Holy Rosary Church

Holy Rosary Church

Dear People of Holy Rosary Parish, The pandemic that ravages our nation and the world has brought death, fear and uncertainty to countless people. Sadly, there is no end in sight – only more pessimistic speculation as to what lies ahead as we approach the winter flu season. Gratefully, over the past six months, so many have remained faithful in parish stewardship. It is a testament to your commitment to the faith and Holy Rosary even though we have not celebrated Sunday Mass with any regularity.

Father Pham so graciously agreed to once again take on celebrating Mass weekdays, providing the opportunity to attend Mass at the church. At the same time, as recently as last week, the Jesuits are still, and will continue to be, in .. lock-down” at the Spiritual Center. In addition, my stroke in mid-July has placed the burden of daily managing of both parishes on Father Hutta, who also ministers at the hospital, including COVID patients. These facts, combined with people not returning to the weekly celebration of the Eucharist has made it impossible to staff Mass at Holy Rosary.

However, in order to get a feel for a regular return to weekend Mass in the church, for the Sundays in October, “ad experimcntum,” Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, beginning 11 October until 1 November. Father Michael Camilli, a retired MSC priest, has agreed to help us on a weekend By Sunday, 24 October, we should be able to assess the direction a return to Mass attendance is going so that we can make an informed decision as to how to proceed into the future. It must be understood, that there will be only one weekend Mass. Throughout the diocese, we no longer have the availability of priests to celebrate Masses as in the past. In charity, I will not risk the health of Father or myself for the sake of celebrating Mass that few people attend.

It is my hope and prayer is that things will improve and our lives as parishioners and citizens can begin to return to normal. Invoking the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, I remain.

Sincerely yours,

Monsignor DeSantis