Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

Thanks be to God! After our Archbishop gave us the “green light”, we have begun celebrating public Mass again this week – under certain restrictions, as I will explain further down.
Here is the link to the Archdiocesan guidelines:
https://www.archdiosf.org/documents/2020/5/200514%201st%20Phase%20Lifting%20of%20Mass%20Suspension.pdfng%20of%20Mass%20Suspension.pdf
We will have Sunday Masses this coming May 23/24 for the first time in over 2 months… But there is still a lot to consider. We may have to change and adapt.
As for now,

• Only the larger churches will re-open, that is, Velarde, Dixon and Penasco. There will be NO services in the smaller capillas at this point.
• The parish halls are still closed.
• People coming to church will have to wear a face mask.
• Use the hand sanitizers at the entrance/exit doors!
• Ushers will count the number the people as they enter church and assign the seating, making sure there is a 6’ distance. Families/persons living together can be seated together.
  • When the maximum occupancy number is reached, we may have to ask people to come to another Mass!
  • If this poses a problem, we may have to adopt a different approach. Other parisher for example have parishioners call in ahead and register for attending a specific Mass. We will have to see...
• Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of each Mass.
  • Are you prepared to receive the Lord after these 2 months of "lock-down", or do you need to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession/Reconcilation first?
• When you leave the church after Communion, you may put your collection offering into one of the collection baskets.

• Elderly people, or those with underlying health conditions, may not want to come to church yet!!
• The dispensation from Sunday Obligation is still in place!
• We need volunteers to help with the cleaning after each Mass. Call the office or Fr. Simeon.
• Restrooms will remain closed.
• We will reach out to schedule pending Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations.
• Religious education classes are on “summer break”.
• The parish offices are still closed to the public. But you can call in or leave a message:
  • Penasco: Monday-Thursday, 9AM – 1PM
  • Dixon: Monday-Thursday, 9AM – 1PM, beginning May 25.
• The new Collection envelopes have arrived. Please call the offices to schedule pick-up.
• We will be working with parents, students and DRE's/catechists to continue to prepare for Confirmation and First Holy Communion, if so desired...
• Please call the parish offices  or the emergency numbers to schedule Baptisms.

At the Guadalupe Center in Penasco, food baskets are available for all those in need. Please call ahead to Joyce @ 575-587 2216.
Also, please share this information with others, who may be in need but do not have internet access!
Thank you & may God bless you!