Church is Open!

June 10, 2020 (updated June 30, 2020)

Dearly Beloved,

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I am happy to announce that as of June 27th and 28th, our Church has reopened! St. Peter the Apostle Parish is once again celebrating Masses at our Church in Oakland and our Lake Center in McHenry. Our summer Mass schedule (see above) is in effect through, and including, Labor Day weekend.

I am deeply grateful to God for enabling us to get to this point in dealing with this pandemic, and also thankful to all of you who have prayed and financially supported us and volunteered in countless ways in response to this challenging situation. In a special way, I thank our neighboring Mountain Maryland Priests and Pastoral Staffs and our dedicated staff who have worked diligently since mid-March to help our parish not only survive, but thrive in making gains in the midst of the pains we have had to endure.

We have all been very good about following directives about what NOT to do, so now let’s be good about following Archdiocesan directives about WHAT to do.

** Prior to attending Mass, check your temperature and if you are not feeling well, remain at home.

** Plan to arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before Mass begins.

** Masks must be worn at all times inside the building and a 6-foot physical distance must be maintained between those not in your family.

** Be prepared to follow entrance and exit directions.

** Follow instructions given by the ushers for entering, seating, Communion, and exiting.

** Guidelines prohibit singing at this time and the exchange of peace will be a simple bow.

** For reception of Communion, wait for the ushers to direct you with your mask in place until you approach the Priest or EM, then remove your mask to place Communion in your mouth and then replace your mask.

** Please place all financial offerings in the baskets located at the entrances/exits.

** After the final blessing, remain in your seats until the ushers dismiss you and proceed directly to your vehicle without socializing.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these directives so that we may remain healthy and safe as we reunite in our love of God through our celebration of the Holy Eucharist. While Father Paul and I have missed you, and look forward to seeing you, keep in mind that the Archbishop has extended the Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Mass for the foreseeable future.

Your loving Shepherd,

Father Tom Gills