Welcome!

Easter 2021

We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people. Our parish mission is:

"Nourished by the Word and Eucharist, under the spiritual guidance of our pastor, we the members of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, empowered by the Holy Spirit, strive to create a vital, welcoming Catholic faith community that embraces each person. Acknowledging our blessings and supporting one another, we share our faith, time, and talent, to joyfully proclaim the Gospel and humbly serve the needs of God's people and work to be the presence of Christ in an ever- changing world."

Please bear with us as we're still adding new information to the site everyday. If you have any questions about information that may be missing. Please contact the parish office.

Covid-19 Instructions

Dear Friends,

Keep in mind that Bishop Gainer has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. You may continue to follow your favorite Mass on television or live stream.

Our Sunday Mass will be celebrated as we are accustomed. Saturday 4:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am and 10:00 am.

What will our gathering look like? Seating: I will be marking off the pews that cannot be used during this time. People living in the same household may sit together. Others are asked to respect the personal space of each other.

After each Mass the used pews must be sanitized before others will be permitted to use them. All doors and windows will be opened (when weather permits) to provide adequate ventilation and to prevent your need to touch door handles. Hand sanitizer will be provided at each door and I ask that you use it coming in and going out. Feel free to bring your own, as well.

Before coming to Mass please take your temperature. If you have a fever of 100 degrees, if you are feeling ill, if you’ve been exposed to someone with the virus, if you have underlying conditions, please stay home.

Masks must be worn by those attending Mass, following the guidelines of the CDC.

There will be no processional or recessional at Mass. I will not be greeting people before or after Mass. The sacristy door will be locked as to avoid unnecessary contact with me/you.

I’m asking that we not kneel during Mass. If we don’t use the kneelers there is less to sanitize after Mass. Being seated during the Liturgy of the Eucharist is an acceptable position.

Communion: We must be mindful of the 6’ social distancing. As you approach me, lower your mask. Receive the Eucharist. Raise your mask after consuming the Host. It is highly encouraged that at this time you receive in the hand. If you prefer to receive on the tongue, that is fine, too. Know that I will have hand sanitizer next to me so that if you or I should have contact I am able to purify myself before I continue giving Communion. You also have the right to ask me to purify my hands prior to your reception of Holy Communion.

Gathering outside in groups is discouraged. Should you feel the need to stay in church to make an act of Thanksgiving, please be mindful of the social distancing ordinance.

Other restrictions:

The cry room will not be available.

The Adoration Chapel is open.

Other Sacraments:

Funerals: Can once again be celebrated in church with restrictions. Maximum capacity must be observed, so no more than 200 people. Masks must be worn. There may be an organist and a cantor, but no choir. Graveside services and services at funeral homes are permitted, respecting the restrictions set by the Commonwealth on social gatherings.

Baptisms: Masks must be worn. Call me to arrange a proper time to celebrate the Sacrament.

Anointing of the Sick: I will comply with local hospital, nursing home, and other essential health care facilities. Currently that means in danger of death. If you are at home, know that I am prepared to take proper precautions to administer the sacrament.

Again, I ask for your patience, cooperation, and prayers during this ever changing time. These guidelines are very fluid and are changing every week.

God bless us. Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Fr. Charles L. Persing

Pastor

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Vacationing?

Find Mass times where you are, by clicking the link below:

http://catholicmasstime.org/

Online Giving

https://www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign/donate/

In a bid to raise funds, the church is hosting an envelope fundraiser and would like to invite you to take part. Our church event will take place on weekends throughout the year. Donations of any size will be highly appreciated. Due to the Covid Virus, we are behind on the budget! Your financial support is greatly appreciated!!

But I need your help. While we work hard to be financially sound during typical times, we do not have the deep cash-reserves to absorb the economic impacts of the once-in-a-lifetime event of COVID-19. Without your gifts, our Parish will struggle to continue our most basic functions and we will be unable to continue our charitable works in our community. I know these times are challenging, but I humbly ask for your continued financial support so that we may continue our vital functions. Gifts can be made by mailing your check to the Parish, or through our online system found on this page. Thank you for your continued support!

The Parish Office is open to visitors. While visiting you are asked to wear a mask.

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Friday 8AM - 3PM

SUMMER HOURS (Memorial Day thru Labor Day) Monday thru Thursday 8AM - 1 PM Friday: Closed

Mass Times

Saturday Vigil 4:00 PM Sunday 8 AM and 10 AM Tuesday-Friday 8:15 AM

Holy Days of Obligation

Vigil Mass 5:30 PM 8:15 AM and 7 PM

Confessions

Saturdays 3:00-3:45 PM

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar of Events

Catholic News & Perspective

Click on the links below

RCIA Begins this Fall2021 Hersheypark Ticket Offer All ticket orders are due to the Annunciation Parish Office by Friday , April 30, 2021 @ 3PM. No late orders. Checks are to be made payable to ABVM Church