Health Guidelines at Masses - Message from Fr. Richard
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September 22, 2021
Effective Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Mecklenburg County Board of Health issued an updated county-wide rule requiring that face-coverings be worn in all public places. This rule offers no religious exemption for individuals or organizations.
As in my message below, I ask you to exercise Christian charity and respect with those whose choices in responding to the pandemic differ from your own. We must be vigilant in not allowing these choices to be an instrument of division in our parish.
August 19, 2021
St. Gabriel parishioners,
The peace of Jesus Christ be with you all! As we continue through the pandemic, our parish is once again recommending but not requiring that masks be worn at Masses – beginning this Saturday, August 21. I ask clergy and Eucharistic Ministers to wear masks for distribution of Communion as an act of Christian charity. As before, clergy will not wear masks for other parts of the Mass. I am grateful to the physicians in our parish with whom I have consulted in making this decision – men and women of faith. It is my hope that these measures will only be needed for the fall season.
I am called, as pastor and shepherd of this large community, to help as many people as possible encounter Jesus. He is the Bread of Life, in whom we place our hope and trust. Especially in these times of difficulty and concern, we need spiritual food - to receive Jesus at Mass. All daily Masses and Sunday 7:30 am Mass provide significant space to sit apart from others, if desired. The bishop’s dispensation for attending Mass in person is still in place for a number of groups and is linked below. We are grateful to provide Mass online for those who cannot join us at the church.
I ask you to exercise Christian charity and respect with those whose choices in responding to the pandemic differ from your own. We must be vigilant in not allowing these choices to be an instrument of division in our parish.
The opportunity for Confession continues each Friday and Saturday (see times below). This beautiful sacrament of healing brings the mercy of the Prince of Peace to our hearts, so needed in these times.
Despite the uncertainties of this life, we who are followers of Christ have the promise and joy of eternal life in heaven. As so beautifully expressed in today’s Psalm, “blessed are those who set their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:5
God bless you and your family! Count on my daily prayers. Please pray for our clergy and parish staff.
Peace in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Fr Richard Sutter
John 13:35
Confession at St. Gabriel
Fridays: 4 to 6 pm
Saturdays: 8 to 9 am and 3 to 5 pm
Read Bishop Jugis’ May 13 Letter to the Faithful - see FAQs
