do in-person business here, but I ask that make an appointment with the proper staff member including myself.
4. The church is open for private prayer during the days when the office staff is present. (Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 4:00pm).

We are adapting to this new time and, regretfully, there is no map to guide us to deal with every new day and every new situation – so, let us pray for one another and support one another in this journey.  As this pandemic evolves so will the Diocesan Policies and Parish guidelines.  I promise to keep you informed and aware of all I know. 

Blessings and good health to all.

Fr. David

For a schedule of Parish Prayer Experiences for the week of September 21st, click here.

Father David's Archive Letters

Father David's Introduction Letter

Bishop Persico's Letters

Bishop Persico's March 12 statement regarding Masses in the Diocese of Erie

Bishop Persico's Letter March 17th

BISHOP PERSICO SUSPENDS ALL PUBLIC MASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The book for the next Book Club meeting is "This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger. You will need to purchase the book on line. The book on Amazon is $11.49 (paperback) or $12.99 (Kindle) plus tax. Our meetings will be on ZOOM, an online gathering platform, so we can all meet face to face and discuss the book. There is a phone-in option if you are not sure about using ZOOM. Please call the Parish Office if you need assistance. Our next meeting will be September 30 at 11:00 AM and at 7:30 PM. An invitation will be sent via email with directions how to join the Book Club meeting on ZOOM (both on computer or via phone). 

All other events at the Church and the Knights of Columbus have been cancelled until further notice.

Living In Faith Together (LIFT) Information