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St. Peter’s/St. Robert’s churches specific guidelines and protocols:  Effective May 2, 2020
Weekday and Weekend Mass Schedules remain the same.

• Parishioners over the age of 65, risk of becoming sick, and immune compromised are encouraged to continue participating from home.  Take your temperature prior to leaving your home, if you are not feeling well do not attend Mass.  Dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend in person is extended through the month of June 2020 (this website has computer link on home page to livestreamed Sunday Mass 9:00 AM from the cathedral in Victoria).
• Parishioners unable to attend Mass will be able to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion in the office during these scheduled times: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 3:00 pm–4:00 pm each of these days (Father Gabriel will be available in the office during these times).  Proper social distancing should be followed for those in line.  This schedule applicable through the month of May. 
• Parishioners are encouraged to wear masks when entering the church.   Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the church and should be utilized.  The ushers will be required to wear masks.  The mask will be removed when receiving Communion.
• Our parishes will be practicing social distancing protocols; therefore, will be allowing only 50% of the mandated fire code seating capacity  people.  The ushers will be making sure our churches do not exceed these attendance limitations and the parishioners are following social distancing protocols.  Parishioners will be seated in every other pew on both sides of the church with six feet distancing protocols.  Families in the same household can be seated together.
• The pews will be sanitized after each Mass as well as the bathrooms.
• Missalettes and hymnals will be removed and will not be utilized during the Mass and other celebrations.
• Liturgical ministers will be limited in number—no altar servers and one lector.
• Offertory collection—parishioners should not touch the basket when placing the envelope or cash in the basket.
• The offertory procession will be discontinued at this time.  Usher will be taking the offertory collection basket to the front of the altar.
• The Sign of Peace is suspended at this time.
• The distribution of Communion will be only under one species and should be only received in the hand.  The priest and Eucharistic minister will wear masks during distribution. The parishioner should practice the safe distance protocol (6 feet) when standing in line for communion.  Ushers will assist with queuing up for Communion.
• Parishioners should not gather too closely when entering or leaving the church.  After the conclusion of Mass, everyone should exit the church and not gather in the foyer. 
• Parish meetings and gatherings of a smaller size on parish grounds may be resumed, while utilizing established protocols for social distancing and other safety measures.

These guidelines and protocols are for the health and safety of our parishioners during this time. We need to “patiently bear with” some of the above current changes and restrictions.The above procedures were prepared by the Bishop’s office; every parishioner should be familiar with them. Be respectful of your fellow parishioner.

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    St. Peter's Church in Blessing will be opened from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM daily for personal prayer and meditation.  Be sure and practice social distancing practices. WEEKLY BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE BACK OF THE CHURCH DURING OPENED HOURS and ALSO ON THE CHURCH WEBSITE. 
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Hello Pastors, Deacons, Parish Staff, and Parishioners:

I pray you all are well! Below are resources you may find helpful for ministry to Families:

1. Eastertide Reflections - available in Spanish and  English, e-mailed daily, these short, simple reflections can help adults of all ages. Parishioners can sign up here: https://www.victoriadiocese.org/eastertide-reflections.

2. Weekly Wednesday Webchats - interviews with different pastors and ministry leaders every Wednesday at 12:15pm on the Family Evangelization Facebook Page. Invite parishioners to follow the Page and tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/dovfe.

God Bless!
H. Justin Reyes, Director of Family Evangelization/Diocese of Victoria, Chancery 1505 E. Mesquite Lane | P.O. Box 4070 | Victoria, TX 77901 361.573.0828 x 2265

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