Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 
I hope you are healthy and safe. On Monday, May 18, the 100 ^th Birthday of St. John Paull II, we received great news. After nine weeks of lockdown, we came to the point of reopening churches in the diocese of Worcester. Thanks be to God!
We are resuming our regular weekend and weekday schedule, beginning with the Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 23 ^rd at 4:00 p.m.
As per the governor’s mandate, we can use no more than 40% capacity of the church building. In order to comply, only the SIDE DOOR will be used to enter the church. Please wear a face mask as you enter, maintaining a 6-foot distance from those ahead of you. Because of the limit, we follow the rule of "First Come, First Served."
Here are some regulations and guidelines we will need to respect and observe:

1. Everyone has to wear a mask or face covering, except for the reception of  Holy Communion.
2. All members of the congregation are required to maintain a minimum of a 6-foot social distance (except immediate family members).  Also, a 6-foot distance has to be kept entering and exiting the church.
3. In order to promote social distancing, every other pew will be available for seating. Do not ask people to "slide down a pew"
4. Communion will be distributed only in the hand, and with the use of hand sanitizer.
5. There will be no collection during the Mass. Baskets will be available at the entrance. We encourage you to sign up for online giving on our website. It’s easy, safe, and convenient.
6. No hymnals will be available in the pews.
7. Singing is limited to the Mass parts.
8. All physical contact should be avoided, like shaking hands at the sign of peace or at the end of Mass.

Because older adults and those with underlying health conditions continue to be advised to avoid public assemblies, the suspension of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays will remain in force until December 31, 2020.
 
For those who will not be able to come to church for different reasons, we will continue  live streaming. Every Sunday: 9:30 in English and 11:00 in Polish will be streamed on the parish YouTube channel. Please go to www.olcworcester.com to watch and pray with us.
 
The parish office is now open to the public. Please respect social distancing if you come in.  You can also contact us with any issues by phone: 508-755-5959 or email: [email protected].
 
We also encourage you to join our Flocknote messaging system by registering through our website to receive the latest updates from your parish on your phone or email. Go to www.olcworcester.com to join.
 
If you or someone you know would like to receive the weekly bulletin by mail, please call the rectory and we will put you (them) on our mailing list. Bulletins will also be available at the front door of the rectory.
 
Thank you very much for your continued support over the last two months of lockdown. Thank you for using our online giving system for your weekly donations to our parish, for mailing them to us or dropping them off at the rectory mailbox.
 
Please continue to pray for an end to this pandemic. May God Bless you All! 
 
  Fr. Richard with O.L.C. Staff