December 2002
We now begin to see the result of the priest shortage here in
our own diocese. Many other parishes have had to face this shortage much
earlier. We are fortunate here to have been able to keep three priests for as
long as we have. I know that we have your usual cooperation and support as we
move into this new phase in the life of our parish.
Please read this important news carefully. Changes to our daily Mass schedule
beginning January 1, 2003. Beginning January 1, 2003, we will eliminate the
6:15pm daily Mass. Last December, I announced in the bulletin that we could no
longer assure those who requested Masses at 6:15pm that these Masses would be
celebrated here at OLSH, since we expected to have only two priests in the near
future. This information was shared by the rectory secretaries with anyone who
requested a 6:15pm Mass for 2003. So, I hope the elimination of this Mass does
not come as a surprise to anyone.
During the month of December, anyone who has requested a 6:15pm Mass for 2003
may stop by or call the rectory and change their Mass to another available date.
Any Masses not move by January 1 will be sent to the Pope John Paul II
Residence, or elsewhere, where it will be celebrated on the date requested.
These Masses, however, are not open to the public.
Beginning July 1, 2003 we will no longer have an 8:15am Mass on Friday. Please
note that this change will not take place until July, 2003! In our existing Mass
schedule, the 8:15am Mass on Friday is scheduled to accommodate special class
Masses for the Junior High students in our school. Until June 30, the end of the
school year, we will continue to celebrate these Masses (with the help of
outside priests). However, beginning July 1, 2003, we will discontinue this
8:15am Mass on Friday.
Anyone who has a Mass Intention for Friday's 8:15am Masses
between July and December 2003 may also stop at the rectory or call and change
these Masses to another date. Any Masses not changed by the end of the June,
2003 will be sent to other priests to be celebrated on the date requested. In
this area, especially, I need people's cooperation and understanding. I know how
important these Masses are to all those who request them. And I am
saddened that we have to move them. However, it is no longer possible to
celebrate them with only two priests. If all cooperate, we can make this
transition as smooth as possible.
- Father Paul
