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We have every reason to praise the Lord — and to sing with him the word so long suppressed. Alleluia!. —Reflections by Mike Aquilina

Pastor's Corner
May 30, 2020

As of Monday, June 1st, Our Lady’s Chapel is again accessible for personal prayer. If ill, stay home! During business hours, enter through the front door and exit via the side doors. Sit far apart. Wear face mask whenever the safe distance cannot be kept. No more than 40 at a time, please. Call the office for the new cipher lock code to enter outside business hours. Pews and restrooms will be wiped down several times a day by maintenance.

Beginning June 3, daily Mass will be celebrated in church. Only 100 can be admitted at this time. On Saturday we have added two new Vigil Masses—3:30 in English and 6:30 in Spanish. The normal 5:00 continues. Sunday remains as it was except, we are not opening St. Elizabeth Mission until the numbers are raised. Starting June 14, we will add a 9:45 and a 12:15 in the Hall. Confessions on Saturdays starting June 6 are now from 2:00 to 3:00. May 30 they are 3 to 5:30 in the church.

Please read the following important information carefully and remember patience is a virtue:

1. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still dispensed. There are three reasons for this:
   1. The low attendance currently allowed prohibits everyone from attending
   2. The vulnerable should stay home until safety can be better assured
   3. Those who are anxious about becoming infected by others need to stay home until they are comfortable
2. Scientifically, if only healthy people gather, infection is not possible!
3. Only 100 congregants can be admitted. This low number makes no sense; feel welcome to complain to the County Supervisors and Governor! In an effort to be fair and equitable, please call the Main Office, extension 109, Monday to Friday, 12-2 or 6-8, to reserve your seat at Mass. You may NOT call at other times, leave a voicemail, etc.  No walk-ins are allowed for the time being. Please follow these guidelines so that everybody has an equal opportunity. 
4. Please read the posters that have been hung around the buildings and follow their instructions. The six feet distance (households may be together) and face mask requirements are in force outside as well as inside.
5. Temporary steps upon entry include:
   1. Either immediate hand washing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer is required
   2. Entrance is only through the front doors. Exit is only out the back and side doors— ushers will invite you out of the pews at the end of Mass
   3. During scheduled confession times, follow the tape on the floor to assure six feet distance while in line
   4. Holy Communion will be distributed differently:
      1. The celebrant will do the “Body of Christ/Amen” dialogue once from the altar. This eliminates talking between ministers and communicants.
      2. Single line up the middle of the three aisles—obey the ushers who will invite you out of the pews
      3. It is strongly recommended that you receive the Host in your hand. If you adamantly insist on receiving it on the tongue, you MUST get into the priest’s line. The EMs have been told to decline giving you Holy Communion on the tongue. The priest will re-sanitize his hands if contact is made with the tongue—open your mouth, stick out your tongue, and stand still!
   5. Remain in your pew at the end of Mass until the usher invites your row to exit. Leave the church whenthe usher invites you to, two maintenance men must sanitize the pews and other furnishings between each Mass. Doors will be locked until this process is completed. Normally, we encourage visitation outside,but not currently. Go directly to your vehicle.
6. To keep the time that we are gathered as short as possible, while still maintaining the dignity and gravitas demanded by the Holy Mass, the second reading is being omitted. Baskets will not be passed (they are at doors) and there is no entrance or offertory procession. There will be no invitation to exchange a sign of peace. Singing is at a minimum, also because of droplets traveling farther from a singing mouth.
7. In all of this, remember faith, hope, charity, and trust in Divine Providence!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Leo
Fr. Leo A. Dechant, CSJ, D.Min
Pastor

Read Past Issues
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5-20-20
5-17-20
5-10-20
5-03-20

Sub Tuum Praesidium: “We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God. Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs. Save us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin.”

The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.”

Our Mission Catholic Faith Community committed to moving forward always in service to the Kingdom of God: attentive to the Word, to Sacrament, to Service, and to Faith Formation.
	Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

St. Serra now has Mass live on Facebook & YouTube!

We are re-opening! See the details in the Pastor's Corner article to the left.

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