Dear STL Family,
On June 15th, the California Department of Public Health provided updated guidance pertaining to state and county regulations. In response to the latest news, the bishops met and consulted with the Executive Board of the Presbyteral Council and the Board of Deans to further discuss the lifting of restrictions in the Diocese of San Diego. In a letter to all priests, Bishop McElroy provided the following update:
All of the restrictions on capacity and spacing for worship and all limitations on meetings and social activities are lifted as of June 17, 2021.
Masks will be optional, recognizing that the CDC recommends the practice of wearing masks for those who have not yet been vaccinated. ***
Because there is still no vaccine for children, those in formation processes under the age of fourteen should continue to wear masks, as will our students in Catholic schools.
Distribution of the Eucharist will resume on the tongue and will continue in the hand.
The reintroduction of the shared cup will be determined sometime in the future.
Alterations in liturgical spaces and practices necessitated by the pandemic can now cease at the discretion of the pastor. This includes filling the fonts.
It is recommended that non-family members bringing Eucharist to the sick should be vaccinated.
The dispensation from the normal obligation to attend Sunday Mass will end on July 1st.
We are grateful for this update as we plan for the full reopening of our catechetical ministries and activities this summer and fall. Particularly, we are grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers for navigating this past year with all its uncertainties and changes with astounding faith and grace.
Here's a "shout out" to EVELYN BEALE who was our live-stream pioneer and trainer ~ to OLIVIA SHULL who stepped up and contributed her talents to help up out, too ~ and very special kudos to DAVE CONDIT, our Knight in shining armor who faithfully navigated us through the virtual journey during the pandemic. Dave, you're truly an example of great discipleship!!! Thank you all.
Be an Altar Server. Join this ministry.
Training scheduled for Thursday, June 24th
1:00 - 3:00 pm in our church gathering space
Young and young-at-heart (9 yrs of age and older)
No other qualifications necessary! Remember...
God doesn't call the qualified.
He qualifies the called.
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY MASS
In solidarity with our African American brothers and sisters, join Bishop McElroy and Bishop Dolan as they celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day Mass, on Saturday, June 19th, 5 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church, 5124 Churchward St, San Diego, CA 92114.
Juneteenth is the oldest celebration commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, that essentially ended slavery in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit over cruelty and injustice. As Catholics, we especially take this time to continue praying for the conversion of hearts and vigilant actions required to overcome racism in our Church and communities.
All are welcome to join in the mass celebration. It will be held outdoors in accordance with current health guidelines. The mass will also be live-streamed at sdcatholic.org/juneteenth2021. For more information, contact Alejandra Diaz at ADiaz@sdcatholic.org or (858) 490-8306.
I will keep you posted as we implement full restoration of our parish activities. WOW! GOD IS SO GOOD!
From my heart to yours,
Jane A.
*** Please don't judge others. If I stop judging others, I free myself from being judged and I can dance!