Dear Parishioners & Friends

May 21, 2021

Pentecost Sunday is the seventh Sunday after Easter. The name is derived from the Greek word Πεντηκοστή Pentēkostē meaning “fiftieth” as Pentecost always takes place on the 50th day of Easter.

In Ireland, Pentecost Sunday is also called Whitsunday. The term is principally derived from a practice in the early Church that made the celebration of Pentecost similar to the Easter Vigil. There was a service called “Whitsun Eve” where the catechumens who had not been baptized at Easter received the sacrament on the even of Pentecost. Similar to the Easter Vigil. There was a service called “Whitsun Eve” where the catechumens who had not been baptized at Easter received the sacrament on the even of Pentecost. Similar to the Easter Vigil, it was celebrated in a “nigh watch” liturgy that included the reading of six prophecies and a solemn blessing of the baptismal font. After the celebration of Baptism, the newly baptized would be vested in a white alb, symbolizing their new birth in the life of grace.

The First Pentecost occurred when the apostles were inspired to speak in tongues after the Holy Spirit descended on them and Mary in the upper room, as they prayed together, Upon hearing the unfamiliar language spoken, the gathered onlookers believed them to be drunk. But,  Saint Peter explained they were in fact inspired by the Holy Spirit. He then delivered the first Christian sermon, outlined in the Acts of Apostles (2:14-36) where he stresses the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus — that Jesus died and rose again, and he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. This sermon led to the conversion and baptism of 3,000 people. It is this sermon that many believe was the birth of the Christian church.

As an Easter people who truly believe in Christ’s death and resurrection, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us in the true knowledge, understanding and love of God all the days of our lives.

– Fr. Brendan McCarrick SAC

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Updated COVID-19 Liturgical Protocols

May 19, 2021
NEW COVID-19 LITURGICAL PROTOCOLS:
  1. Those who are fully vaccinated may wear a face-covering and social distance but are no longer required to do so in churches.
  2. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are to continue wearing face-coverings and to practice social distancing to protect themselves and others in churches. Because a parish community – and our society – requires mutual trust and a commitment to the common good, each individual is asked to make the best decisions for himself as well as for others. Parishes do not have the responsibility to verify who is and who is not vaccinated.
  3. Each parish is to provide a portion of the church – with a size to be determined by the pastor – where social distancing and face-coverings are consistently maintained.
  4. The Sign of Peace may resume with the normal wording, “Offerte vobis pacem / Let us offer each other the sign of peace,” allowing parishioners and families to make their own determinations about how widely to share some sign of peace.
COVID LITURGICAL PROTOCOLS WHICH REMAIN IN PLACE:
  1. Parishes should continue to provide signage about current COVID protocols.
  2. Parishes should keep doors open to ventilate churches as they are able.
  3. Parishes are encouraged to continue the COVID arrangement of vessels for bread/wine on the altar.
  4. Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should continue to wear masks while distributing Holy Communion.
  5. Parishes are encouraged to maintain sanitization stations at the locations of the distribution of Holy Communion.
  6. Parishes are to continue to refrain from the distribution of the Chalice to the faithful (except for a Bride and Groom on their wedding day).
PARTICULAR DISPENSATION INFORMATION

Archbishop Vigneron announced that the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days expired on Saturday, March 13, 2021. In its place, he has granted a number of particular dispensations for the faithful who may find themselves in specific circumstances.

Please read below for information about these specific dispensations and visit aod.org/comehometohope to learn more about how our parishes are working to keep everyone safe at Mass as well as tips and advice for inviting friends and family to attend Mass with you.

Considering the grave obligation we have of being physically present with our brothers and sisters at Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation for the Eucharist, each of us is asked to make a good and sincere judgement as to whether these circumstances apply or not. Where doubt or confusion persists, consult any priest for clarity.

While the general dispensation is removed, there are specific instances where the dispensation will continue, as well as those circumstances where there is no obligation in the first place. One does not have an obligation to attend Mass on Sunday in the following circumstances:

  1. You are ill or your health condition would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
  2. You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
  3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
  4. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
  5. You are pregnant.
  6. Those 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals).
  7. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control (e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity).
  8. If you have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.

For questions about the application of any of these, please contact your pastor.

These categories will be reviewed in due course and revised as needed.

Those within categories #1-8 above must still observe the Lord’s Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection; an excellent way to do this is through participating in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass.

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Spring Fling Raffle Reminder!

Hi friends! Such a bummer not to have a good time at our Spring Fling again this year.

Thanks if you already turned in your 2021 tickets, There is still time to to be in the June 26 drawing or get additional tickets. This will help our parish with expenses and we have an “award winning” history of being one of the most generous parishes to charitable causes in the Detroit area! You may win one of the many prizes, including the Grand Prize of $10,000!

Last Early Bird Raffle – June 6
Raffle Tickets Due – June 20
Grand Prize Raffle Drawing – June 26
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