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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."
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Annunciation B.V.M. Parish Opens On A Limited Status Holy Trinity Weekend
June 6/7, 2020
Dear Friends,
As Adams County moves from Red to Yellow status I want to lay out the modus operandi we will follow at Annunciation. Keep in mind that moving from Red to Yellow does not change a lot of what we’ve become used to doing in these past weeks. We will not be returning to what we were doing on March 15th, the last time we gathered.
I am asking as we make this slow transition, along with all our sisters and brothers in our deanery, and our diocese, that we all rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is God’s church, and God will lead it. God never ceases to disappoint. He led his people, Israel, through their desert experience and they reached the promised land.
So…what’s the plan? The priests of the Adams Deanery have met, via ZOOM, to set forth our slow opening plans. We have also met via ZOOM with Bishop Gainer. We are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the Commonwealth, and the Diocese. With those guidelines in mind four parishes have decided to open on Pentecost Sunday, four on Trinity Sunday, June 6/7. We have chosen Trinity Sunday in order to properly prepare the church for your safety.
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.
Weekday Masses will not start immediately. When I am ready to resume weekday Masses you will be notified.
What will our gathering look like? Seating: We are permitted to use up to 1/3 of our seating capacity at each Mass. That means no more than 200 persons per Mass. Seating will be limited to every 3rd pew. 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 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. There will be no altar servers, lectors, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, choirs, cantors, organist, or hymnals. As we move more toward the Green stage some of these ministries will be reinstated. 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: I will receive Holy Communion within Mass. After I consume the Eucharist we will pray the closing prayer, I will impart the final blessing, and invite you to go in peace. If you are not receiving Holy Communion please leave the church. If you are going to receive please remain in your pew. I will return to the church to distribute the Eucharist to you. With the configuration of our church I am working on a reasonable logistical plan for you to come forward. 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.
After receiving you are asked to leave the church, return to your car, and go home. 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:
There will be no Holy Water. If you’d like Holy Water for your home use, please bring a clean container to church or drop it off at the office and I will fill it for you. We will make arrangements for you to retrieve it.
For those who are accustom to lighting candles…please notify the office and we will light it for you. There will be no “sticks” for you to touch, preventing any spread of the virus.
The cry room will not be available.
The Adoration Chapel, at the request of regular adorers, will remain closed at this time.
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. Baptisms: Masks must be worn. Call me to arrange a proper time to celebrate the Sacrament. Graveside services and services at funeral homes are permitted, respecting the restrictions set by the Commonwealth on social gatherings.
I am currently working on a plan to complete the Sacraments our young people missed during this time. So, hang in there 1st Communion and Confirmation friends.
Confession: At this time we as deanery priests have scheduled two times and places for a number of priests to be available…May 28th, 5:30 - 6:30 pm at St. Joseph, Hanover; and June 6th, 10:00 - 11: 00 am at St. Francis Xavier Center, Table Rock Road, Gettysburg. A number of priests will be available. Social distancing will be observed. Masks must be worn by both penitent and priest. ABVM confessions will resume when I can configure a proper place as the confessional does not comply with current social distancing mandates, or have proper ventilation.
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.
Parish Office: The office will not be open to visits. Please call so that Cindy or Chris may assist you. If you must come to the office, know that you will be greeted at the door, but, most probably not invited in. This is to protect the staff and me, especially since I live here.
HELP! I am asking for volunteers to help sanitize the pews and rest rooms after each Mass. You must wear a mask and gloves to assist. Supplies will be provided. If you’re interested please call the office and let us know. If we have six people per Mass the cleaning should go quickly.
Again, I ask for your patience, cooperation, and prayers during this ever changing time. These guidelines are very fluid and are changing as we move closer to Green.
God bless us. Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!
Fr. Charles L. Persing
Pastor
Annunciation BVM Online Giving
During the past several weeks, the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation has rapidly changed. I wish to reassure you that our Parish and the Diocese have responded promptly to this ever changing situation by implementing the recommendations from our public health professionals in order to prevent the spread of this virus. While it breaks my heart that the doors to our parish are closed and that I am apart from each of you, I understand the reasons behind this temporary, albeit difficult, decision. Please know that all of us at Annunciation B.V.M are praying for all the members of our Parish and our community during this time.
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!
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