“And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14).
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Dear Corpus Christi Family,
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Love is what guides us!
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The reason we quarantined in the first place was NOT out of fear, but out of love. We wear our masks not out of fear, but out of love. We protect the vulnerable not out of fear, but out of love. Love is what drives us. Love is what builds us.
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On Friday, May 22, the Diocese of Orange announced that public Masses can begin in Orange County on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14 in a phased-in approach with measures in place to safeguard public health. The press release can be found on both our website and parish “Check-In” emails.
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Exactly what a “phased-in” approach will look like here at Corpus Christi is in the works. As you know, throughout this pandemic, things have changed by the minute. And so, I encourage you to stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, sign up for our parish “Check-In” emails. All that information is on our website at www.avcatholics.org. We must remain fast, fluid, and flexible.
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As a first step in Corpus Christi’s phased-in approach I address the following: The Grand Hall, Mass Schedule, and a new ministry – “All Hands On Deck”!
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And remember:
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Love is what guides us!
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Preparing the Grand Hall
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Many of you know Scott e Eisenbart. For twenty years Scott e has overseen our annual Thanksgiving feast in the Grand Hall. No one knows the Grand Hall like Scott e. He knows every conceivable inch of space. I reached out to Scott e and said, “HELP!” Help me to arrange the chairs allowing for social distancing and maximizing every inch of space to allow for as many parishioners as possible to attend Mass. Scott e, being the master craftsman that he is, worked his magic. And so, the Grand Hall can accommodate up to 220 parishioners for Mass. There are rows of four, three, two, and single chairs. 220 chairs is 20% of our seating capacity. A “drop the mic” thank you and awesome job to Scott e!
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Mass Schedule
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The Mass schedule will hinge upon the number of volunteers we have to provide both hospitality before and during Mass and sanitizing the Grand Hall after Mass. So, for now, on the weekend that we re-open, we will have a “soft opening”, meaning, Mass will be offered on Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. and, IF we have enough volunteers, also on Saturday, June 13, at 5:00 p.m. This will allow us to re-evaluate what worked, what didn’t, what do we need to do differently moving forward, and so on. We will expand to our regularly scheduled Masses when we can. Again, it will hinge on the number of volunteers we have to provide both hospitality and sanitization.
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Love is what guides us!
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“All Hands On Deck” Ministry
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For Corpus Christi to re-open and to get back to its regular Mass schedule we need at least 12 additional volunteers per Mass (besides the Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers, etc.). We are calling this new ministry the “All Hands On Deck Ministry”
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You will be trained, and your welcoming presence will comfort all who join us and keep everyone safe.
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Here are the basics:
- You need to be from 18-64 years of age with no compromising health conditions.
- You will need to be at the Grand Hall 30 minutes before Mass and for 20 minutes following Mass.
- Some may greet folks at the entrance to the parking lot; some may guide folks to the designated chairs in the Grand Hall; some may assist folks with communion lines; some may help folks back to their cars at the end of Mass.
- You will help to disinfect the church and chairs, in accordance with CDC recommendations, following each Mass and prepare it for the next Mass.*
Volunteers will be provided with masks, gloves, disinfectant spray, and disposable wipes.
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If you are interested in becoming part of this new “All Hands On Deck” Ministry, please email Alyssa Eugenio at alyssaeugenio@corpuschristialisoviejo.org immediately.
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Training will occur sometime during the week of June 7-13. Please be flexible that week for training.
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Love is what guides us!
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Please stay connected with us. Our website and parish “Check-In” emails will be our main source of communication.
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This year’s Easter miracle is the re-opening of our church on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, our 21st birthday! We were established as a parish on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in 1999. I can’t think of a more fitting Feast Day to begin our journey once again to gather together as God’s people.
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Have I told you lately that I love you?!
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Father Tim
