A Message from Our Pastor

June 9, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

Gather & Rejoice Together in Christ! Bishop Kevin Vann has declared this June 12^th and 13^th as a historic weekend for all Diocese of Orange parishes. It is now time to start attending Mass in person, receive the sacraments, and offer praise to God together after months of pandemic isolation. Join us and receive spiritual nourishment and strength through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to fully welcome all parishioners back to Church, we take this opportunity to offer some reminders and also to present some developments. Please note the following:

• Bishop Vann is discontinuing the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass effective June 12^th. Livestream Masses will be discontinued (except for the sick and homebound) and no longer be an acceptable way to fulfill your obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
• Our Church will once again be open from 1:30-4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday, for personal prayer beginning June 14^th.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Church will be on Thursdays from 9am-3pm, and on First Fridays for 12 hours, 9am-9pm. Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life as well as for the sanctification of the people of our Diocese.
• Masks are now optional.
• Food and drink will now be allowed at all parish events, including ministry meetings. In addition, St. Mary’s by the Sea will once again be serving coffee and donuts after Sunday Masses beginning on our country’s Independence Day, July 4^th.

So to our parishioners, I join with Bishop Vann and all priests in the Orange Diocese as we say “Welcome Back!”  I look forward to reconnecting with all of you as we begin our return to normalcy.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor