Effective July 1, 2021, The Shed that is at the “corner” of our parking lot (near the school) will be permanently closed for donations of goods, clothes, furniture, etc. Thank you for making a note that after July 1, The Shed will be closed and discontinued.   

 

 

 

 We had such a wonderful response to our weekly Wednesday 10 AM rosary in May that we would like to continue it throughout the summer.  Please join us in our beautiful parish Garden of Life each Wednesday at 10 to pray the rosary!

 

Greetings of Peace as we approach, Memorial Day weekend - the "unofficial beginning of summer!" 

 

Across the Diocese of Cleveland, the end of the dispensation from attending mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation will take effect next weekend, June 5-6, 2021, as directed by our bishop. At the same time, many pandemic-imposed safety guidelines will be eliminated. 

 

Face masks and social distancing no longer will be required in churches throughout the Diocese. However, Diocesan officials strongly suggest that those not yet vaccinated or who are otherwise vulnerable continue to wear a face mask which covers both one's nose and mouth. They also urge that respect be shown to those following guidelines issued by the CDC, state and local entities, and those who, for personal reasons, choose to continue wearing a face mask and follow social distancing. 

 

Use of all seating areas in church will be permitted and it will no longer will be necessary to have the "deep cleaning" procedures that were adopted last year. Still, general cleaning of church and public places should take place on a regular schedule, with special attention given to frequently used surfaces. Hand sanitizer should remain available at entrances, in church, and other public spaces. 

 

Liturgical processions at the beginning and end of mass will be permitted. Offertory processions and offertory collections also will be permitted.  

 

The sign of peace among the faithful is permitted. Those who are not of the same household or family should exchange peace without physical contact. 

 

Most liturgical ministers - including Cantors and Choirs - will be permitted. Here at St. Joan of Arc we have been using Music Ministers and Cantors as well as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Ushers at most masses. These will continue. For the summer months it seems we will not have Altar Servers at mass here at St. Joan of Arc. The current schedule for the next few months was already made when the diocesan directives came out. We look forward to discovering which "experienced servers" would like to continue to serve and enlisting some new Altar Servers when the new school year begins. Because of the pandemic we were not able to "train" new Altar Servers last year. "More to come." 

 

For the reception of Holy Communion, beginning the weekend of June 5-6, we will return to having the assembly approach from the center aisle - with both sides of the church coming forward at the same time. We anticipate having 4 bread ministers at each weekend mass. Communion in the hand is strongly encouraged. The Diocese has directed that the distribution of the Precious Blood (cup) remains suspended - until further notice. 

 

Diocesan officials also said care should be taken to continue following CDC, state, and local guidelines with regard to activities with children and with those who have not yet been vaccinated.  

 

The Diocese indicated that people those who are not feeling well should remain at home. 

 

The Bishop reminds the faithful that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation remains in effect for those who are ill, have health risk factors, or care for someone who is immune compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting coronavirus in a large group of persons, or other serious reason. 

 

Finally, Bishop Malesic said, "Please continue to pray for a complete end to the pandemic, for all those who died, and for those who have lost loved ones, employment, or have been adversely impacted by the pandemic." 

 

 

Stay safe and well. You are in my heart and prayers. 

 

Blessings and Peace,  

Looking ahead to the month of June, daily mass on TUESDAYS will be celebrated at 8 AM through the “summer months” of June, July, and August (rather than 9 AM). Tuesday mass at 8 AM begins on June 1, 2021. 

 

On THURSDAY MAY 27, the parish “daily mass” will be at 10 AM (rather than the “usual time” of 8 AM). We will recognize the 8th graders from our day school at mass that day at mass. Congratulations!  Again, daily mass will be 10 AM on Thursday May 27.

 

Fr. Gary will be out of town, leaving after masses on Sunday April 18. I will return for the weekend of May 1-2, 2021. While I am away there will not be a daily mass at St Joan of Arc this week (the week of April 19) and next week (the week of April 26). Thank you for making a note of this! Our wonderful ministerial staff will continue to be of service here at SJA and our neighboring priests will do their best to be of assistance, if the need presents itself. Thank you, Fathers.