Click here to read "A Faith Response to the Coronavirus"

April 11, 2021

+JMJ+

Dear Parishioners,

Especially in the last couple of months, we at St. Louis de Montfort have experienced increased numbers at many of our weekend Masses. This is a tremendous blessing and a joy to have so many return to Mass, but added numbers brings challenges regarding pandemic protocols.

People hold a wide range of opinions on this topic, and our prayer is that charity, patience, and parish unity in our Catholic faith will prevail. As leaders of the parish, our priority is to provide access to the Sacraments of the Church while providing a context for your health and safety. We want people to pray well and worship God. We also want to care for one another.

Our prayer is that COVID numbers will continue to plummet and soon lead to a freedom from any needed protocols. But the virus is still around, and we must take into account the factors of distance, time, and masking in the spread of the disease. While state and local mandates have become recommendations, individual organizations can retain their own policies.

Starting next weekend (April 17th and 18th), the following applies to the 5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, the 9am Sunday Mass, and the 11:30am Sunday Mass:

• We will begin using every pew for seating, only requiring three feet of social distancing between families. Masks will still be expected.

The 7:30am Sunday Mass and the 5pm Sunday Mass will still be every other pew and masks will still be expected.

We all have a responsibility to the community. So that means if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, please remain home.

As of now, our diocese has not adjusted its music protocols. We are hopeful that congregational singing will return soon, but this means for now that singing is still reserved to the cantor and the celebrant of Mass.

In the meantime, Terri Delaney is beginning to prepare choirs to be ready for when that day comes. Please consider reaching out to her at tdelaney@sldmfishers.org for information about joining one of our choirs. Rehearsals will be starting soon.

Please stay tuned to email, the bulletin, website, and social media as protocols may shift as we learn more and as the diocese provides further directives.

Thank you for your love for our Catholic faith and for your parish. May God bless you, your family, and our parish family.

Under the Divine Mercy,

Father Haan

Mass at SLDM will be live-streamed on Sunday mornings at 7:30am.

Daily Mass Schedule
Monday-Saturday:   8:00am
Tuesday and Thursday:   6:00pm
Friday:  8:00am and Noon
 
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday in the Church at 5:00pm
Sunday in the Church at 7:30am (This Mass is designated for the vulnerable.)
Sunday at 7:30am - LIVE-STREAMED
Sunday in the Church at 9:00am, 11:30am, and 5:00pm

On October 22, 2020, Bishop Doherty extended the dispensation for all Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass until further notice.  
 
Should I stay home or come to Mass?
Everyone must carefully discern the best decision for themselves and their families. If you have a fever, cough, runny nose, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please, in consideration of others, watch the livestreamed Mass from home at facebook.com/sldmfishers.  We also encourage “higher risk” parishioners to stay home and participate in the livestreamed Mass.  If you choose

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate all Masses publicly again even though we know Mass will feel different. Our goal is to keep our parishioners safe during these trying times.

As requirements and policies continue to change and affect SLDM, we will keep you updated.  Thank you for your continued support and understanding.


Collection envelopes and donations can be dropped off in the designated baskets as you enter or exit the church since collection baskets will not be passed around during Mass. You are also welcome to give electronically by visiting our Giving Page https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/131
 
What will happen when it is time to receive Holy Communion?
When it is time to receive Communion, you are welcome to receive the Sacred Host. Distribution of the Precious Blood is temporarily suspended.
Holy Communion will once again be distributed during Mass. 
The priest will give instructions regarding the process of lining up to receive Communion.
For the health and safety of everyone, we ask all parishioners to please receive Communion in the hand during this time of transition.
For anyone who prefers to receive on the tongue, please wait until the end of Communion distribution to come forward to receive.
  
We have returned to our normal schedule for the Sacrament of Penance.
Confessions in church will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00-5:50 p.m., following the 8 a.m. Saturday Mass, or by appointment.
 
The Parish Office has resumed normal business hours:
Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm (Closed Noon-1:00 pm for Lunch)
 
The Adoration Chapel is now open!
We are so thankful we can visit Jesus in the chapel. Please consider being a regular adorer, as we are celebrating 25 years of perpetual adoration and would welcome more prayer warriors.  Contact Jerilyn at 317-997-2411 or jikunkel@yahoo.com.
 
God bless us all as we continue to grow in our faith.

Free resources to support prayer and engagement during these difficult days:

• USCCB response to the Coronavirus and a list of websites for Mass, prayers, and daily reflections to help us all during this trying time. usccb.org/coronavirus

• Access to thousands of FREE movies, programs, audio, and books instantly! www.FORMED.org and enter the parish code QDFJ6B