St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church

PLEASE READ OUR PHASE 3 PLANNING HERE:

Dear Parishioners,

                As currently dictated, public worship will be allowed to open during California’s phase 3.  We are currently in phase 1.  Phase 2 may allow for some work at our new office annex, weddings (less than 10) and funerals (less than 10) , but what I am concerned with principally here is phase 3, public worship on Sunday and during the week.

                During phase 3, there will be a limit on the number of people in the church.  I will be defining how we will manage.  It may be most challenging for the 8:30am Spanish and 10:15 am English Masses.  During phase 3, Bishop Barnes will extend the dispensation from the Sunday obligation, so in term of social distancing, it will be advisable for some, if not many or most, to attend a daily Mass.  This is in planning stages.  We know that social distancing and masks will be required.  We will continue to live stream the Mass and may add the distribution of communion during Sunday afternoon and during the week, when attendees have departed.  We will need for all our Extraordinary Ministers of Communion to wear gloves.  No cup or communion on the tongue.  All of the above is contingent on the Sacramental guidance of Bishop Gerald Barnes.

                As always, our security ministry, ushers, hospitality greeters and helpers will be of great assistance and will provide the foundation for safe worship.  I am asking that new ministries be established and that some may want to volunteer to help our ushers.  Ushers will need to ensure 6 ft. separation between families and individuals (i.e. 4 seats).  New ministries will help with the following:

Car checks at entrance to parking lot ensure all have face masks

Posting of Signs – directing social distancing and no touching once inside church (families will need to provide good example but may be seated more closely)

Sanitizing and re-sanitizing church between Masses and at end of day.

If your current ministry, which already has a relationship, can take up one of these tasks great (it would be most helpful).  I do ask that younger parishioners (below the age of 50) step up and help.  While we have been very dependent on our elder parishioners in the past, now is the time for those less susceptible to this virus to lend a hand.  All parishioners will be strongly encouraged to take your temperature prior to attending Mass and if you have not practiced social distancing, I will ask that you refrain from attending.

                Parents, you will be responsible for your children at all times.  In some cases it may be advisable to continue to attend Mass via live-stream and partake or communion distribution.  Choirs will need to social distance, so number of members will be limited. Responsorial Psalm will be led from choir area.  Sacristans and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion procedures may change and we as a parish must think about use of gloves.  Presider may continue to set the altar at gifts preparation.  Lectors would be advised to wear gloves as well. 

                This is a first notification of preparations.  We do not know when we will be able to return to public Masses, even as we long for the day.  Continue to pray for all and keep me in your prayers, you are always in mine.

Rev. Msgr. Tom Burdick

Pastor

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

COVID-19 UPDATES 

Bishop Gerald R. Barnes with the Latest Directives & Resources

https://www.sbdiocese.org/COVID-19Resources/index.ht

Our Mission Statement

Our church is a worshipping, Catholic community with many ministries, fellowships, and discipleship groups. We are members of the Body of Christ, drawn together and renewed by the Holy Spirit, nurtured by the Sacraments and guided by the word of God toward the full stature of Jesus Christ. Called to be good stewards, graced by God, we serve one another, using our differing gifts with joyful hearts, as we reach out to our neighbors, inviting them to share in the love of God, Faith in Jesus Christ and the experience and certain hope of life in the Holy Spirit.