Our Parish During COVID-19 Pandemic & Parish Update - April 27, 2021

We acknowledge and share the sadness many are feeling at not being able to worship and meet together as in the past. We prayerfully and confidently look forward to the day when we can all be together again. In the meantime, below you will find current information within the parish as well as changes that have been made in order to ensure that we comply with the directives from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and protect parishioners and the public, especially those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

MASS

Santa Maria de la Paz continues to live-stream the Sunday 9:30AM Mass via twitter.  The Santo Nino Regional Catholic School Mass is also be live-streamed at 9:00AM on Wednesdays (when school is in session).  

Parishioners may access SMDLP's live-streaming  at twitter.com/SMDLPaz. (You may also click on the photo link to access our twitter page.) Please note: You DO NOT need a twitter account to view the live-stream.
 

'DRIVE-UP COMMUNION' 

"Drive-up" Communion is distributed after the Sunday 11:30AM Mass (from 12:15PM to 12:45PM). The Most Holy Eucharist is distributed on the EAST side of the church as you drive through the path-way near the EAST entrance.  Prior to receiving Communion watch a live-streamed or televised Mass and pray a heartfelt Act of Contrition. You MUST wear a mask. "Drive-up'" Communion will be suspended indefinitely beginning on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. (The last Sunday for distribution will be May 16th.) Parishioners who are still uncomfortable worshiping in person due to COVID-19, may enter the Church at the end of Mass and wait in the Communion line to receive the Body of Christ.  

CONFESSION 

Fr. Joel is accepting appointments to hear confessions and is available on Monday and Tuesday.  You may call the parish office at 473-4200 for appointment times and to make an appointment for confession. 

OTHER SACRAMENTS

Due to Archdiocese directives, there are restrictions related to anointing of the sick, funerals, baptisms, and weddings during the pandemic.  Please call the parish office for more information.

CHURCH VISITS 

The church is open for individual prayer and visits during regular parish office hours. We encourage our parishioners and visitors to visit the Blessed Sacrament, pray, sit in silence, read the Bible or other devotional readings especially during this time when prayer is most needed. Visitors are asked to follow COVID-19 safe practices while in the church.

FIRST FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Join us the first Friday of each month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM to share in this great devotion especially as we approach the season of Christmas and pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.  We begin with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 9:00AM and end with Benediction at 12:00PM followed by daily Mass at 12:15PM.  Adoration is live-streamed from 11:00AM to 12:00PM on twitter.com/SMDLPaz.

MASS IN CHURCH DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Santa Maria de la Paz will adhere to the Governor's current public health order and Archdiocese of Santa Fe guidelines regarding Mass during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Church is set-up for safe social distancing and protective measures and is properly sanitized after each Mass. The current occupancy limit is 277. Reservations are not required.  Seating is on a first-come, first-allowed basis.  Doors to the church open at least 1/2 hour before the start of each weekend Mass.

Face Masks Required
Parishioners MUST wear a face mask prior to entering the church and during Mass.  If you are not wearing one you WILL NOT be allowed to enter.  This is for your protection and the safety of others.  We also ask that you DO NOT bring children less than three years old to Mass.

Communion
Communion is distributed at two stations in the back of the church at the end of Mass as parishioners prepare to exit. The host may only be received in the hand in order to decrease the possibility of cross-contamination. 

After Mass
Parishioners should depart immediately after Communion and avoid socializing in the Gathering Space and/or the parking lot.

Stay Home if Sick
If you are sick, feel uncomfortable attending a large gathering or have a compromised immune system PLEASE STAY HOME.  The dispensation from the Sunday obligation is still in effect.