Updated  June 2, 2020

My Dear Parishioners,

   This past Monday, June 1, Bishop Olson had his weekly Zoom meeting with all the priests of the Diocese of Fort Worth.  Bishop Olson stressed that we need to continue to take every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  This means that in every parish of the Diocese of Fort Worth a mask is required in our churches, along with keeping 3 feet apart for social distance.  Families and couples are permitted to sit together in the same pew.  The elderly with any medical concerns are encouraged to remain at home.  Wearing a mask during Mass is one clear way that we can express our love for one another.  Our daily 8AM Mass and our 9AM Sunday Mass will continue to be live streamed so that especially the elderly can pray the Mass at home and make a spiritual communion.
   Bishop Olson stressed the need for us to continue to pray that peaceful marches for justice and respect for human dignity take place without violence, destruction of property, bodily injury or the taking of human life.  Let us continue to pray for all the brave men and women serving us in our hospitals, nursing facilities, our police officers, our military, our elected government leaders, and all those serving the poor and needy.
 
Special events that we need to be aware of and pray for include the following:

• First Communion Masses will be live streamed and will be on Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 AM for SMG children and on Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27 at 11:00 AM for our children in Religious Education.  Four Masses rather than two Masses will allow more family members to attend with the restrictions of COVID-19.
• High School Confirmation will be on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM.  Bishop Olson has delegated Pastors to have this Confirmation Mass in light of COVID-19. 
• As a parish family, we are blessed that our weekend Masses continue to increase.  Numbers of have increased each weekend.  For example, on May 2 & 3, there were 280 parishioners and last weekend our attendance was 607 parishioners.
• Enrollment for our excellent SMG Catholic Grade School for grades Pre-School 3 through eighth grade continues.  Please check our SMG School website for all the enrollment information.
• We will have Eucharistic Adoration in the church on Friday, June 5 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.  We ask that you sanitize your area with the provided wipes before you begin Adoration and as you are leaving.  A mask is required. 
• Because of safety concerns, Fr. Mike and myself will hear confessions in the Holy Family Life Center Saturday morning, June 6, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM.  Masks must be worn with social distancing at 3 feet.
• Our Mass schedule will be as usual:  Saturday, 5:30 PM; Sunday 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM with 270 people at each Mass with social distancing at 3 feet.  Every person must wear a mask in church.  Please enter the church by using the front doors only.
• The Rosary will be said before every weekend Mass (except the 9:00 AM Mass, because of the need to sanitize the church in a timely manner)
• Communion will be under one species and will be issued in the hand only
• Since we are in recovery at Phase II from COVID-19, the obligation to attend Mass is not in effect and there is no sin if you do not attend Sunday Mass
• The elderly, sick and those with health issues are encouraged not to attend Mass
• Thank you for your financial support of our parish.  Your donations can be made entering the church for Mass, by Faith Direct, by mail or dropping your envelopes off at the office.
• Contact our food pantry if food or other items are needed
• Please call our parish office if we can be of any help in any way

   Congratulations to Todd Austin, Kendall Chaney, Lydia Curreri, Tyler James, Jacquelyne Ochieng and Traci Taylor as they were received into full communion into the church at the Pentecost Vigil Mass. 
   This weekend we celebrate the beautiful Feast of the Holy Trinity.  God is family and all of us believe that we are loved unconditionally by the Father, redeemed by the Son and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 
   Let us continue to pray for the safety of our families, parish and our nation.
 
Be assured of my love and prayers,
 
Fr. Jim