Dear Parishioners,
Schedule
Daily Mass is at 8 AM. Next Sunday, Mass will likely be at 8 AM. I'll make the decision on Friday once I see the weather forecast.
Sunshine & Wi-Fi
While running this morning, the sun shined quite brightly during my return. This means Mass in front of the Parish Center won't work. You wouldn't be able to see very well.
The church walls are quite thick. So, the wi-fi signal by the canopy entrance is weak.
That leaves the rectory garage as the best place to celebrate Mass outside.
Park Facing the Garage
The picture above is the view of the parking lot from the rectory garage. Notice the cones are on every other parking space. If you plan to come to Mass in the parking lot, drive down the middle or back aisle. Then pull up toward the rectory so that you are facing the garage. Please turn off your cars, and don't leave them running. You may open your windows as long as the next car is six feet away. But you might also keep them closed if you think it's too cold. I think you can park in back of another car, but please don't park next to a car either on your left or right. I don't think you have to wear your masks in your cars during Mass, especially if your windows are closed.
Livestreaming
Mass will be livestreamed on our
YouTube channel as usual. The camera will be to the side and at an angle. Before Mass, I might turn the camera toward the parking lot so you can see the cars. Then I'll turn the camera back toward the altar.
We're using Holly's Yeti microphone. The audio seems much better.
Conference Call
For people in their cars in the parking lot, you probably won't be able to hear very well even with your windows open. So, I invite you to join our GoToMeeting conference call via your cell phone. Dial the phone number and enter the code.
Dial: (646) 749-3112
Access Code: 334-041-517
Testing Worked
I moved many items from the chapel to the middle garage bay. I can easily move them outside if the weather is cooperative. I can keep them in the garage if it's raining. I can do half and half if the weather looks threatening.
I successfully livestreamed on YouTube AND hosted a GoToMeeting conference call at the same time on my computer using the same microphone. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily it worked.
Holy Communion
After the conclusion of Mass, I will stop the livestreaming and conference call. Then I will distribute Holy Communion. Note that you don't have to receive Holy Communion. If we have just a few cars, I might walk to you. Otherwise, I'll be standing to the west of the rectory where you could drive to me. Have your mask on beforehand. If you receive in the hand, please hold your hands out straight, one on top of the other. I will place the host in your hand without touching you. Then, pull your mask down and place the host in your mouth. Put your mask back on. If you are going to receive on the tongue, then pull your mask down, hold your head back a little, and stick out your tongue. Do not close your mouth until I pull my hand back. Place your mask back on. If I accidentally touch someone, I will sanitize my hands before going to the next person.
Experiment
Tomorrow's daily Mass will be an experiment. Fortunately, we have the whole week to make it as best as we can. Thanks in advance for your patience as we take the next step in reopening our parish church.
God love you,
Fr. Jim