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Some Thoughts as We Ready to Return to Mass, May 23, 24

In approaching our return to Sunday Mass this coming weekend, May 23,24, I would like to offer some general thoughts for your reflection.

Our diocesan directives emphasize the necessity of social distancing. This, of course, will compromise space and seating availability each and every weekend. We can only seat so many. Consequently, we have added another Mass. Please consider, for example, attending another Mass you do not normally attend in an effort to balance participation numbers.

Our diocesan directives, likewise, point out the importance of wearing a mask to worship. This is primarily one way in which we protect others from potential droplets emitted. This, then, is a safety measure for others and for ourselves.

Our diocesan directives were very clear as to who should not attend Sunday liturgy. Please take these recommendations with the utmost seriousness.

Finally, remember the dispensation from Sunday Mass is still in effect in the Diocese of Grand Island.

Anxiety and fear are certainly prominent features in many of our lives today. This global health crisis is real. If you are uncomfortable in attending, know that God understands. If you are more comfortable in a smaller gathering, consider coming to a daily Mass. Daily Mass times are noted each week in the bulletin, (which you can find here.)

Please again prayerfully reflect as you prepare to come to Sunday Mass. Let us pray for an end to this pandemic and seek the healing of the Risen Christ.

Please refer to the diocesan directives on this website for exact guidelines to be followed.
Fr. Mike

Diocesan Directives for the Re-opening of Public Mass - May 23, 24

General

Dispensation from Sunday Obligation. A general dispensation will remain in effect.
Risk. There is still a risk for anyone who attends a public Mass, even with the best health practices and strict social distancing.
Limited attendance and social distancing. Families are asked to remain in their family group and maintain a six foot separation from others. Be prepared to wear a mask.
Travel. Do not travel to another area to attend Mass.
Patience. This is a sad and unfortunate way to celebrate Sunday Mass. Please remember the sacrifices we make are in the best interest of everyone.

Specific
-Those in the following high-risk categories are asked to stay home:

the elderly,
people with underlying medical conditions,
family members who live with elderly or those who are at risk,
people who have access to those at risk in hospital, nursing facilities, or assisted living,
people who have upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms,
people who live with someone with upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms,
people with COVID-19 or those who live with someone with COVID-19,
people exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Other specific considerations

families are asked to remain in their pew throughout the entire Mass, with the exception of Holy Communion.
children must remain with their families at all times.
restrict restroom visitation if at all possible.
only a general collection.
no children's collection.
sign of peace eliminated.
Holy Communion under one species (bread only).
Holy Communion is to be received in the hand.
please stagger your departure following Mass.
no social interaction before or following Mass.

Children's and Youth Ministry Updates

Due to COVID-19 that has created some changes in our normal summer children and youth ministry offered. We are sorry to see these changes but also know that this is the smart choice for us this year and we are already looking forward to next year:

Children’s Ministry
• Allelu and Totus Tuus will not be able to be held. This was originally planned for June but the diocese is not able to provide Totus Tuus during that month.

Youth Ministry
• Higher Ground is being reviewed to hopefully be held in August. If you previously registered for Higher Ground you should have received an email from the diocese regarding this and to register again to ensure the new date works for you. If you were registered and did not receive a note from the diocese, please contact Amy Colerick. Note that Higher Ground Extreme for Middle School is currently still scheduled. If there are any changes, you will receive an email from the diocese.
• Stubenville – the diocese is no longer able to provide their retreat to this event as we are unsure if it will still be held in June. The diocese sent out emails to any that had registered. If you were registered and did not receive a note from the diocese, please contact Amy Colerick
• Young Neighbors in Action has been canceled due to youth from all across the country traveling to the work sites. We are already planning on our trip for 2021 and thank all our supporters that so graciously donated funds to us for our trip this year and look forward to representing our parish in 2021

While this news is disappointing we know that it is best for the health and safety of all our youth. We pray for the continued spiritual growth of our youth and look forward to serving them in the coming months.

If you need to reach either Director of Education, please contact us at:

Joan Falcon (K-6) – dirreled@sidneystpats.com or 308-250-4257
Amy Colerick (7-12) – youthmin@sidneystpats.com or 308-249-7122

HANDS FOR GROWING IS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER! It will, of course, look different. For details and to register, go here.

Church Support

Some have inquired as to how to make their financial contribution to the parish in light of the absence of masses and other liturgical celebrations.
This current global health crisis has, of course, generated a great deal of anxiety and fear as well as created significant financial and economic hardship. Obviously, these concerns have overwhelmed many of us, and justifiably so. Nevertheless, if you are able to make your financial gift to the parish, please make it in one of two ways:

electronic giving, (see green box above),
mail - St. Patrick's Catholic Church, PO Box 99, Sidney, NE 69162

I am so thankful for your financial support and your generosity in these unsettling times as we pay attention to the day to day operations here at St. Patrick's.
Please know of my daily prayer for you and your familes.
Fr. Mike McDermott

The Daily Word with Fr Mike - May 24

For previous messages from Fr, Mike go HERE

Augustine Institute Resources

St. Patrick's has new books and CD's on the Augustine Institute Stand. Lots of excellent material. The church doors are open from Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday's 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Let the LIght of the Risen Christ shine!

This idea comes from St. James in Kearney...parishioners there have been invited to light a candle in a window and/or use white Christmas lights outside each night through the 50 days of the Easter season as a way to "express externally the eternal internal light of Christ in our lives."
In these days, more than ever, perhaps, people are hungry for light and hope. You and your family are invited to light up Sidney as a reflection of Christ in our lives, as a prayer of thanksgiving and hope, and as a reminder to "be" the Light of Christ to all you encounter, physically and virtually.

Click on the image to get more information about Safe at Home Parenting in a Pandemic.

Easter Music

St. Patrick's Parish Mission Statement

Saint Patrick's Parish is a community empowered by the Spirit of God to love, serve, and welcome all to Christ.
As a family of common faith, we encourage stewardship by living out our baptismal call.

Welcome to St. Patrick's Parish, we have a great parish family!

Mass times:
Daily Mass is celebrated in the chapel
(no daily mass if a funeral is scheduled)
Monday - no Mass
Tuesday - 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday 7:15 a.m.
Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.

Reconciliation:
By appointment only. Call the Parish Office 254-2828