COVID-19 UPDATES

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.​

​Philippians 4:6–8
Guidelines for attending Mass
  • Every Catholic continues to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. However, Catholics should attend Mass one time each week when they are physically able to do so without compromising their own or someone else’s health.
  • Anyone who is sick, has an underlying condition that would make them vulnerable, is caring for such a person, or is exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 should NOT attend Mass.
  • Mass attendance should always be limited to ensure that the faithful maintain social distancing of six feet from each other.
  • Parishioners are required to wear masks when entering or leaving the Church and when processing for communion. They are encouraged to wear masks throughout Mass.
  • Members of a single household do not need to practice social distancing with each other.
  • The faithful are strongly encouraged to receive Holy Communion on their hand as an act of charity toward others. ​
  • We continue to livestream and post Sunday Mass at petertherock.org. Livestreamed Masses are also available on Facebook. Find the schedule at petertherock.org.

We greatly appreciate your continued cooperation.

UPDATED (November 19, 2020)
Holy Communion on the Tongue
 
As we continue to face the changes in normal behavior put upon us by COVID-19 pandemic, with more strict rules regarding gathering of groups and continued emphasis on avoiding touching of the face and then other objects, we must consider the action of receiving communion on the tongue.

Our pastor, Father Gregory, one of our deacons and all of our instituted accolades are in higher risk position relative to this infection. In spite of best efforts, the fingers of ministers of Holy Communion on occasion, are touched by the lips or the tongue of the communicant. Those same fingers then touch the Sacred Host in the Ciboria. This could allow transmission of contaminated host to another parishioner.

We recognize that there are pious, and even some theological reasons for the reception in this manner. We want to emphasize that the posture and manner of reception is less important than the disposition of our mind, our heart and soul. Therefore, we ask, in charity, that until there is a significant change in the prevalence of the virus that parishioners refrain from reception of Holy Communion on the tongue. Know, with assurance, that you are receiving Jesus Christ, body-blood-soul and divinity.
 
In Prayer,
 
Deacon Scotty Bowen

November 20, 2020