Weekly Message from Father Gase

My Dear Parishioners,

A reminder that next weekend the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Mass on Holy Days of Obligation is reinstated. However, I would like to draw your attention to the following paragraph from the notice released by the Catholic Bishops of Ohio:

Those who have a serious reason, the sick and infirmed as well as those with pre-existing conditions, those who are incapable of physically attending Mass, and those who care for someone who is immuno-compromised are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. They should, however, make every effort to watch a broadcast of Mass from their homes. Members of the faithful who choose not to attend Mass in person out of significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons are also exempt from their obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). Nevertheless, these persons should observe the Lord’s Day (Code of Canon Law, can. 1247) and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, through viewing a broadcast of the Sunday Mass. Masses that are broadcast are not intended as a substitute for persons who are able to gather for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation. They are intended for the sick, homebound, the imprisoned, etc., who are unable to attend Mass in person. Parishes are encouraged to continue or begin the commendable practice of providing live-stream broadcasts of their Masses/liturgies on social media for those who cannot physically attend Mass.

Coincidentally I will be away on vacation next weekend. Please extend a warm welcome to Fr. John Missler who will be here to hear confessions on Saturday and celebrate the weekend Masses.

One thing I completely forgot about is the offertory procession at weekend Mass. We will once again have folks "take up the gifts" when the altar servers make their comeback in July.

This weekend in a very special way we remember our fallen service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our freedom. Certainly here at Immaculate Conception we have the great example of SSG Jon Martin who was killed in 2007. I'm sure there are others from our parish over the decades who have given their lives for our country. May their sacrifice never be forgotten or unappreciated.

God bless America!

Father Gase