Letter from Father Herzog - 20 May 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Resurrected Lord Jesus,
We have been publicly celebrating Mass at Little Flower since Monday, May18th.
As we approach the weekend, I thought as few words or reminders might be in order.
We would ask that you enter the Church through the doors on Arch Terrace or Boland Place, picking up a worship program that will have the day’s Readings, Acclamations, Responses and music that fit on the page (hymnals have been temporarily removed by mandate)
When entering or leaving the Church or moving within the Church, (like going to Holy Communion) we need to wear our masks. When approaching the minister for Holy Communion the mask needs to be worn and then pulled down for the actual reception and then restored.
Wearing the mask while in the pew is optional.
Please be aware of social distancing (6 feet) in selecting where you sit and while processing for the reception of Holy Communion.
There are a few other changes too. There is no offertory procession; collection; sign of peace; or cup.
We ask that contributions normally taken up at the Offertory would be put in the Collection Basket that will be placed at the School Door.
We ask that the Faithful all exit through the School Door. The School Door is also the accessible door for those need it entering or exiting.
When exiting the Church please place the worship program in the designated recycle receptacle.
Know that our Church will be sanitized between the Masses which may mean you may be asked to wait outside until the precautions have been completed.
Mass on Monday, Memorial Day will be at 9:00 a.m.
I think this sums up all that I need to say. We are trying our best to comply with the authorities and yet try to keep our identity (which can be most difficult).
In God’s service,
Fr. Lawrence Herzog
Letter from Father Herzog - 15 May 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ,
As I hope you have heard, we will be permitted to commence with the Public Celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
So, on Monday, May 18th, our “normal” Liturgical schedule will resume with the 7:00 a.m. Mass.
We are making no signs, roping off or other special demarcations in our Church.
Life for us will go on as it was before with the exception of SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Please respect the idea of being 6 feet apart from the next person. This does not apply to a family.
We do need to use facial masks as presented in the protocols by the Archdiocese.
This is my letter to you and I wanted you to know “the bottom line” of our liturgical celebrations.
We will email the documents that have been sent to us so if you want more information it is available.
When you come to Church there may be a few things that are a little different but nothing that will be too radical.
While I might not be able to shake your hand or give you an embrace it will be so wonderful to pray with you and give you “The Bread of Life”.
In God’s Service,
Fr. Larry Herzog
Letter from Father Herzog - 06 May 2020
Good Morning My Dear Parishioners, Brother and Sisters in the Lord and All,
While I feel an obligation to write a message to you conveying the love, affection and dedication of the “Good Shepherd” I also want to communicate with you. These weeks have been so difficult having to do without your presence. We all try to do the best we can, adjusting to what we can, accepting to what we can and just putting up with the rest. We need to rely on that inner most instinct, trust and love that our Faith affords us to carry on.
We are making arrangements to carry on the live streaming of Masses. When this is over, we are planning to live stream the daily Masses in the Chapel and the Masses in the Church. It is a way to keep our home bound Parishioners in touch and (experience as much as possible) the pulse of the Parish. After all, the Eucharist is the Heart of the Parish.
For those of you who have not been by the Parish Plant, Ameren has been doing some construction work. They are putting the power lines underground. There are a number of reasons for this but one is for the safety of our children.
I am sorry to have to tell you that Kathryn “Caddy” Kilker, Jane McCabe’s Mother passed away. Jane would frequently bring her Mother to our 5:00 p.m. Mass. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Also, Barbara Schlanger has left the position she had with us collecting tuition due to personal reasons. So, if you have any questions, problems are concerns you might want to call Lisa at the School Office or Fr. Herzog.
Again, I am and the rest of the Parish, are most grateful to those who are able to continue to support our endeavors as a Parish and School. These times are tough; thank you for being tougher!
In God’s service,
Fr. Larry Herzog