Dear Parishioners and Friends of the Cathedral,
Peace in the risen Lord! This weekend Bishop Paprocki announced that our parishes will begin distributing Holy Communion as a step to taking back our liturgical life as the Church in this diocese. Beginning this Sunday, May 17th, we will begin distributing Holy Communion as follows:
- The distribution of Holy Communion at the Cathedral will take place from 8AM to 9AM and from 11:30AM to 12:30PM on Sundays until we are able to return to the celebration of Holy Mass. While some parishes are opting for sign-up times, this was judged logistically not beneficial for the Cathedral given the large number of the faithful who come to Mass at the parish. With everyone’s cooperation, this should be able to be done quickly, efficiently, and reverently.
- Holy Communion will be distributed at three stations: in the vestibule of the Cathedral, at the Sixth Street entrance of the Cathedral atrium, and at the Fifth Street entrance of the Cathedral atrium. Being that the Fifth Street entrance is the most accessible for those who may have accessibility needs, those who physically able are asked to please consider using the vestibule station or the Sixth Street atrium station.
- Holy Communion will be given to groups of nine persons, the minister making ten persons, so that the governor’s executive order is respected. There will be someone assisting with the groups, apart from the minister.
- The distribution of Holy Communion will be a very short rite comprised of the Lord’s Prayer and the Dominus Non Sum Dignus (Lord I am not worthy…). After reception of Holy Communion, the faithful must return to their vehicles, as prayer will not be allowed in the Cathedral during these hours due to the potential for larger crowds than allowed by law at this time.
What is needed from those who wish to make use of this opportunity to receive our Lord in Holy Communion:
- Patience and courtesy. This is by no means a convenient way to make Holy Communion available, but this have been judged the best option that we have at present while staying within the bounds of the civil law that is currently in effect.
- Social distancing must be practiced while waiting for the opportunity to receive Holy Communion. Should it please God to bless us with favorable weather, this will be easier to do by spreading out on the property. Please be prepared for the weather as this will likely involve time waiting outside.
- The minister will wear a mask during this time. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion are asked to do so as well, removing the mask only for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament.
- There is no obligation to receive Holy Communion at this time and there is no penalty of sin for those who choose not to do so.
- Please pray that we will be able to return to the public celebration of Mass soon as that is the ordinary way for the reception of Holy Communion and the most fitting expression of our shared faith as the mystical body of Christ.
Thank you for your attentiveness to the details of this letter. Again, this is by no means ideal but it is what we have at the moment and our attempt to make the best out of what has been a rather unpleasant situation, to put it mildly, over the past two months. I pray that this situation is short-lived and that we might return to fuller worship soon at Mass. May God continue to bless you and yours!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Reverend Christopher A. House
Rector