Be Healthy - Be Smart - Be Holy

05-17-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

It is so wonderful to see so many people return to Holy Mass! St. Bernadette Catholic Church continues to follow the directives set by our bishop as he continues to monitor and take seriously the guidance and directives of Governor Ducey, Arizona health oficials, and the Federal Government. As you can see, we are moving toward the goal of full restoration of parish life with prudence. We hope to balance the very real spiritual needs of the faithful with our great concern for the physical well-being of our parishioners and the wider community.

(The following is taken from the guidelines given to us by the Diocese of Phoenix)

In the Easter season, as we focus on Christ rising from the grave, it is fitting that we recall our Risen Lord is always with us, especially in the most trying and dif~icult times. He has been with us through this worldwide pandemic, and He will be with us as we arise from it and strive to restore parish life.

The Diocese of Phoenix is making plans for restoring parish life in harmony with the State of Arizona and Federal directives. We have seen the efforts made locally and around the nation to help flatten the curve of this pandemic. Social distancing and efforts to encourage good hygiene seem to be working in the State of Arizona. If we take seriously the need to continue hand washing, avoiding touching the face, practicing good social distancing, staying home when not feeling well and implementing other precautions, we hope to avoid a possible rebound of COVID-19. The last thing we want to create is a resurgence of the pandemic that would cause more illness and require a reversal of our gradual progress.

We will begin moving toward the goal of full restoration of parish life with prudence. We hope to balance the very real spiritual needs of the faithful with our great concern for the physical well-being of our parishioners and the wider community.

As we move forward, we urge the faithful to keep in mind the following:

  • Progress will be gradual, and may at times be imperfect. Please be patient and kind with your priests and one another.
  • The general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation continues. Catholics in the Diocese of Phoenix who are vulnerable or feel safer staying home are encouraged to do so, and are urged to make a spiritual communion by watching the TV Mass or their parish livestream.
  • Attendance will be limited due to social distancing, church capacity and other factors.
  • Public places on parish campuses will be frequently cleaned and sanitized, but a risk remains.

Even with all precautionary measures taking place, it is important for individuals and families to take personal responsibility to protect themselves by adhering to social distancing guidelines, and by following CDC guidelines for hand washing and hand sanitizer use, as well as recommendations regarding the use of masks or cloth face coverings while in public.

Parishes will continue to livestream the Mass, understanding those who are unable or uncomfortable to return to the public celebration of the Mass. Some parishes will be offering Communion following the livestream. Please check with your parish for Mass times and other specifics.

Together we look forward to a future post pandemic. Let us remind one another: Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen! We trust He will be with us always.

Join us in praying for our first responders, healthcare professionals, elected leaders, and all those who are working tirelessly to serve us during this crisis.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us. Jesus, we trust in You.

Lastly, if you haven’t yet signed up for online giving for our parish. Please do so here: https://saintbernadette.weshareonline.org Your gifts are needed now more than ever so we can continue the mission of the Church of making more disciples. Thank you for all who have helped to keep our parish going.

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