MASS.

Attendance at Sunday Mass is still not obligatory. Lancaster County is now in the Green Phase, and public Masses continue. The regular Sunday schedule is in effect; plus Holy Communion is now distributed outside for those who cannot attend Mass yet. Weekday Masses are at 12:05 p.m. In addition there will be a Mass this Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the courtyard especially for those who are unable to attend Mass inside the church.

Seating in the church is limited with every second pew open for seating, six feet apart for non-family members. Masks are mandatory for all Masses, whether inside or outside. In the event our seating fills up, we will livestream the Mass in Assumption Hall.

Livestreaming. Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m. will be livestreamed via our website, Facebook and Livestream.

Mass Broadcast.  Sunday Mass is also broadcast on LCTV Channel 66 at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings.

Sanitization. Volunteers are needed to help with sanitizing after each Mass. It takes less than 15 minutes. Click here for an easy signup.

Keeping Holy the Lord’s Day.  Please click here for an example of Sunday prayer at home. Please note that Magnificat has a free app with lots of resources that you are encouraged to use.

CONFESSION.

Held outside in the front of the church – Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION.

Please check out the bulletin for details of the various Bible studies and groups in the parish, many of whom are meeting via Zoom these days.

FUNERALS AND BAPTISMS.

Funerals and Baptisms have resumed with the same limitations as Masses as stated above. Please call the rectory office, 717.392.2578.

YOUTH MINISTRY.

Our Youth Group continues on too – busier than ever! If your teens are getting a little stir crazy, send them to Bob and dozens of other teens Thursday night at 7:00pm. Email bob@stmaryslancaster.org to get on his email list to stay updated.

Established in 1741, this beautiful church stands as a symbol of the vitality and dedication of Catholic life in Lancaster. We have the distinguished honor of being the fourth oldest Catholic Church in the original thirteen colonies and the added blessing of Mary, the Blessed Virgin of the Assumption, as our patroness. In addition, our church was granted a special spiritual bond with the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome in February 2009 (more info). Look beyond the beautiful sacramental signs of handcrafted marble statuary, stained glass windows and carved altars, and you will see a special mosaic…not of sculptures or paintings, but a mosaic of people from different cultures, economic backgrounds, and ages all gathering together to pray and serve the Lord.

In Christ’s Peace,

Fr. John Bateman

The importance of Spiritual Communion is becoming more evident as all public Masses are being cancelled. Please click here for more information on this practice that is powerful not only when we cannot receive the Eucharist but even when we can.