posted: Friday, May 15, 2020

The past several weeks have been very difficult as we cope with the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition to the great suffering of the sick and dying, many have struggled with isolation, financial uncertainty, and other stresses.  For our parish, this hardship has been compounded by the inability to gather together to celebrate the sacraments, as well as for the dozens of activities that allow us to live our parish mission.
 
Fortunately, we are working to get "back on track" and to cautiously resume some of our essential activities.  Bishop Rhoades has decided to lift the suspension on public liturgies here in our diocese beginning on the weekend of May 23-24, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. For those most vulnerable, at risk, or uncomfortable returning to public gatherings, please note that Bishop Rhoades has also extended the dispensation from the Sunday obligation until August 15, 2020, at which point the situation will be reevaluated.
 
While the way we celebrate and experience the sacraments will look very different, we are taking the essential steps to ensure a safe and protected environment for those who wish to attend while still providing live streamed options for those who cannot.  Please carefully review the information HERE so you are best informed of the current plans to gradually welcome back our community. Please note, all dates and directives are subject to change.  
 
I am grateful for the opportunity to return to public worship together and look forward to the day when all restrictions can be lifted so that our entire parish family can be united. Until that time, I appreciate your cooperation, patience, understanding and, most importantly, your prayers.
 

Timeline and Guidelines for Resuming Public Liturgies at Saint Pius X Parish

Below, Fr. Bill Schooler shares the most frequently asked questions during this pandemic, and the answers.

Am I allowed to take Communion from the Tabernacle?
No, we can only take Communion in emergency situations.  Everyone has to fast from the Eucharist at this time, unfortunately.

Can we hear Confessions through media? 
No, that has to be face to face. 

Can we call and schedule Confession with a priest? 
Yes; however, please be cautious.  Fr. Nathan can help, but Fr. Bill is over 60 and has to be careful about contact.  At this time when we are counting on Spiritual Communion, we can also count on God's mercy in exceptional times.  Just come back to Confession when things return to normal.

Can we do "drive by" confessions? 
No.

posted Monday, March 23, 2020

Wednesday, March 25 is the feast of the Annunciation. Pope Francis has invited "...all Christians of the various confessions to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus, our Lord, taught us” – the Our Father. “On that day on which many Christians recall the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation of the Word”, Pope Francis prayed, “may the Lord listen to the united prayer of all of His disciples who are preparing themselves to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ.”.

Please join Father Bill Schooler Live here on Facebook at 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday March 25 to pray the Our Father together as one body.
 

Updated from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and Fr. Bill Schooler


Dear Saint Pius X Community,

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has issued the following statement, effective immediately, as progressive steps are taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (the “coronavirus”). For details from Bishop Rhoades and the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, visit: DioceseFWSB.org/COVID-19.

SUSPENSION OF ALL PUBLIC MASSES
In light of new information and recommendations from health officials concerning the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency to stem the spread of the virus, the five Catholic bishops in Indiana have suspended all public weekday and Sunday Masses effective March 18 until further notice throughout the Province of Indianapolis which is comprised of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Diocese of Gary, Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend, and Lafayette.

During this time of necessary limited contact, all activities, events, and Masses are suspended at Saint Pius X until further notice.

How can you “keep the faith” during this Lenten season and beyond?
 

MASS
Though all public Masses are suspended, we are offering a live-streamed Mass every day of the week on the following schedule:
 
MONDAY-SATURDAY
8:45 a.m. (Available to view live on the parish website, StPius.net.)
*An 8:45 a.m. Mass has been temporarily added on Saturday morning.
 
SUNDAY
10:00 a.m. (Available to view live on the parish website, StPius.net.)
  
MASS RECORDINGS
The Sunday live-streamed Mass will be recorded and available to watch anytime by visiting: StPius.net/homily.
 
WORSHIP AID
Worship aids will be posted on the homepage of the website, directly above the live-stream section, StPius.net.
 
WEEKLY BULLETIN
The weekly bulletin will continue to be published and is available online HERE and in the Parish Life Center. You can receive the bulletin automatically in your inbox by clicking the "Bulletins" button HERE, followed by the "Sign Up Today" button.


 
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

OFFERTORY
During this unprecedented time, the parish will continue to operate and expenses incurred. Please help us meet those operating expenses, by continuing your weekly offertory gift to the parish. Drop off your envelope at the Parish Office or send by mail: 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN 46530. Now may be a time to prayerfully consider online giving, even if only temporarily, to help Saint Pius X. Visit: StPius.net/OnlineGiving for details.

LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES
The speaker will be live-streamed and/or recorded, and sent by email to all registered parishioners, as well as posted on the parish website. To view the live-stream, see above.  To view previously recorded speakers, visit: StPius.net/Lenten-Series.

PALM SUNDAY
Palms will be blessed at the 10:00 a.m. Mass and available for pick-up at all entrances to the church and in the Parish Life Center.
 
SACRAMENTS
Please contact the Parish Office (574-272-8462) for information on baptisms, funerals, weddings, confession, and pastoral care in time of illness.

STAYING CONNECTED: TO YOUR FAITH AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Many Saint Pius X staff members are working tirelessly to develop a plan aimed at staying in regular contact with all parishioners. In the coming days, watch for an update about resources, and daily outreach efforts to be put in place to keep all of us connected until we can be together again in community.

Dear Saint Pius X Community,

Bishop Rhoades has issued the following directives, effective immediately, designed to mitigate the potential for spread of COVID-19 (the “coronavirus”). For details from Bishop Rhoades and the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, visit: DioceseFWSB.org/COVID-19.

MASS DISPENSATION / MASS LIVE-STREAM
All Catholics in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, beginning the weekend of March 15 and continuing through March 29. If you are sick or have symptoms of being sick, stay home. NOTE: Saint Pius X will be live-streaming the 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday Masses through April 5. Chapel Masses will be moved to the church. Details will be available on the parish website (StPius.net).

Additional Details Regarding Mass

• The Sign of Peace should be exchanged without physical contact by a bow of the head and greeting of peace.
• Refrain from holding hands during the Our Father.
• The distribution of the Precious Blood to liturgical ministers and the faithful remains suspended.
• Communion will continue to be distributed on the tongue, but is discouraged.
• Holy water fonts will be drained and kept empty.
• Collection baskets will be placed at the entrances of the church and will not be passed.

SAINT PIUS X ACTIONS
Father Bill and Saint Pius X staff members have determined the following actions to be in place through Sunday, April 5.

All activities and events at Saint Pius X Catholic Church, except Mass and limited liturgical offerings (see below) are suspended through April 5. We will continue to monitor developments before deciding to extend the suspension of activities and events. 

MASS-All daily and weekend Masses will be celebrated on schedule and in the church, with the 5:00 p.m. Saturday and the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Masses also being live-streamed on the parish website (StPius.net). The Parish Nursery will be closed.

LITURGICAL OFFERINGS
Confessions – Will be heard as scheduled, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Eucharistic Exposition – Will continue on Fridays, 9:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:45-9:45 a.m. in the Chapel.  NOTE: For the protection of vulnerable populations, at this time  no children under the age of 12 should attend.

Lenten Speaker Series – Canceled. The liturgy with speaker will be recorded, sent by email to all registered parishioners, and posted on the parish website (StPius.net/Lenten-Series).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION-CCD / CGS / CSAM / CLW - Canceled through April 18. First Communion retreat canceled. Additional information will follow from Director of Religious Education, Robby Kiley.

A note about weekly offertory: We understand the decision to refrain from attending Mass over the coming weeks; however, the parish will continue to operate and incur expense. Please help us continue to meet those operating expenses. Now may be a time to prayerfully consider online giving, even if only temporarily, to help Saint Pius X maintain operations. Visit: StPius.net/OnlineGiving for details.