St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Closed Thursday:

My Dear Parish,

Archbishop Gregory has lifted the restriction on Masses open to the Public.

Until further notice everyone remains dispensed of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.  This means no one is required to come to Mass.  It is not a sin to choose not to attend Sunday Mass, for now.

Those who consider themselves particularly vulnerable or in any way uncomfortable coming to Mass or even simply being outside the safety of their own homes are encouraged to remain at home.  

Our Church has remained opened to the public throughout the recent quarantine.  I wish to thank our custodian, Mr. Paul Howe, for his careful service in keeping our church clean these past few months.  Paul has been cleaning our church tirelessly for nearly 50 years.  He has done an especially excellent job allowing us to remain open for prayer.  Even though Masses were suspended many parishioners have been in our Church during these past several months to pray.

We can each do our part to help everyone choosing to come to Mass to feel just a little more safe. Again, many may still prefer to remain at home.  They are encouraged to do so.

Please help us continue to ensure the cleanliness of our Church, especially in the coming weeks.  Be advised, until further notice the Church's restrooms will be unavailable.  Also, Holy Water fonts will remain empty.  Pew missalettes, too, have been removed.

The service of the lectors, altar boys and the choir will continue to be suspended until further notice.  Ushers will still help take up the collection.  Many have continued to make their offerings by mail as well as online.  Thanks to everyone who has helped us in every way.

Each person is primarily responsible for his own health.  For the sake of the common good, while attending Mass, as elsewhere in public, many will feel it necessary to cover their faces and to keep at a distance from others.  People are also asked to use hand sanitizer before arriving at Mass.  Limited numbers of face-coverings and hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the Church.  Please consider providing your own.

No one is required to receive Holy Communion while at Mass.  Those who are not comfortable approaching to receive Holy Communion are under no obligation to come forward.  People are free to participate in Mass and not receive Holy Communion.  To help people appreciate this, Holy Communion will only be administered after Mass is concluded.  Following the Dismissal, people are free to Go in Peace.  Those wishing to receive Holy Communion may approach the altar rail after Mass.  There will be clear instructions about proper spacing along the altar rail as well as the careful uncovering of faces in order to receive the Holy Eucharist with greatest reverence.

The ordinary Eucharistic Fast of one hour prior to receiving Holy Communion is still in effect.  Likewise, anyone conscious of the need for sacramental absolution for any unconfessed mortal sin must go to confession prior to receiving Holy Communion.  The times for confession are scheduled below.

These adjustments mentioned above will remain in effect for the foreseeable future and will change as the need arises.  Please find updates on the parish website as well as links to local and Archdiocesan advisories.

I'm grateful for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adjust to the changing circumstances.  May Our Lady intercede for us and St. Joseph protect us as we celebrate the feast of Pentecost and the conclusion of the Easter Season.

With paternal affection,

Fr. Drew Royals

* Unless Father has been called away from the premises, in which case the church will be locked to secure the Blessed Sacrament, in accordance with Church Law.

Please note the above are the times for Eucharistic Adoration.  This is distinct from Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Times for Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be announced publicly so that as many of the faithful can gather for these special times of more intense veneration of the Holy Eucharist.

The regularly-scheduled times mentioned above are so that the faithful may know when they may make their ordinary visits to adore Our Lord in the tabernacle.

Please remember, the lit Sanctuary Lamp in the Church indicates that the Holy Eucharist, Our Lord's Real Presence, is actively being reserved in the tabernacle on our main altar.

adw.org/coronavirus/
stmarysmd.com/covid-19/

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 175
Morganza, MD 20660

Physical Address
29119 Point Lookout Road
Morganza, MD 20660

Contact Information
Phone: 301-475-3293 
Fax: 301-475-0491
Email: sjcmorganza@gmail.com