After a period of prayer and reflection and speaking with several pastors and advisors on the indoor/outdoor mass survey, I have come to some decisions on Saint Aidan Parish's mass locations and schedule. I have considered the need for both options and will continue to provide them in various ways.
There were 837 responses to the survey. Thank you for responding. The survey showed 54% preferred inside Mass and 46% outside Mass. Those who preferred outside Mass, when asked if they would be willing to listen in their vehicles while Mass is inside, 67% said 'yes' they would stay in their vehicles while Mass was going on inside. That makes the percentage of people willing to experience Mass while celebrated inside the Church 85%.
I have considered these factors and a whole host of other factors. Among them was Bishop Zubik's recommendation made on May 15, 2020, in his document Moving Forward Together, that Mass could be held inside churches throughout the diocese. I have decided that it is time for us to take another step forward in our process of opening the church doors for the celebration of Mass and other liturgy events. On March 7, 2021, the parish will begin the following temporary weekend mass schedule:
Saturday
Sunday
At the same time, we will be moving the live-stream mass time to 9:00 a.m. at Saint Alphonsus Church. All Mass times will have the option of listening to 89.5 FM and remaining in your vehicle. A minister will distribute Holy Communion to your vehicle as needed or in the narthex at Communion time. Ushers will identify those who need Holy Communion brought to their cars, and there will be reserved parking for those who chose this option.
Please be aware that if there is severe weather, i.e., snow, heavy rain, extreme cold, ice, etc., all outside mass times will be subject to change and will be held inside the Church with the option of 89.5 FM radio from your vehicle.
Also, I recognize that numerous people cannot leave their homes, and the only option for them to participate in Mass is through live-stream or TV Mass. The parish is forming and training Eucharistic Ministers to visit the homebound in more significant numbers. Please see the bulletin announcement if you or a loved one require a home visit.
Also, there are three other matters I am considering. The first is having overflow seating in the old Saint Alexis Church at 10:00 a.m. with the option of listening on the radio from your vehicle. The second is adding a brief Liturgy service (not a Mass) at Saint Alphonsus Church at another time for those who watch at home to come to Church to receive Holy Communion. Third, I am considering additional Mass times and adjustments to the current schedule, but that requires the Regional Vicar's approval and can take some time for approval. I am reviewing all these possibilities, and information will be forthcoming if I decide to move in that direction.
As you see, the staff, our dedicated ministers, the other clergy, and I are making every effort to provide the Mass and Holy Communion available in various ways during these difficult times. I know that you will be supportive of these decisions, recognizing that I have the care of all the souls in Wexford to consider. Thank you for your prayers and support.