Dear Parishioners of St. John Fisher Church,

 

I am glad to announce that our parish has been certified to begin the process of reopening our church for Phase 1 and Phase 1A. For Phase 1, St. John Fisher Church will be open for the Sacraments of Marriage, Baptism, Reconciliation, and for Funerals. We initially are only allowed to accommodate 10 attendees at any one time in church. For Phase 1A, which allows us to be open for private prayers and Eucharistic Adoration, we will be offering Adoration this coming Monday, June 15, Wednesday, June 17, and Friday, June 19, between 4:30 and 7:00 PM. There will be a limit of 10 people at one time.

 

As we reopen, things will be a lot different from the way we used to attend church. To be admitted to church for Adoration, you will need to reserve your seat through this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448A9AA2AA7F85-stjohn or you can call the Rectory at 773-445-6565, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. If you come for Adoration without a reservation, and there is still a place available, you will be asked to supply contact information to the greeter. I have attached a brochure, issued by the Archdiocese, that will inform you of what to expect when you enter church. Please take time to read it. Among the most notable changes from our regular routines: everyone will be required to have a face covering, will be required to have their hands sanitized by one of our greeters, and will be required to maintain social distancing. Only after holding these Adoration sessions, and evaluating that they went well, will we be able to apply to be certified for Phase II: to open for weekday and Sunday Masses with larger groups. 

 

I realize that all of this seems strange to us: reservations, face masks, hand sanitizing, etc., but this is how we must operate for the near future, and possible longer, to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. I ask your cooperation and understanding as we begin this process of reopening our church. Please visit our website to keep up to date on our reopening plans and sign up for our developing parish email list:  www.stjohnfisherparish.net. 

 

Tips for all Worshipers

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Fr. Ken Budzikowski

Pastor, St. John Fisher Church