On Monday, April 27, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-18 relating to the phased reopening of services in Texas.   This order included an addendum giving guidance to houses of worship.   Our Cardinal, Daniel DiNardo, in turn, issued a directive to the parishes of the Archdiocese allowing the resumption of public Masses.  We are happy to announce Sacred Heart will begin having Sunday Masses this Sunday, May 3rd.  

 

The following are our guidelines that must be followed:

 

1)  The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains suspended. No one has to attend mass.

 

2)  It is still recommended that people, especially those who are 65 and older or are vulnerable, should remain at home and participate in a Mass that is live-streamed or posted on YouTube.  A Sacred Heart Mass will continue to be posted on YouTube for your convenience.

 

3)  If you believe you might be sick or exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please remain at home as an act of charity to others.   

 

3)  We are still limited on our ability to fully congregate.  Social Distancing must be maintained and no more that 25% of the church occupancy can be filled.   Seating will be labeled or numbered  to ensure we maintain the 25%.  Entry and exit will be controlled by the ushers and other volunteers from the Knights of Columbus.   

 

4)  If you elect to attend mass, you must wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth.  Please bring your own face mask.

 

5)  The Holy Eucharist (communion) will only be distributed by the priests.   Reception of communion must be in the hand and not on the tongue.   Those receiving communion will process to the altar in a single-file line while maintaining proper social distancing.   The person receiving should extend his or her hands out in front of them as far as possible.  The priest will gently drop the host onto the person's hand.  The person will then step to the side, raise his or her mask and properly consume the host.

 

6)  Efforts should be made to limit the unnecessary touching of pews, walls and other objects to limit the potential of transmission of the virus.   Cleaning of the church will be done between masses.  

 

This situation is something that will be new for all of us.  We ask for your patience and charity.  As stated by Cardinal DiNardo in his letter to the people of the Archdiocese, "Let us remain united in prayer for one another and especially for those on the front lines, who continue to work and put themselves in harm's way for the provision and welfare of all of us." 

 

May God bless you all!