November 15, 2020

   In March, as we were facing the prospect that public worship would be suspended for Holy Week and Easter, Christmas seemed far away.  Now, with Christmas just around the corner, the continuing pandemic will have a bearing on how parishes celebrate the Nativity of the Lord.  Archbishop Vigneron has extended the dispensation from the Sunday and holy day  obligation to attend Mass for all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit until Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2020.  While there is no obligation to participate in Mass at this time, these are our plans for the observance of Christmas, taking into account guidance from the Archdiocese and public health authorities.

1. Masses will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.  Masses will be celebrated on Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.  Note the new Mass schedule.  The church building will be sanitized before each Mass.
2. Physical distancing and face coverings worn correctly will be required of all who participate in Mass for Christmas as they are for all other events at Sacred Heart.
3. The Archdiocese has asked us to "convey to parishioners that they should plan to participate at Mass only once through the four days (December 24-27) of Thursday through Sunday instead of twice," in order to allow more people to be accommodated.
4. Registration will be required for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses via Eventbrite and physical tickets (printed or by means of the Eventbrite app on your phone) will be required.  Those without access to the internet should call the parish office for reservations.  Seating will be assigned in advance.
5. The deadline for registration is December 20, or when the capacity of the building is reached.  If you register and find that your plans change, please call the parish office so that seats can be offered to someone else.
6. As always, your cooperation and goodwill are appreciated.

     Each Tuesday afternoon you will be able to reserve a seat to attend Mass the coming weekend.  Choose the Mass you wish to attend and click on the corresponding link.  Follow the instructions on Eventbrite to reserve a place.
     Please understand that this is not a perfect system.  Given the capacity of the building and other variables, we will try to safely accommodate as many as possible. 
     Before coming to Mass, review the guidelines for worship here.
To reserve a place for...
The coming weekend's Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Mass, click here.
The coming weekend's Sunday, 7:30 a.m., Mass, click here.
The coming weekend's Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Mass, click here.
The coming weekend's Sunday, 11:30 a.m., Mass, click here.

   In order to maintain the church building in a clean and sanitized condition, the building will be opened about 30 minutes before each scheduled Mass; after Mass, it will be closed for maintenance and remain closed until the next scheduled event.
   For those who are participating in public Masses at Sacred Heart, thank you for your patience and cooperation.  Please take a moment to review the guidelines for participation.  
 
First Thoughts

1. Weekday Masses are celebrated on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 a.m.  When Sacred Heart Catholic School students and staff are present, weekday Masses will not be public Masses in order to allow for physical distancing.  
2. Weekend Masses are celebrated on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
3. There is no obligation to participate in Sunday Mass at this time.  Archbishop Vigneron has extended the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass for all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit until Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2020.  Those older than 65 years, those with compromised health or preexisting conditions, and those who are caring for the sick in any way are encouraged to stay home.  Anyone who is ill, has a temperature, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19 should definitely stay home as an act of justice to the whole community.   Catholics are still obliged to keep the Lord's Day holy.  Read the full announcement here.

1. Before you leave home, wash your hand in the prescribed way.
2. Face masks are required for everyone (except those under 2 years old).
3. The church building has a limited capacity of ninety individuals in order to allow for social distancing.
4. Approximately every other pew has been roped off.  Those that are open will be marked for seating.  You may share a pew with members of your household but social distancing is required between households.
5. To participate in a weekend Mass, you must reserve a place in advance either on this website through Eventbrite or by calling the parish office.  
6. Bring a container of sanitizer for your personal use, especially before the distribution of Communion. 
7. Please do not arrive more than ten minutes before the start of Mass to allow time to sanitize and prepare the building.  

1. Follow the instructions of the ushers and members of the parish staff.
2. Announcements will be made as necessary with reminders and instructions.
3. Keep your face mask on and in place through Mass and until you reach your car.
4. The Guardian, our parish bulletin, will be available at the entrances.  Take a copy to your pew.  It will contain music and the readings for Mass.  After Mass, take it with you or dispose of it in the waste receptacles near the entrances.
5. The offertory collection will not “be taken up.”  Instead, look for two containers at the corners of the sanctuary where you may deposit your weekly offering as you enter or leave church or at the time of the distribution of Communion.  Please consider electronic offerings or giving by www.shparish.aodcsa.org or drop your envelopes in the mail slot at the parish office building.

1. I will distribute Communion first at the center aisle and then at the side aisles as necessary.  I will sanitize my hands before and after the distribution of Communion
2. The Blood of Christ will not be offered.
3. Use hand sanitizer liberally before stepping into the Communion procession.
4. In the Communion procession, form a single-file line, keeping six feet apart.  Move slowly up the aisle and, when you reach the front, stop an arm’s length from me.  The floor will be marked with red tape at that point.  I will say, “The Body of Christ” and you will answer “Amen,” as you fully extend your arms.  I will place the host in your hand without touching you.  Step to the side, lower your mask, consume the Host, raise your mask and return to your place.
5. Although it’s not recommended, if you wish to receive Communion on the tongue, please step into the Communion procession at the end of the line.

1. Use all the exits.  After the conclusion of Mass, plan to leave the building by the closest exit.  Allow those nearest the doors to leave first.  Be patient and wait for areas to clear before moving toward the door.  Maintain at least six feet of distance at all times. 
2. Leave as soon as you are safely able to do so and return directly to your car.  You may not remain in church for private prayer as a team will be ready to clean and sanitize the interior of the building.

1. Thank you for your patience and support.
2. Please check back here regularly for changes and updates.

   You are always in my prayers.  Pray for our Sacred Heart Community.  The staff and I will be especially grateful for your prayers at this time.
 
Father Ken Chase  

We're observing the following at Sacred Heart Parish and School:

1. For parish business, please call or email the parish office.  In-person matters will be by pre-arrangement only.
2. Weddings and baptisms and funerals are permitted according to the directives of the Archdiocese of Detroit that are in place at that time.  Baptism in danger of death is a different situation; call the parish office immediately.
3. The sacrament of penance is offered on Saturdays, from 3:00 p.m., until 4:00 p.m., in the parish library in order to provide a safer environment.  Enter by the main doors of the parish hall; there will be someone there to assist you. 
4. For the sacrament of anointing of the sick, please call the parish office to make an appointment.   
5. Your financial support of Sacred Heart is crucial to our ability to meet our financial responsibilities.  There is information elsewhere on this page describing ways to continue your financial support.  To all those who have mailed or dropped off their offertory envelopes, given by way of shparish.aodcsa.org, or  signed up for our automatic electronic giving program, a heartfelt thank you.