As we enter into the month of December, we once again begin the Season of Advent as we prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord at Christmas. Over the past few months, a great deal of thought has been given to the celebration of Christmas as we deal with these unprecedented times. It is very challenging (to say the least) to predict where our country, our state and our Catholic Church will be in December. It appears that we will still be wearing masks, (but very festive ones for the Holy Season), still keeping six feet apart, and continuing to use hand sanitizers. Let us face the reality: the pandemic is still going on, people continue to test positive, sadly, people are still dying from the virus, and the annual “flu season” is upon us. We all want to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors safe and healthy. We all will do whatever it takes to make that so – even if it causes large and small inconveniences and sacrifices for each of us – all of us!
For those in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confessions will be heard at the following times:
Saturday, December 5th 9:00–10:00 a.m. @ St. Thomas More
1:00–1:45 p.m. at St. John Capistran Church '
Wednesday, December 9th 7:00–8:00 p.m. at St. John Capistran Church
Saturday, December 12th 9:00–10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church & 1:00–1:45 p.m. at St. John Capistran Church Wednesday, December 16th 7:00–8:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church
Saturday, December 19th 9:00–10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church & 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. at St. John Capistran Church
When it comes to the thought of participating in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, there are several realities that we must take into consideration. The 4000 plus people who participated in last year’s Christmas Masses at our churches will not be able to fit into our church buildings this year because of the COVID six foot social distancing requirement. Regretfully, seating is very limited. Seating capacity depends not only upon how many people attend, but also on when they arrive and how many are in their party. For example, most pews can hold 4 people with social distancing. However a family of 10 who live together, can fit into one pew. It is impossible to know ahead of time when people will arrive and how many are in their group. For those who attend in person the following directives must be adhered:
-The church doors will be opened one half hour (30 minutes) before Mass. (no sooner).
-Seating will begin from the rear of the church to the front (so that people do not have to pass other people unnecessarily).
-People will not be able to choose where to sit (not even in their favorite pews!)
-People will not be able to “save seats” for their late-arriving family members. They will be seated where there is room when they arrive.
-Face masks must be worn by all participants.
-Hand sanitizer must be used upon entrance to the church.
-Six foot social distancing is not negotiable.
As difficult as it is to hear (as it is to write this), some people may have to be turned away at the door if we have reached our COVID restriction capacity. I pray that we won’t have to do that, but it may happen. The COVID restriction capacity for our churches: St. John Capistran Church can accommodate 90 people. St. Thomas More Church can accommodate 300 people. Given our State, County and Diocesan directives for safe and healthy gatherings, we must act in the best common interest for everyone – even if it is an inconvenience to some of us or many of us. I have a few suggestions …
-Many of our parishioners will not and should not attend a public Mass because of age, compromised health issues or because they care for their elder loved one or their infants and small children.
-Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses will be live streamed. We have recently installed professional grade video equipment at both churches. The link can be obtained at our parish web page: www.stm-sjc.org.
-The churches will be decorated throughout the Christmas Season, until January 10, 2021. Consider coming to a less crowded Mass.
-Consider attending Mass on a weekday: Monday – Friday at 8:30 a.m. at St. John Capistran or Monday – Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More.
Masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are as follows: December 24th: Christmas Eve Saint Thomas More Church: 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Saint John Capistran Church: 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
December 25th: Christmas Day Saint Thomas More Church: 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Saint John Capistran Church: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
So whether you celebrate Christmas Mass in one of our churches, in your home, on the computer or in front of a tv, let us make the most of celebrating that Jesus Christ was born among us as a fellow human being. No place, building or time can contain the Awesome Miracle of His Birth! We need to remember that Jesus was born among us – in an unpredictable time, in a stable, in a strange town, far from Mary and Joseph’s home. It was not the ideal setting for God to become a human being. Just like this year, it may not be the ideal time, place or setting for us to celebrate His Birth, but wherever we are, with whomever we celebrate and however we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us cherish the truth that He is Emmanuel – “God with us”. He is with us. He will always be with us! And one day, we will be with Him forever!
Please be assured of the prayers of the Clergy Team and Parish Staff for a Blessed Christmas and a Holy, and Healthy New Year.