COVID-19 Information

Dear Parish Family,

As plans are changing rapidly, we endeavor to keep up with the constantly modified directives. Late this afternoon, a new memo was sent out to all Priests of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The archdiocese has now issued new directives. Effective immediately, in addition to the suspension of weekend Masses, all Daily Masses are now cancelled until further notice. This means that tomorrow morning's Friday 7:30 AM Mass is hereby cancelled. The Adoration Chapel will remain open for prayers so please make use of it. Public crowd size has now been limited to ten (10) people, therefore please wait outside the Adoration Chapel if you see ten people already present and enter when you see someone exit. We do what we can to ensure the health of our family and neighbors to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. As additional information is received, we will continue to update you. If you are unable to view the bulletin online through our website, please stop by the Adoration Chapel (or the Parish Office during business hours) to pick up a copy.
We are still one Parish Family and will continue to remain so. This is now the most memorable Lent for me and I pray that we can cling every more tightly, in this penitential season, to our most loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for all of us as we cope with these rapid changes and hope for an expedient cure!

Pastoral Decisions and Recommendations
Due to the Pandemic of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Fredericksburg, Texas
Very Rev. John P. Nolan, V.F.

The following parish changes are effective immediately and will be modified as new
information is made available to the pastor.

Mass Schedule:
● Weekend Masses:
● The next two weekends (March 21/22 and March 28/29) there will be no Mass.
● Funeral and Wedding Masses will continue.
● These decisions have been made by the Archbishop and will be continually
monitored by Fr. John.

Weekday Masses:
● Changes Effective Immediately (ALL Masses are in the Big Church)
● Monday 6:00 p.m.
● Tuesday 12:00 p.m. (no change)
● Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Spanish (OLG @ Big Church)
● Thursday 6:00 p.m.
● Friday 7:30 a.m. (no change)

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
● Changes effective immediately
● Monday- 1 hour following daily Mass (6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. using confessional on
the side of Mary’s Altar)
● Thursday- 1 hour following daily Mass (6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. using confessional on
the side of Mary’s Altar)
● Saturday - 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Confessional on side of Mary’s Altar , No Mass
following reconciliation)

Religious Education:
● All religious education classes and events are temporarily cancelled except for RCIA.
● RCIA will continue for adults preparing for the Sacraments.

Parish Ministries:
● ALL parish ministries will cease meeting until further notice. No exceptions.

Church Access:
● The Big Church will be locked, except during daily Mass and reconciliation.
● The Small Church will remain open at all times for Adoration and personal prayer.

St. Mary’s School:
● Spring Break extended one additional week, distance learning extended an additional two
weeks.
● Principle Mein will continue to offer updates to school parents as they are made available to
him.

Lenten Observances:
● Stations of the Cross are cancelled effective March 20 th .
● The men of the St. Joseph Society have decided it is in our best interest to cancel Friday
night Fish Fry for the remainder of the Lenten season.
● Lenten Mission cancelled, however we are working to reschedule Tim Staples’ visit.
● Lenten Penitential Service (Confessions) Cancelled. Additional hours offered during Lent in
the evenings and as usual on Saturdays. Confessions are also offered in the office by
appointment.

• Please see Sacrament of Reconciliation schedule above.

Weekly Donations:
● At this difficult time, we need to pray and be a loving support network for each other. Our
office will remain open in order to serve our parish community. We will cut our
expenditures as much as possible, but continue to need your financial support. Please
consider using our online giving link to make your donations. You may visit our website at
www.stmarysfbg.com

Fr. John’s Recommendations:
● All the parishioners are invited for a deeper relationship with God who is our Lord and
Savior. He is also our HOPE. The one who is hanging on the cross, taking care of all our sins
and illnesses. He spreads only HOPE and LOVE.
● Practice a stronger Individual prayer life - Supplications (The action of asking for
something earnestly and humbly) Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet,
Rosaries, Memorare prayer and novenas performed at home or by visiting the
Adoration Chapel at St. Mary’s.
● Fasting and abstinence
● Make yourself available to those in need who are sick by calling them, offering help
regarding shopping for necessities and any other need.
● Participate in the Mass over the television, internet or radio.
Things to be remembered - Gentle Reminders:
● “The Power of God’s Love is stronger than all the difficulties faced by the people.” Pope
Francis
● The truth is always painful – Jesus – the truth – is on the Cross suffering. It cost Him
His life to give us life.
● Do not be afraid! I am with you. Our Lord and Savior.
● Better to be safe now, than sorry later.
● Even if all precautions are unnecessary, be prudent.
● Be responsible- Follow the decisions and recommendations of those in authority.
● The “Social Distance” is now the new normal.
● No shaking hands, no holding hands for the Our Father, no Sign of Peace in the form of
physical contact.
● No Holy Water at the entrance of the Church (Hand sanitizer available, one pump please)
● No receiving Holy Communion on the tongue
● Keep your distance from other participants of the Mass.
● Always cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
● Be patient with one another.

My friends, these are very difficult times for all of us. So, may we continue to love and serve one another
and stay united as a faith community. Our parish website will be a good place to find additional updates.
We will continue to provide updates to the parish community as soon as they are made available, through
Constant Contact and the parish website. We appreciate your prayers and support. Please know that the
office staff is here to support you in any way that we can. May the Lord continue to bless each of you
with good health.
Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
Fr. John