May 10, 2020

Dear St. Martin of Tours Family & Friends,

Sorry about the livestreaming glitch this evening. I think I discovered the problem and fixed it. Please tune in tomorrow for the 10 AM Mass.

I am not sure when the Arch-diocese will give us the go-ahead for public Masses. I am hearing conflicting reports. I promise of course to let you know ASAP.

The day of our first public Mass will be a happy day for all of us indeed! So many of you have expressed eagerness to worship together once again and to receive Holy Communion.

The month of May is going to be quite an experiment: And you and I will be the experiment. So how do we still maintain social distancing when we return to church? Here are some guidelines:

1. I encourage you to wear a face mask, and if you are particularly concerned, you may, of course, wear gloves.

2. Sit in the church in a checkerboard pattern, so a maximum distance can be maintained.

3. We will continue the practice of omitting the sign of peace.

4. If you are accustomed to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, you may continue to do so, and you may go to any minister to receive.

5. If you have a chronic illness, are experiencing an illness, are recovering from an illness, or if you are seriously immuno-compromised, I encourage you to remain home and continue to participate in the Mass through livestreaming.

Despite recent livestreaming glitches, I think I've fixed them, so we will continue to livestream all of our Masses, weekends and weekdays.

Speaking of livestreaming, here is a track of the states in which people have been watching our Masses: How intriguing: Sixteen states (and also Mexico).

During this time of economic re-opening, I bless all of you with health, and we pray for the healing of our community and nation.

Sincerely,