The Saturday evening vigil Mass at Church of the Presentation will begin on August 9. Because the seating capacity there with social distancing regulations is much larger than that of Saint Anthony Church, parishioners preferring an afternoon vigil Mass are encouraged to consider that option. However, reservations will be necessary to ensure everyone can be accommodated. Masks need to be worn and anyone with preexisting conditions is cautioned to come at their own risk since the pandemic continues. That is why the obligation to attend continues to be suspended by Bishop Tobin.
Complaints have been received because of violations to social distancing at Saint Anthony Church. Unfortunately, zeal to give everyone a seat at Mass has trumped safety concerns on occasion with some parishioners put at risk when seated too close to others who are not related. Patience is required on the part of everyone during these times. Early arrival is necessary for those making a reservation since it is impossible to regulate those who come without first calling ahead. Of course, no one is obliged to take a seat where one does not feel safe. We sincerely apologize to anyone who has been offended.
If you would like to attend the 10 am Sunday Mass at the Church of the Presentation or the 11:30 am Mass at St. Anthony Church, please call the parish office Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 AM through 4PM. at 353-3120 or 722-7140 to attend either the 10AM Mass at Presentation Church or the 11:30 AM Mass at Saint Anthony Church.
Reservations are necessary as seating is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Please see the below entitled "Sunday Mass Update - 06/14/2020" for additional information.
In regards to the 11:30 am Mass at St. Anthony Church, once capacity has been reached inside the church, you can choose to watch the Mass on a live stream at the Parish Center and then receive Holy Communion immediately after Mass.
The celebration of public masses has recently begun on Sundays only at Saint Anthony and Presentation Churches. Mass attendance is still optional because of the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are inclined to return, please note that reservations will be required because seating is limited because of restrictions imposed by the government.
Please call the parish office Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 AM through 4PM.
at 353-3120 or 722-7140 to attend either the 10AM Mass at Presentation Church or the 11:30 AM Mass at Saint Anthony Church.
Reservations are not required for the Sunday 9 AM English Mass at Saint Edward Church (or the Spanish Masses on Saturday at 6PM and Sunday at 11:30 AM).
Please wear protective masks and bring hand sanitizer. Families can sit together and everyone will be escorted to a pew. Cry rooms are closed. Baskets are at the church entrances for deposit of financial support offerings.
As conditions change other Mass times will be added and everyone will be notified by phone in advance. Please provide a correct phone number to be notified.
A live transmission of 11:30 Mass can viewed as well as a link to watch a previous Mass on the church website: saintanthonychurch.org
Your cooperation is always appreciated.
This weekend marks the restoration of public masses in all three parishes. This plan was carefully enacted according to the policy established by the Diocese of Providence in compliance with directives from the CDC. Parishes through the country are similarly taking such precautions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mass attendance is still optional until further notice as decreed by Bishop Tobin. For those who are without health issues and are willing to take the risk until a vaccine is developed, limited seating will be available as long as a reservation is made by calling the principle business phone number of Saint Anthony Church at 353-3120. The new capacity for Saint Anthony Church is 100 seats and Mass time is Sundays at 11:30 AM; for Church of the Presentation 125 seats are available and the Mass time also Sundays at 10:00 AM; for Saint Edward Church the capacity is 75 seats and the Mass time is Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Phone reservations are necessary for both St. Anthony and Presentation Churches. Since the typical St. Edward English Mass attendance has been around 30 persons, more can be accommodated if reservations are made on the St. Edward Website. Church doors will be open 30 minutes before Mass begins and those making reservations need to be present 15 minutes in advance. It is advised that protective masks are worn during Mass and can be removed to take Holy Communion only. Please bring hand sanitizer although there will be stations at the church entrances. Communicants will be able to enter the churches through the main entrance only and will be escorted to seating designated by social distancing beginning with those closest to the sanctuary and proceeding to the rear of the church. Families will be seated together. But cry rooms are closed and in fairness to all no special seat locations can be honored. Social distancing will be followed for distribution of Holy Communion and exiting Mass will be through the side entrances.
There will be no offertory collection or gift procession. Church support envelopes can be placed in receptacles when entering the church. Please understand that other weekend Mass times as well as daily Mass will be added over the course of the summer as mandatory sanitization procedures are put in place. This is a learning experience for all so patience is appreciated.
Please note that a live transmission of the 11:30 Mass is planned which can be accessed on the church website for those choosing to remain at home, when the necessary equipment is in place. Very soon there will be a live radio broadcast of that Mass for people who choose to remain in their cars in the parking lot with the option of receiving communion when the Mass is ended. Directions will be given when ready. Thanks again for your cooperation.
Rev. Edward S. Cardente
Pastor