The Faith Community of St. Edward

*UPDATE*  A LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF ST. EDWARD PARISH FROM FATHER ANTONY

My Dear Family,

It is with great joy, tempered by concern, that the Churches of the Catholic Community in Central Racine will be reopening for the celebration of the Mass next Sunday, on the Feast of Corpus Christi (The Body and Blood of Christ).  I feel joy at being able to see you after this long time apart and joy because the Feast of Corpus Christi is the perfect day for the body of Christ to gather once again in our churches.  Sadly, I am concerened because we are still in a time that requires caution and care regarding the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  this, in turn, requires changes to how we gather for worship.  We are asking you to be aware of these changes and to cooperate fully with each one:

• All who attend Mass and those helping to make it possible must wear a mask.  Even though you may prefer not to, this practice must be consistent among all in order to respect the safety and concerns of all members of our faith families.  As Christ lived His life and gave His life in the service of others, we are called to set aside our personal desires to care for the needs of those around us. Wearing a mask is a small sacrifice for the good of others.
• Each of our churches has been carefully measured and marked to meet the spacing guidelines that ensure socially responsible distancing.  This, too, is for the good of all, but it does mean that people will not be able to sit in their customary pew.  Ushers will direct you to a spot that will safely accommodate you and your family.  they will also assist with processes for Communion and leaving the church.  Please follow the instructions they have been given to make our return to church as safe as possible.
• The most welcome experience of returning to church will be the ability to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  All those desiring to receive Communion will need to receive the body of Christ in their hand.  As an important health measure, no one will be able to receive the Eucharist on the tongue.  You can decide whether to receive the body of Christ in your hand, or to wait until it is once again safe to receive on the tongue at some point in the future.
• Fr. Juan and I take the health and safety of every member of our community seriously.  We ask you to do the same.  Just as you would not want a member of your family to be endangered in any way, we ask you to extend that same care toward every member of your faith family.  We cannot emphasize this strongly enough.  We are counting on your cooperation, your understanding, and your compassion for others to make this return to church safe and joyful.  And so we pray

Dear Jesus,

As we return to our churches to worship, we ask you, the head of your body, the Church, to help us do so safely:  Open our hearts to put the cares and safety of others above our selfish concerns;  Open our minds to accept the changes required for the good of all.  Open our ears that we may listen respectfully to the directions given us and follow them without comment.  Open our eyes to the needs of those in our community for whom the virus could be life-threatening, and do what we can to protect them.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for this opportunity to return to your sanctuary, to praise your name, to hear your word and receive your body.  Continue to walk with us as we begin taking steps toward rebuilding a full and blessed life.  Amen.