St. Anne Catholic Church

UPDATE AS OF February 25, 2021

Dear parishioners,

Today's update on Saint Anne's participation in the Diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal shows that 121 of us out of almost 700 registered households have pledged or given $41,002 toward our goal of $70,445. Thank you so much. But all of us have to step up to the plate and give. We don't want to leave anyone behind. Please send your gift or pledge today! Together we can do it!

Father Allan J. McDonald
Pastor

Please consider tithing online by using the St. Anne Catholic Church secure online giving website:  https://osvonlinegiving.com/4445.

PARISH GUIDELINES FOR
COVID-19

Issued: November 20, 2020 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL PARISHES

* State and local guidelines and ordinances must be followed.

* Parishes must place the sign below in a visible, and somewhat prominent location near the entrance to buildings the following text: 

Warning
Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises.

* Worship spaces and schools must be properly cleaned and sanitized, with particular attention given to bathrooms and surfaces that are touched most often, like door knobs and doors. Parishes may utilize disinfectant smoke machines and be attentive to wiping down surfaces.

* Hand sanitizer must be readily available at the entrance of every building, near the areas where communion is distributed, and near the altar.

* The use of masks has been shown to significantly decrease the rate of contagion  of COVID-19. Wearing a mask is highly encouraged at all times when the faithful are inside our buildings.

* Worship spaces may be filled to their maximum capacity according to social distancing norms. Ushers must assist the sitting of the faithful to maximize space and to ensure proper social distancing. Families/households who wish to sit together may do so.

*  Music and singing should be provided for the Sunday liturgy in all parishes, including Mass parts.

* Hymnals are not to be placed in the pews. One-time use liturgical aides may be used, or hymnals may be made available for purchase.

* Altar servers may assist at the altar during Mass, as long as parents agree and the servers wear masks. Parishes may start by assigning a maximum of three altar servers (a cross bearer and two candle bearers) to perform limited functions.

* Lectors, Ushers, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may resume their ministerial responsibilities as needed.

* The Sign of Peace may now be extended to the faithful without physical contact. This may be done by saying: Let us offer one another a simple acknowledgement of peace or by explaining to the faithful beforehand that the Sign of Peace will be exchanged without physical contact. Families/households may still exchange the Sign of Peace as before. The rubrics of the Roman Missal should be followed.

* The distribution of the Precious Blood to the faithful remains suspended.

* In order to maintain the integrity of the liturgy, the distribution of Communion must occur at the indicated time and not after the final blessing.

* Holy Communion cannot be denied to the faithful who wish to receive it on the tongue. Please remind the faithful how to properly receive communion in the hand and on the tongue in order to avoid physical contact.

* Faith Formation for Children and Adults must continue using ingenuity and creativity. Even if the number of faithful involved in faith formation is decreased, every parish must continue to provide opportunities for learning and especially for the preparation of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

* The Sacrament of Reconciliation must be celebrated in a room with ample space that allows for social distancing and air circulation. "Drive By" confessions are not permitted.

Dear parishioners,

Bishop Stephen Parkes has reinstated the Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Masses with several exception. This is what he writes:

As society reopens, be mindful of social distancing and other precautions.  I make an appeal to you that you perform an examin-ation of conscience in regards to your everyday activities and consider Mass attendance in that context.  If you and your
household are frequenting restaurants, your children are attending school, family members are involved in sports, and individuals are attending social gatherings, I believe that Sunday Mass attendance should also resume.  Sunday Mass may only be missed with good reason related to personal and communal health as the pandemic continues.

Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2020, the dispensation from Sunday Mass attendance is granted only for the following:

* those who belong to vulnerable populations due to age or health caregivers and those who live with those in vulnerable populations

* those who are sick or have symptoms

* those who suffer from extreme uneasiness or anxiety from being in any public places in this time of pandemic. 

While we must not forget that we are still living in a time of pandemic, as a Church we are to be guided with a desire to move forward with hope, confident in God’s help. We are called to promote a culture of hope, not a culture of fear.

Bishop Parkes emphasizes the use of masks: 

The use of masks has been shown to significantly decrease the rate of contagion of COVID-19.  Wearing a mask is highly encouraged at all times when the faithful are inside our buildings.

For those who still qualify for a dispensation from Mass, we will continue to live-stream our daily Masses, and the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass.  You can still make a  “an Act of Spiritual Communion” and "The Act of Perfect Contrition" from home until you can get to Confession, and Mass. As well, If you haven’t done so,  PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ON-LINE GIVING WITH “OUR SUNDAY VISITOR”  by going to our secure Our Sunday Visitor on-line giving and setting up your personal account. If you need help with that Sarah Thomas in our office can assist you. Email or call her at the office during office hours. 

We have hand sanitizer available. Use it. We clean the Church after each weekend Mass. We promote physical distancing and our large church is ideal for it. Be defensive and concerned about not spreading the virus to others and wear a proper mask to protect yourself and others.  I deeply appreciate your cooperation in all of this during these stressful times, especially the use of masks. 

God bless you,

Your pastor, 
Fr. Allan J. McDonald