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Church to Re-open June 13

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Dear Parishioners

The Diocese of Orange has announced that we can begin celebrating public Mass on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14 (including Saturday June 13 Vigil Masses). In addition, the Bishop of Orange, Kevin W. Vann, extends a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation until such time as it is deemed safe to have large gatherings at Mass.

Those over age 65 and/or in an at-risk health group or who do not feel comfortable attending a public gathering should stay home. Also, anyone who has a fever or temperature or who is sick or has been exposed to the coronavirus should refrain from attending Mass as it is an act of Christian charity to safeguard the health of others.

St. Mary’s by the Sea will be celebrating the Mass together as a community using social distancing, maximum capacity guidelines for attendance, and guidelines for sanitization set by Bishop Kevin Vann and the State of California, no exceptions. Additional Masses are being offered to attempt to accommodate everyone who desires to attend.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY IN THE CHURCH DURING MASS IS (30) PEOPLE. Everyone will sit    6 feet away from one another (unless you are attending the Sunday 4:30 pm Family Mass), with the exception of small children who will be allowed to sit with their parent. If all seats are filled, we will provide overflow seating for (20) additional people in Fr. Johnson Hall and in the Courtyard, where Mass will be viewed on a large screen.

Please plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the Mass. All households will line up at the Main Entrance of St. Mary’s by the Sea (following social distancing tape placed on the sidewalk). Ushers will be waiting at the steps to seat you and your household. Please use the single entry when entering and exiting the Church. For those who need to use the ramp to enter the church, an usher will be available to provide assistance.

All individuals attending Holy Mass at this time must wear masks, unless medically unable to do so. You will be allowed to remove it only when receiving Holy Communion. If you should forget to bring your mask, one will be provided for you.

Holy Water fonts will be empty, but you are encouraged to still make the sign of the cross.

The sign of peace and distribution of the Precious Blood is suspended. Instructions for receiving Holy Communion will be announced during each Mass. If you are uncomfortable receiving the Eucharist at this time, you are always welcome to remain in the pew and make a Spiritual Communion.

In accordance with the Bishop’s directives, there will be no singing by the congregation until otherwise noted. In addition, all missals, prayer cards or other paper resources are currently not available.

Hand sanitizer will be available to all people. Pews and high-contact areas will be thoroughly sanitized/cleaned in between Masses. Please follow the instructions at the end of the Mass.

A large container will be located at the Church entrance/exit doors to drop off collection envelopes and donations.

Our first consideration must be for the health and safety of our parishioners and those whom they will encounter. As Bishop Kevin Vann said on Friday, “We know that God is with us, but at the same time we have to be careful and make sure that we protect each other in this challenging time.”

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we come together for the Holy Sacrifice with measures in place to minimize risks.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Quang Vinh Chu – Pastor

Temporary Schedule Effective June 13th

Daily Mass (Monday-Saturday): 8:00 am  

Saturday Vigil Masses

4:30 pm (with music)

6:00 pm (no music)

 Sunday Masses

7:30 am (with music)

9:30 am (with music – no choir)

11:30 am Latin Mass (no Schola)

1:30 pm Latin Mass (no Schola)

*4:30 pm Family Mass (no music)

6:00 pm (no music)

 Confessions:           Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm

*PLEASE NOTE: Families may sit in one pew next to each another at the
Sunday, 4:30 pm Family Mass ONLY.

LIMITED PUBLIC MASSES CAN BEGIN ON SUNDAY, JUNE 14

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

DIOCESE OF ORANGE ANNOUNCES LIMITED PUBLIC MASSES CAN BEGIN
ON SUNDAY, JUNE 14 IN PHASED APPROACH

May 22, 2020

Garden Grove, Calif., (May 22, 2020) – The Diocese of Orange announced today that public Masses can begin in Orange County on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14 (including Saturday June 13 Vigil Masses) in a phased-in approach with measures in place to safeguard public health. In addition, the Bishop of Orange, Kevin W. Vann, extends a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation until such time as it is deemed safe to have large gatherings at Mass.

After extensive consultation over these past few months with civil authorities, County of Orange Health Authority, as well as with our medical advisors, the decision was made to gradually open the churches for Mass with strict guidelines for attendance including important requirements for the distribution and reception of Holy Communion and the safety and health of all who attend. Bishop Vann acknowledges the hard work of Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, on behalf of all the California bishops, who met frequently with Governor Newsom and his staff. The positive cooperation of all involved – working together for the common good – has helped bring us to this important moment.

“The pandemic is far from over so we will begin with small steps,” said Bishop Vann. “Realizing that reinfection is a concern, as we saw occurred in Texas and elsewhere, I am asking our pastors to prepare their churches to ensure that these guidelines are followed without exception.” Indeed advisors to the bishop have been working on guidelines for weeks, in consultation with county officials and other experts.

The Diocese announced that phase one brings smaller groups of healthy Catholics back to a limited Mass with strict social distancing guidelines and rules. Phase two would allow larger groups while phase three would allow choirs to return to church and social gatherings to resume. At this point, it is unknown when we might be able to enter phases two and three. Phasing our return allows for the ability to re-evaluate the process as necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of the community going forward.

All phases of this plan require following strict guidelines for social distancing and sanitization.

  • Those over age 65 and/or with a co-morbidity will be encouraged to consider not returning to Mass just yet, and anyone showing any symptoms of sickness, or anyone who has a household member who is sick or showing symptoms of sickness should not come to church.
  • The church will be thoroughly sanitized/cleaned before and after each service, including all entryways and doors. Holy water fonts will be empty, and hymnals removed.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at all churches.
  • All local safety orders specifically relating to proper face coverings will be followed.
  • People will be instructed to not engage in any physical touch, such as by greeting each other.
  • Signs and other instructions will encourage normal safe practices necessary to avoid the spread (e.g. cough or sneeze into a shirtsleeve, handkerchief, or tissue; avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth).
  • Ventilation will be increased as much as possible by opening windows and doors, as weather permits.
  • The sign of peace and distribution of the Precious Blood is suspended.

Catholics should visit the website of their parish for eventual specific instructions on how their parish will offer Masses and how attendance will be allowed. In most cases, only one-third of the church space will be available per Mass. Bishop Vann has granted a temporary dispensation from the requirements of canon 932, which will permit priests to celebrate Mass outside the sacred space of a church building, thereby permitting parishes to utilize other spaces for Masses including gymnasiums, parish halls and outdoor spaces.

Since the Sunday obligation has been dispensed from, Catholics will be encouraged to attend other Masses during the week instead of on Sunday, in order to spread out the number of people attending. More Masses than usual will be offered to attempt to accommodate everyone who desires to attend Mass during this phase. In addition, many parishes will continue to livestream Masses.

Anyone who is in an at-risk health group or does not feel comfortable attending a public gathering should stay home. Also, anyone who is sick or has been exposed to the coronavirus should refrain from attending a public Mass as it is an act of Christian charity to safeguard the health of others.

“Please continue to pray for those who have died, those who are sick from this disease and for the people who care for them,” said Bishop Vann. “I wish to thank everyone for their sacrifices over these last weeks to benefit the common good. It has been a time of reflection, prayer and growth in faith for many of us. We will continue to take one day at a time and walk in faith together until the day we can all gather to rejoice in the Lord. The Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ) is a very fitting feast day to begin our journey to once again gather together as the Lord’s people.”

About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, 5 Catholic centers, and 41 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese encourages Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Diocese, was dedicated in July 2019.

Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at https://www.rcbo.org.

 

 

6th Easter Weekly Message

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

6th Easter Weekly Message

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you are doing fine! Me too! I am good!

Last Sunday we heard that the Lord has promised, “I will not leave you orphans.” But what about our present trials? We cannot go to church, go to work, go to visit families or friends, etc. because of the pandemic. What about evil in the world? How can we be sure that He has not abandoned us? The more we think about this, the more we are disappointed! We ask, when will circumstances improve?

Here is the answer. Jesus is not only with you; He is within you by the power of the Holy Spirit. He never left your side because He is in your heart! No matter what your situation right now, you can take a few deep breaths, calm your mind, and begin to sense Him. He is there inside you, ready to give you His blessing, healing, peace, wisdom, and joy! (The Word Among Us, April – May 2014, p. 62)

Try not to be discouraged. Stay focused on the larger vision that God has for you. Trust that the Holy Spirit is leading you, guiding you, and protecting you, whether you understand the reasons for the twists and turns in your path or not. We cannot always comprehend the bigger picture that God has for us, but He is a good God, and so we can always trust that His plan for us is better than anything we could ever come up with ourselves! (The Word Among Us, April – May 2020, p. 54)

Nothing can stand against God’s promises. Lift up your heart to the Lord always!

May God bless you, straighten your faith in His wisdom and love!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

 

5th Easter Weekly Message

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

5th Easter Weekly Message

Dear Parishioners,

Wishing you well! I am doing fine! May God always protect us and keep us in His love!

During these days, imagine what would happen if everything falls through.  Your transportation is limited. Your job is furloughed or laid off. Your freedom is so limited now. Your savings has drained down. These things have happened during the past six weeks and our patience is also drained down. We ask why would God put up so many obstacles?  It must have been hard for us to understand God’s plan.

Yes, sometimes we do not understand how God leads us. Of course, God wants us to use wisdom and good judgment as we make our plans, especially during this time.

First, our plan is to surrender to God. Last Thursday, May 7th, our President called us to observe this day as a “National Day of Prayer.” In this day, our President led the prayer first, and then each minister of each religious belief came forward and prayed and asked God to forgive our faults and asked Him to protect us and restore our life. (Act of FAITH)

Second, this pandemic could help us to understand how God works in our life, such as cutting, trimming, and nurturing, so that we too can become shining exemplars of His glory. He trains our thoughts and intentions so that we can think and act like Him. (Act of LOVE)

Jesus is now able to reach so many people, who are scattered throughout the world, who are far away from Church, who have no chance to build up a relationship with family, community, and others. Jesus is promising that you can make a difference. He is in you and He will work through your example, your works, your prayers. Remember, you are not doing it alone! By doing this, our lives will never be the same. We will keep getting better and better. (Act of HOPE)

Keep in mind, the U.S. currency always has its value throughout the world, in good times or bad times, in good hands or in bad hands, because it has a motto “In God We Trust.” God has Power; we value our Trust. Let us continue to trust in God’s providence because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

So be encouraged. God is at work, He will form you so that His beauty can shine forth in your life!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

 

Happy Mother’s Day

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank you for your calls and emails and to let us know that you are doing fine! I am doing fine too! May God bless us all!

We are hoping that the light at the end of the tunnel will be bright soon. Each state will gradually reopen businesses and start to come back to normal. Some leaders are slow to reopen because of “fear.” What does it mean “essential or non-essential”? How about “Spiritual food”, is it essential for Christian lives? Are we afraid if God is for us? How easy it can be to let our hearts be “troubled” because of wars, famine, virus, fear, etc. Many things can concern us, but in the midst of it all, Jesus tells us to have faith in Him and not let all the bad news overshadow our joy and trust in Him.

Jesus also reminds us that He is the Good Shepherd and Sheep Gate. He knows each of us and we recognize His voice. Think about how much He cares for you. He is always mindful of you. He never leaves you defenseless before the predators of temptation or guilt or condemnation or pandemic.

Jesus says: I know you; I know your strengths and your weaknesses, your hopes, and your fears. I know what you believe and what you are not ready to believe. So, trust in Him, and do not worry about getting everything right. Just do the best you can while we are waiting for the “stay at home” order to be lifted. Let us put ourselves into God’s hands and trust in Him because the Lord is our Good Shepherd and Gate Keeper!

May Jesus protect you and keep you safe from all harm!

Best wishes to all and I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

 

 

 

 

Third Week of Easter Reflection

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Dear Parishioners,

During this 3rd week of Easter Season, we are continuing our journey of hope. Yes, our misery is almost toward the end of a tunnel. The light of our lives will be bright again. As you know many states are slowly reopening their businesses and getting back to normal life again. It is the hope that we are looking for.

When we come back to our normal life, what can we give to God? Look at a brief recap of a 62-year-old man who just recovered from COVID-19. He said “I am surely going to be more spiritual as this has made me appreciate all of the prayers and how much God loves us…. I will be more patient and forgiving and will not worry about the small stuff…. I will tell my family I love them every day (I had gotten out of this habit long ago). I will thank God every day for bringing my wife and children into my life…. Sometimes it takes a dramatic event like what I experienced to remind us of what’s most important: God, family, and friends.” (OC Register, Thursday April 23, 2020; p. 10).

Yes, we have experienced that God is never absent. He never abandoned us. He is always walking with us. He is always in our midst. He loves each one of us passionately. He wants all of us to be saved and come to know the truth about Him. Through this pandemic, we know that we need God, we need each other and we need the Church.

Let us continue to love and support each other. Let us continue to recognize God’s gift in our daily life. Let our hearts respond with praise and thanks to the Lord who loved not only us but the whole world!

May the blessing of our Risen Lord be with you always!

Stay cool and be happy!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

 

Divine Mercy Message

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Dear Parishioners,

We have been self-isolated for a month already! Time flies so fast, doesn’t it? During this time, we have not been able to attend Church. We are able to stay-at-home to watch via livestream Masses. We have more time to read the Bible and reflect on the Words of God. His words stir deep in our hearts, and we begin to feel a sense of hope again. At home, every time you pray with your family, you are taking hold of Jesus’ power to bring healing and comfort. So, slow down and listen to His words. Stop and let Jesus touch your heart with divine insight. Gaze on Him at live-stream Mass and you will see that He is there all long.

Whenever the order of stay-at-home is lifted, and we are able to return to church, we will better understand the mystery of Jesus’ great love and humility. We will experience and know that Jesus is never absent. He is walking with us. He longs to stir our hearts again through His words and through His presence. He longs to tell us that He has a plan for our life and that we can rely on Him.

As we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy, we say “O Blood and water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You.” For this, we know that Jesus can bring all of us into His embrace. So, what can we give to Jesus in return for such a marvelous gift when we come back to normal life?

May the peace of our Risen Lord be with you always!

Wearing mask + keeping social distance = saving lives!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

 

Happy Easter from Father Chu

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Happy Easter 2020 from St. Mary’s by the Sea

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Easter to everyone!

Today, especially during this pandemic, millions of people in the world celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord in many different ways, Our Risen Lord is truly risen from the dead as He promised and He is living among us. Jesus’ Resurrection changed everything, even in this pandemic year: Sin was defeated. Satan was vanquished. Death was swallowed up by life. Hopefully, the coronavirus is slowing down or stabilizing. It is the millions of lives who have experienced God in conversion.  Your life has also been swept up. It is the good and amazing news.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord, how can we even begin to honor God for what He has done for us? We can start by:

  1. Seek out His presence as your first priority.
  2. Keep running to Him throughout the day in prayer.
  3. See for yourself how He has been moving in your life and making you a new creation.
  4. Spend your lives ushering the graces of God to your families, neighbors, friends, strangers, enemies, and especially to physicians, doctors, nurses, first responders, etc.

Today, Jesus has become a life-giving spirit, pouring out the Holy Spirit onto the whole world. From this spring of resurrection power, let us continue to say: “Lord Jesus, You are alive! You are our hope! You are our joy! Alleluia!” Lord God, give me the courage and zeal to share that message with everyone I meet. Amen.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor

Message From Our Pastor

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for staying in contact with and supporting each other during this pandemic. It was good to hear from many of you. I am doing fine too!  Keep creating things to do both spiritually and physically. Keep in touch!

Today, the Church begins to celebrate the Holy Triduum, and we will miss all these celebrations together in the Church because of COVID19.

Let Jesus makes a transformation of reality in our life by:

  • Let us resolve to make this Holy Triduum special by sharing a holy space at home, sharing family prayer, making a meal together, having loving conversations and bonding with family members in unity.
  • Let us unite in our sufferings, inconveniences and annoyances with the suffering of Jesus, especially during this time. He sacrificed His life for us to live.
  • Let us sing a song with joy that Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead. He destroys death and sins and darkness! Alleluia!

May Jesus’ suffering and resurrection bless you all!

PS: Don’t forget to say a Novena of Divine Mercy at 3 pm today.
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-13366

Thank you!  Fr. Quang Chu

Easter Reflection

St. Mary's by the Sea Roman Catholic Parish Posted on by

Dear Parishioners,

First and foremost, thanks to God for His blessing and I pray that all of you are doing well! I am doing good too! Thank you for your prayers and for supporting me in my ministry in so many different ways.

Yesterday, Monday April 6, 2020, I celebrated my uncle’s funeral and graveside service, this is the first time ever that I celebrated a funeral with fewer than ten people according to the order of our Government because of the coronavirus pandemic. It seems so sad! In this situation, many of us wonder why God does not always do what we want and how and when we want it done.

At this moment of sadness, I remembered the day of Jesus’ burial. There were only few people to bury Him such as Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, John, Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of Joses, and Mary, Mother of God because people were afraid of the Jewish leaders.

During this period of time, it is a great challenge for us to face this crisis. We do not always understand God’s will and it becomes difficult to choose to trust that He knows what He is doing. In such times, we would do well to look to the Cross of Christ where the Son of Man is glorified and we see the will of God made manifest.

During this Holy Week, gazing in wonder upon the Crucified Lord, we see the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. He extends His arms on the Cross to embrace us and He bends His head low to receive us with the kiss of reconciliation. Sparing nothing for our salvation, He gave His own life so that we might live.

Through the strength and power of His love, He has forever destroyed the power of sin and death for all who trust in His mercy and love. When we look upon the pierced side of Christ, we learn most clearly that “the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them” because nothing can keep us from the love of Christ Jesus (Wisdom 3:1).

Here we are at the Holy Week, a time when we focus our attention on Jesus’ suffering and death. With confidence in the grace and mercy of Christ, that we lovingly entrust our struggles, our crisis, our sadness etc. to him, to the one who died for us, who said, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me” (John 12:26).

As the events of Holy Week are sent in motion, allow God to broaden your vision. Let Him show you how big His plan is, how wide and broad is His desire to save everyone – and save them completely. Let Him make that transformation a reality in your own life, even though we cannot gather together to celebrate the Holy Triduum and His resurrection in the Church.

Don’t worry, at the time of Jesus’ Resurrection, there was only Mary Magdalene who recognized Him outside of the tomb when He called her name. And Jesus asked her to spread the words of His rising to His disciples and to all. Let us spread the words of Jesus’ Resurrection to all, wherever it maybe, especially during this time of crisis.

Let us say, “Alleluia, Alleluia, Jesus Christ is truly risen from the death, Alleluia!”

May the Risen Lord bless you always!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor