FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

June 3, 2020 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

It is with great joy that I announce that we are able to start having outdoor public Masses this weekend! Our plans were approved today.  

In order to have Mass and keep people safe from the spread of the coronavirus, we will have to observe strict protocols on gathering and distancing. This limits the number of people who can attend. We have been working hard on a plan that will allow us to gather safely and worship the Lord together in our celebration of the Eucharist. 

To be clear, Mass will look, feel, and sound different. Following these protocols, however, will allow us to be together in a safe and healthy way. We will all need to follow these guidelines carefully to continue to have public outdoor Mass.  

Please carefully read this letter. It contains important information about how you can participate in the outdoor Mass. If you have any questions or can volunteer to help, please e-mail: betty@stjude-redmond.org. Please note that we are still in need of volunteers (under 65 and not vulnerable) to set up and take down as well as to check-in people.  Remember that the Sunday Obligation is still dispensed. The health department still advises those who are over 65 and/or have vulnerable conditions to stay home. Also, if you have any symptoms or exposure recently, you must stay home. You may also participate through our livestream Masses if you cannot attend the outdoor Masses. Sunday Vigil Mass will be livestream at 5 PM Saturday Evening. We are looking forward to seeing you!  

WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH 11 AM and 5:30 PM   

The first outdoor public Masses will be Sunday, June 7 at 11 AM and 5:30 PM.    Pre-registration is required, and we will add Masses as necessary depending on attendance.  

WHERE: UPPER PARISH PARKING LOT  

Mass will be held in the upper parish parking lot near the Mary Garden.  Please enter the parking lot from the 166th Avenue Entrance. Greeters will check-in registered attendees near Lovett Hall. (See registration guidelines below).

OUTDOOR MASS REGISTRATION AND CHECKLIST  

• Pre-registration is required and can be done online:

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A8AC2DA6FD0-stjude1         (Every member of your household must register to attend.)   

• If you do not have access to a computer. You may call the parish office at 425-883-7685, and leave a message, and we will register for you.  

• Bring your own face masks. If you forget your mask you will be given one at check-in. This is required for attendance unless you have a health reason for not doing so.  
• Bring chairs for you and your family.   We will have a limited number of chairs for those who are not able to bring them from home.   
• Bring your own hand sanitizer.  
• Please use the restroom at your home. Lovett hall restrooms will be available for emergencies but limited to one person at a time.  
• Bring your own blanket or umbrella. A few sprinkles won’t bother us, but if it rains heavily, we may have to cancel. Let’s try to be hearty Northwesterners! 
• Bring your joy and enthusiasm for celebrating as a community, and also please bring your patience & flexibility!  

WHAT WILL OUTDOOR MASS BE LIKE? 

Please note that Mass will look, feel, and sound different! However, we will be together to hear the Word of the Lord and to receive Eucharist together. Think of it as a little like camping, perhaps you remember having Mass at summer camp or a field Mass.   

There will be some noticeable changes to the Mass due to health and safety concerns but also some necessary changes due to the fact we are celebrating outdoors:

• All attendees must wear masks and observe social distancing 
• Mass will be shortened.
• No collection will be taken during the Mass (instead, baskets will be placed near the entrance.)  
• There will be no presentation of the gifts by the faithful.  
• We will continue to refrain from the sign of peace or hold hands at the Our Father 
• Congregational singing will not be allowed, nor will we have a choir. The music will be instrumental and cantor solo pieces.  
• The priest celebrant will not wear a Mask during the celebration of the Mass.  
• The priest celebrant and other liturgical ministers will maintain social distancing of 6-12 feet. 
• Instead of kneeling at the consecration, we ask that you make a profound bow.   
• Communion will be given in a different manner.  
• Communion distribution will be after Mass.  
• Communion will only be given in the hand. 
• There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood.
• The Presider and Eucharistic Ministers will wear masks for the distribution of Communion.  
• Please wear your mask as you come forward to receive; then, remove your mask after saying “Amen” and step forward to receive the Eucharist.  
• Please follow directions of staff and ushers.  
• Please depart immediately after Communion. Unfortunately, we cannot have social gatherings after Mass at this time.  
• Childcare is not available.  
• Physical distancing policies will be strictly enforced and posted. 

Archbishop Etienne has prepared a “welcome back” video which explains a number of these changes. I invite you to take a moment to watch it.

• WATCH ARCHBISHOP ETIENNE’S “WELCOME BACK” VIDEO HERE.

  The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Whether celebrated via a livestream, outdoors, or in Church, it is at the heart of our faith. Let us pray together this great prayer of thanksgiving. May It nourish our joy and hope, and draw us closer to one another and the Lord Jesus! 

  May God bless you and your family in every way! 

  Fr. Johnson

REGISTER FOR OUTDOOR MASS BY CLICKING BELOW

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR MASS AND HAVE BEEN TRAINED FOR CORONAVIRUS REQUIREMENTS, CONTACT SR. BETTY.