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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 OCTOBER 2020
St. Matthew Family,
In this ever-changing COVID-19 world, we are doing our best to have you safely return. We began public Masses in June at 5 PM on Saturday evenings and 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 the 5pm Saturday Mass recorded on YouTube
Here are the criteria for attending indoor Masses:- The Church Restrooms are now open, 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 in the Commons 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.
- Hymnals are NOT being used, so please print and bring a copy of the Worship Aid. Limited printed copies are available in the Commons.
- The Library and Playground are now open again, only 1 family at a time, please.
FAITH FORMATION activities resumed after Labor Day. The only face-to face classes are for Communion & Confirmation prep. K, 1, 3, 4 and 5 are AT HOME instruction by parents. Youth Ministry meets via ZOOM Sunday evenings at 6:30pm.
The Bishop continues to dispense Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass. Please stay home if you have been sick, have a fever, or are in higher risk for severe illness, including older adults. If you do not feel safe coming to Mass, consider coming to weekday Masses or watch the Sunday live stream.WEEKDAY MASSES have resumed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Noon. Face masks and 6 feet of social distancing are required. Tuesday mass is also livestreamed on Youtube.
RECONCILIATION has resumed by appointment only. 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 vulnerable category as detailed above, please remain at home and take advantage of the livestreamed Masses.
- Once 50% capacity of the church is reached, entry is stopped. Seating will be assigned by ushers to comply with social distancing requirements.
- At all times, you need to wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose, per the CDC.
- Liturgical changes remain in effect, e.g., distribution of Holy Communion at the end of Mass, no sign of peace hand shakes, passing of collection baskets, or singing.
- Father and Deacon use face masks and hand santitizer for the distribution of Communion.
- Our Ministries and Committees may resume meetings in the Social Hall only - social distancing, face masks, and meeting room disinfection protocol afterwards.
Phase 4?
- At a date to be determined by Governor Cooper, the mayor of Durham, and Bishop Zarama, we return to three weekend Masses, in the church, 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 monthly operating expenses including paying staff. Thank you for your continued support!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK, THOSE AT RISK,
AND OUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS