With the announcement by the governor this week that larger religious gatherings may be conducted inside places of worship, Bishop O'Connell has published guidelines for the resumption of the celebration of sacraments in parish churches in the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop has decided that daily Mass with specific guidelines may resume on Monday, June 8 limited to 100 people and Sunday Mass with specific guidelines beginning on the weekend of June 13-14 limited to 1/3 of the church's seating capacity. The Parish Team of St. Paul will meet this Monday to discuss these guidelines and their implementation here at St. Paul. The resumption of the celebration of the sacraments necessitates adaptations and is not merely a return to normal since the coronavirus remains a serious threat. Each of us must continue to do our part to mitigate the spread of the virus particularly as we come together in larger groups so that we can be able to gather for Eucharist and nourish our spiritual lives through reception of Holy Communion. As we adapt to these new protocols, it is important to remember that the faithful of the diocese continued to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. What is important is the opportunity to receive the blessed sacrament, not to fulfill an obligation. If Sunday Mass is not possible, because of limitations perhaps attending one of the daily masses to receive communion can substitute. If you wish to read the complete letter of the bishop, visit the diocesan website. We will publish the procedures for St. Paul Parish as we formulate them, in order to give everyone adequate time to make their decisions and understand what will be expected. I thank you in advance for your continued understanding and cooperation as we begin the process of resuming parish life.
Each year, the Bishop seeks the support of all the members of the diocese to further the work of our ministries. Your donation is important in building up our Church. Each of us has a vital part in all we do in Christ's name, and each of us can share in all we do with a gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Our single Act of Faith propels the works of love that build up our Church. St. Paul's share of the diocesan goal is $151,000. We truly need everyone to participate. Our parish will receive a 15% rebate when we collect funds equal to our parish goal. The Bishop is always grateful and moved by the level of support you give to your parish and diocese. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family. Please contact the parish office for more information or click here to be redirected to the diocesan Catholic Appeal Page for more information or to make an online gift/pledge.
Additional parking for Mass on Christmas and Weekends is available nearby directly behind 185 Nassau Street (the old Nassau Street School). It can be reached by turning on to William Street from Washington Road (it will be on your left) or going down Charlton Street (directly across from the Church) and taking the first right on to William Street. The lot will be on your right.
Our parish is now steaming live our Sunday 10:00 am Mass on our parish website for those who are home bound and unable to attend Sunday Mass. Simply click on the image of the Church to right to start the media player. An archive of the Mass will also be available for on demand viewing. Please contact the parish office for more information or if you are having any difficulty.
