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Prayer for a Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and desire to receive You into my Soul. Since I cannot receive You at Communion, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. AMEN
LINK: Explanation of Spiritual Communion
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UPDATED FOR APRIL 2021
*** VACCINES AVAILABLE in Durham for Groups 1-4 [CLICK HERE] ***St. Matthew Family,
In this ever-changing COVID-19 world, we are doing our best to have you safely return. We resumed public Masses at 5 PM on Saturday evenings and 8:30 & 11 AM Sunday mornings. Bishop Zarama allows Mass indoors at 50% capacity (half our pews are taped off), including face masks and social distancing. For those at risk who wish to stay home, we Live Stream our 5pm Saturday Mass on our YouTube channel.We encourage all parishioners to get a COVID vaccine once they become available (healthcare workers, nursing home residents, age 65 and over, etc.).
Here are the criteria for attending our indoor Masses:- The Church Restrooms are open, but only 1 person inside at a time. Wash hands before exiting. The Family Room and Library are now open for 1 Family at a time.
- Please use the Hand Sanitizer, available by the the Commons doors on entry. Every other pew has been taped off for your safety.
- Everyone, including school-age children, are required to wear face masks at all time while on campus, covering both mouth AND nose.
- The Playground is open, only 1 Family at a time, please.
FAITH FORMATION activities continue, but only face-to face classes are for Communion & Confirmation prep. K, 1, 3, 4 and 5 are AT HOME instruction lead by Parents. Youth Ministry meets via ZOOM Sunday evenings at 6:30pm.
WEEKDAY MASSES are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Noon. Face masks and 6 feet of social distancing are required. Tuesday mass is preceded by the Rosary and followed by Adoration.RECONCILIATION has resumed by appointment only, outside weather permitting. The required face masks and social distancing will be observed. Email or call Father Robby to make an appointment.
General Guidelines:- If you're in a medically vulnerable category, please remain at home and take advantage of the livestreamed Masses. The Bishop has dispensed Catholics from attending Mass.
- Once 50% capacity of the church is reached, entry is stopped by ushers. Seating will be assigned by ushers to comply with social distancing requirements.
- Liturgical changes remain in effect: distribution of Holy Communion with social distancing, no Sign of the Peace hand shakes, & no passing of collection baskets.
- Our Ministries and Committees may resume meetings in the Social Hall only - with social distancing, face masks, and meeting room disinfection protocol afterwards.
Phase 4?
- At a date determined by Governor Cooper, the mayor of Durham, and Bishop Zarama, we will return to Masses without gathering-size restrictions or face mask requirements.
- Ministries, Committees, and Scouts may resume face to face meetings, events and activities as usual on campus.
Throughout this pandemic, St. Matthew parishioners have generously given to the weekly Offertory through Online Giving and weekly envelopes. This has enabled us to cover our operating expenses. Thank you for your continued support!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK, THOSE AT RISK,
OUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND TEACHERS