At St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish, Father Nickolai, Deacon Bill and Deacon Denny join Archbishop Rozanski in welcoming everyone back to attending Mass in-person.  It has been wonderful to see so many familiar faces return to the pews in the past several weeks!  With the announcement that the general dispensation is lifted as of July 1, 2021 (see below for Father's recent bulletin article and a video message from the Archbishop), here are a few updates specific to our parish community that will also take effect:

The physical sign of peace and receiving of the precious Blood is still suspended at this time.  Please continue to monitor your own health and stay at home if you are feeling ill and/or running a fever. 

As you have likely heard by now, Archbishop Rozanski has announced the end of the general dispensation from Mass attendance in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, effective July 1. I am aware that not everyone has the same level of comfort yet, and, as Fr. Nikolas reminded us last week, the pandemic is far from over in some parts of the world, so it seems some clarification is called for.

Dispensations, of course, weren’t invented in 2020. No one is morally obligated to do the impossible or the disproportionately burdensome. Even in “ordinary” circumstances, the faithful could be dispensed from the Sunday Mass obligation because of serious sickness, disability, or other reasons it was dangerous to attend (a snowstorm, for example). The language used by the Church for our Lenten disciplines is instructive here: the observance of days of fast and abstinence is a “grave obligation,” from which “Catholics will not dispense themselves lightly.” The same is true of weekly Mass attendance: a serious obligation, from which one can be excused, but not lightly. Your conscience will let you know if you are genuinely excused. If you are in doubt, it may be worthwhile to consult your doctor or whatever medical professional knows your situation best.

The newest instructions from the Archbishop leave many other things up to individual parishes. I hope to put books back in the pews and holy water back in the fonts. I hope to have ushers, choirs, and an offertory procession during Mass again — soon, but perhaps not immediately. It will likely be a gradual process, putting these things into place again. I ask everyone to continue to be patient.

 Finally, in case you aren’t aware, we have been allowed to have groups and organizations meet in-person for some time now. If your group hasn’t met in person for a while, and you’re ready (or if you want to start a new one), please feel welcome to call the parish office and we’ll find some room for you on the master calendar.

Please watch the video below from Archbishop Rozanski, welcoming all the faithful back to church this summer!

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, our faith helped guide us through the overwhelming times of loneliness and despair. Jesus took our hands and asked us to trust Him as He walked with us through the darkness. He continues to walk with us, leading us to the light.

As the world moves forward on the path of healing, we invite everybody in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to gather together again to experience the Eucharist—the true presence of the Body of Christ—in its fullest form. On July 1, 2021, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski will lift the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all of the faithful in the Archdiocese of St. Louis—meaning that we will all be called to return to Holy Mass in-person each Sunday. 

Our parishes continue to follow protocols to help parishioners feel safe and comfortable returning to Mass; more information about the latest COVID-19 guidelines in the archdiocese can be found in the Q&A below.

As you reflect on returning to Church, remember that Jesus has been with us all along—and that he longs for us to re-join Him at Mass with open arms—everybody together. For we are the Body of Christ.