a parish of the Diocese of Grand Rapids
Given the current situation and our restricted capacities for Mass, Bishop Walkowiak is extending the dispensation for all Catholics within the territory of the Diocese of Grand Rapids from their obligation of attending Sunday Mass through January 4. Public Masses and the celebration of the sacraments will continue with the appropriate COVID-19 mitigation strategies in place: the required wearing of masks, proper social distancing, and cleaning according to CDC guidelines. These mitigation strategies must be followed to ensure public Masses remain available. Those who are able to attend Mass should return, remembering that our physical presence at the Eucharistic table is irreplaceable. Pastors will be making decisions about parish programming in accordance with State epidemic orders issued Nov. 15. Please check with your parish for additional information.
Dada la situación actual y nuestros números restringidos de capacidad para la Misa, estoy extendiendo la dispensa para todos los católicos dentro del territorio de la Diócesis de Grand Rapids de su obligación de asistir a la Misa dominical hasta el 4 de enero. Las misas públicas y la celebración de los sacramentos continuarán con las estrategias de mitigación de COVID-19 apropiadas. Quienes puedan asistir a la Misa deben regresar, recordando que nuestra presencia física en la mesa Eucarística es insustituible. Estas estrategias de mitigación deben seguirse para garantizar que las Misas públicas permanezcan disponibles. Su párroco tomará decisiones sobre la programación parroquial de acuerdo con las órdenes epidémicas estatales emitidas el 15 de noviembre.
Infant Baptisms will only be celebrated on an individual basis and outside of Mass. All present are to wear face coverings. Social distancing, 6 feet of separation in all directions, will be followed.
Funerals are still being celebrated while following the same guidelines for Sunday mass. That said, we are not having luncheons afterwards at this time due to current restrictions on indoor gatherings.
Bishop has given Fr. Dan permission to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for the students at St. Gregory - Our Lady of Fatima. These are taking place on July 19, 2020 and September 6, 2020.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is still being celebrated at the normal times at St. Gregory. Father Dan asks that all penitents confess behind the screen in order to follow social distancing protocal.