THE USE OF FACE MASKS AT SAINT ANNE PARISH - EL USO DE MÁSCARAS EN SANTA ANA
In recent weeks both the Gilbert Town Council and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have issued emergency orders and regulations regarding the mandatory use of masks in certain circumstances. In addition, a few days ago - on June 19th - the Diocese of Phoenix issued guidelines by which Bishop Olmsted asked all parishes “to comply with the mandatory face masks policies that have been implemented in every area/city.” In those same guidelines, the Diocese required all those who attend Mass, as well as staff and volunteers, to wear face masks “when on campus and moving about in public areas or when physical distancing is not possible”. Finally, the Diocese affirmed, "for those who have medical conditions or refuse - kindness and understanding should be the rule".
AT ST. ANNE BEGINNING JULY 1ST FACE MASKS ARE REGUIRED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS AT THE SATURDAY 3PM, SUNDAY 7AM AND THE SUNDAY 5:30PM MASSES. THOSE WHO CAN NOT WEAR A FACE MASK DURING THE MASS FOR ANY REASON SHOULD ATTEND ONE OF THE OTHER SEVEN AVAILABLE MASSES CELEBRATED, HOWEVER ALL MASSES REQUIRE FACE MASKS AS NOTED BY OUR DIOCESE, MARICOPA COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF GILBERT.
PLEASE READ FR. SERGIO'S ENTIRE LETTER ON FACE MASKS - CLICK HERE
PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF HOLY MASS RESUMED - SE REANUDA LA CELEBRACIÓN PÚBLICA DE LA SANTA MISA
We would like to announce to the entire community that Bishop Olmsted has authorized the celebration of public Masses in the Diocese of Phoenix. The first thing we want to ask is that you give thanks to God, through the intercession of Saint Joseph, because finally the doors of the churches have been opened so that the faithful can actively participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Diocese in cooperation with the civil authorities has mandated a safe distance of 6 feet between persons who participate at the Holy Mass. As you can imagine, this reduces the capacity of our church considerably. Even though we have such a large church, there is only room for approximately 250 people based on this requirement.
The pews in the church have been marked to indicate the places where those who participate in person at the Holy Mass should sit. Attendees will sit in such a way that there is always an empty pew in front of them and one behind them. The pews are marked to accommodate individuals, but families in the same household may sit next to one another, taking the appropriate number of marked spaces needed for their family. Please remember to maintain 6ft safe distancing between your family and the next.
We ask that when you are selecting your seat(s), you begin with an aisle seat when available so that more people can be accomodated in each row. The ticketing system will automatically calculate 6 feet between each household or individual. To assist with social distancing protocols households may only reserve seats for themselves.
PLEASE DO NOT RESERVE SEATS YOU WILL NOT USE. MANY FAMILIES WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CHANCE TO ATTEND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
Ticketing opens for reservations on Wednesday morning at 9 am.
(Seating chart for reference)
