Masses & Parish Activities During Coronavirus Pandemic

LATEST NEWS: June 18, 2021

COVID-19 Updates at Our Lady of the Fields
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please be mindful that this pandemic is ever-changing and that we are aware of the directives given by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, as well as state and county officials.  Continue to check this page often for the latest information or read our weekly bulletin.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – NEW PROTOCOL BEGINNING JUNE 26-27

Dear parishioners,

It is with great joy that we anticipate welcoming even more of you home to join us for mass at Our Lady of the Fields! Beginning the weekend of June 26-27, the Archdiocese of Baltimore (and all surrounding dioceses) will be lifting all COVID-19 restrictions and reinstating the obligation to attend Sunday mass.

At our parish, beginning the weekend of June 26-27, the following COVID-19 restrictions will be adjusted and other changes will be made:

Overall:

•  All ropes blocking off pews in our church will be removed. Seating will be allowed in every pew.
• Seating prior to mass and dismissal at the conclusion of mass will be independent of guidance by the ushers.
• Our procedures for the reception of communion (approaching the sanctuary down the side aisles) will remain the same.
• All daily masses will continue to be livestreamed.

Particular Masses:

• The 7:30am Sunday mass will change to 8:00am.
• The 9:30am Sunday mass will be the ONLY live-streamed mass each weekend with additional overflow and space for distancing (if desired) in the hall.
• The 5:00pm Sunday mass will permanently move indoors.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that: “Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 2182). You are essential to our celebration of the eucharist – our celebration is incomplete without you!

In addition, a person may be excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for “serious reasons” such as illness or care of infants or loved ones who are ill and cannot be left alone (CCC 2181). A serious reason can also include your own health or the health of those within your family.

Below is the announcement from Archbishop Lori with regard to the aforementioned news as well as an article from Bishop Robert Barron about returning to mass!

• Announced we are lifting the general dispensation
• Bishop Robert Barron – “Go back to Mass!”

Lastly, please join us for light refreshments on the patio the weekend of June 26-27 after every Sunday mass to WELCOME HOME our parishioners and faith-community! We cannot wait to welcome you home!

In Christ,

Fr. Jack Ward, Pastor
Fr. Matt Himes, Associate Pastor

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