Memo to:             Parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Re:                        Information regarding public Masses at the parish
From:                    Msgr. Bill Young
Updated:              Monday, June 1, 2020
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Reminder to all the faithful of the archdiocese that Sunday obligation to attend Mass is dispensed until further notice. No one is obligated by church law to attend Mass during this time. Thus, please stay home if you feel ill and if you are in the high-risk category .
The following points outline your opportunities to view and/or attend Masses at SVdP:

5. We will continue live streaming the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday, the 12:10 PM Mass Monday through Friday, and the 8:15 am on Saturday via YouTube. Our YouTube channel is St Vincent de Paul Houston, TX. (You may also access the channel by using the direct link available on the front page of our website:  www.svdp-houston.org.)
5. You are now able to participate in the Mass within the church building. We are celebrating Mass publicly seven days a week. We are limited to only 275 persons (25% capacity).
   • Monday through Friday at 6:45 am and 12:10 pm (also streamed)
   • Saturday at 8:15 am (also streamed)
   • Sunday at 9:00 am, 11:00 am (also streamed), and 5:00 pm
     • Please use Sign-up Genius to sign up for the SUNDAY Mass you and your family will attend.
     • Weekday Masses Monday through Saturday will no longer require a reservation since we are consistently under our allowed capacity at these Masses.

The parish is taking these steps to ensure the church is cleaned between Masses:

5. The staff and volunteers have organized and implemented a consistent and thorough cleaning protocol.
   • After each Mass, the church is locked and then each pew is cleaned with an approved cleaning solution.
   • All doorknobs and door handles are sanitized with an approved solution.
   • All restrooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

What we ask of each person attending Mass:

5. In order to achieve the goal of offering celebration of the Mass within the guidelines provided by local authorities we need your help in the following areas.
   • You must enter the church via the west side (large parking lot) narthex doors, i.e. the gathering space. All other doors will be locked from the outside. All doors may be used for exiting.
   • It is strongly suggested that all people coming into church wear masks to cover their noses and mouths. If you wish, bring gloves; they must be removed to receive the Eucharist in the hand.
   • Please use the hand sanitizer provided for you as you enter the gathering space.
   • Seating:
     • If you wish to have a specific seat, you must arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the Mass celebration beginning.  After that point, please, in charity, comply and take the seat assigned.
     • Please cooperate with the ushers.
     • Every other pew will be used.
     • Members of the same family may sit together in the usual manner. Others please maintain proper distance, 6 feet.

Reception of Holy Communion:

5. The Most Holy Eucharist will be distributed only by the priests.  
   • Reception on the hand has been strongly requested by our bishop.
     • Maintain social distance of 6 feet while in the procession to receive Holy Communion.
     • Reverently bow while the person in front of you receives the Most Holy Eucharist.
     • Approach the priest with your arms and hands extended.
     • Say “Amen” when the priest proclaims, “The Body of Christ.”
     • Keep your mask on until after you receive the Eucharist.
     • Receive Our Eucharistic Lord with one hand cradling/under the other and with the top hand fully open, so that there is a flat surface on which the priests can place the Host.
     • After reception, step to the side, carefully lower your mask, careful not to drop our Eucharistic Lord, consume the Host, and then return to your pew.
       • Be sure to consume the Host in the sight of the priest. Do not return to your pew without consumption.
         
         Our Cardinal and I request you receive Communion in the hand. Any Catholic has the right to receive on the tongue and we will not refuse one who receives in this manner. Since our bishop has requested communion in the hand it would be an act of obedience to acquiesce to his request.
         
         Still, if you choose to receive on the tongue, I ask you to come up at the end of the communion line. Please hold your breath for a few seconds while the priest places the host on your tongue.

How to present your financial support at this time of social distancing:

5. As you might expect, the collections for the parish are lower than usual. We appreciate your continued support during this difficult time. Here is as outline of the giving opportunities we provide at SVdP:
   • A collection basket will be held at the door as you leave Mass. You may give your tithe and charitable contributions in this manner.
   • If you prefer a digital means, I encourage you to use our online giving program. You can use the link on our website to go directly to the program.
   • Some parishioners have set up a recurring payment through their online banking. They set up SVdP like a bill they pay weekly, or monthly and the bank mails the checks to the parish. This is done at no cost to the parishioner or the parish.
   • Some are mailing their donations to the parish address. The donations received throughout the week are deposited on Monday each week.
   • You may also drop your donation in the mail slot by the parish office. This drop box is opened daily and the checks received are deposited on Monday each week.

Please know that any way you choose to give is greatly appreciated.

When Mass is over, please do not congregate and visit. Remember to maintain proper social distancing.

I am excited that we have been able to reopen and offer public attendance at Masses. We have seen that there is a general mood of cooperation from our parishioners. Please remember, all the directions from the ushers are meant for your safety and the safety of those around you. Your continued collaboration is greatly appreciated.  

Pace Bene,
MB
 

The Parish Offices -  Apostolic Center - Located on the Holcombe Blvd. side

The office is open Monday through Friday
9:00 am through 4:30 pm

Please leave a message at 713-667-9111.

Click here and find out how we are Building Bright Futures here at St.Vincent de Paul
Building Bright Futures Campaign Information



By now all parishioners should have received the Building Bright Futures campaign materials.

As close as we are to success, we really have just scratched the surface. Fifteen percent of our parish families have already joined the effort. Now imagine what we could do if ALL our families got involved. There’s no question we would sail past our goal.

 

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