We Are Re-Opening on May 23!
May 15, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint John’s,
As you might have heard from our announcements at Mass, we are very pleased to announce that Saint John’s will re-open for in-person worship on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 23, 2021! We’ll return to our usual schedule of Low Mass at 8 AM, and Sung Mass at 10:30 AM. We warmly invite you to join us in person!
We are aware that official guidance about Covid is changing rapidly. In particular, we note that we are required by law to obey the current limits imposed by the State of New Jersey. As of today, the mask mandate has not been lifted by the state. With that in mind, please be mindful of the following for all Masses at Saint John’s at this time:
1. We will ask you to sign in at all services, in case we are required to initiate contact tracing.
2. We require that masks be worn at all times.
3. Please only sit in designated pews to maintain social distance.
4. The Peace will be exchanged by a slight bow only.
5. Communion will be in the hand. You may consume it when you return to your seat. Only the Celebrant may receive the Chalice at this time.
6. We’ll open all the doors and windows in the church. Please dress appropriately.
7. You may hum along with your mask on during hymns. We will let you know when congregational singing is again permitted.
8. We are not permitted to offer any live Refreshment Hour at this time.
9. Note: The Sung Mass is longer than the 45 minutes recommended by the Diocese. Feel free to enter and leave as you feel comfortable.
After the Sung Mass on Pentecost, we will offer Communion to any who wish to receive it at the back of the church, from approximately 12 noon until 12:30 PM.
This is very exciting! We recognize you may have a lot of questions. We will offer a Q&A session for anyone interested on Saturday, May 22 at 2 PM via Zoom. Remember you can call in with your telephone if you don’t have access to the Internet. Contact the Office at 973-779-0966 if you need the Zoom credentials.
In addition, we will continue to livestream all services for those who are not yet willing to come in person, and because we have members who now watch with us across the nation.
Thank you very much for your patience in these months of pandemic, and for your continued participation in our livestreamed masses. We will continue to update you as conditions change over the days and weeks ahead. We greatly look forward to seeing many of you in person on Sunday, May 23rd!
With fervent thanks to God,
Fr. Bob