FACE MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL PEOPLE GATHERED IN CHURCHES

Effective Immediately

Updated June 29th, 2020 at 2:00 PM

For some time people have been asking whether face masks are required for services at St. Mary’s Cathedral. We have strongly advised people, for the common good and the safety of all, to wear face masks or some form of face covering over the nose and mouth.

Today we received notice that face masks are required for all people attending church services, beginning immediately.

In cooperation with the governor’s office, and with the Oregon Health Authority, the Archdiocese of Portland has remained in strict compliance with the guidelines issued by these civil and health authorities. On Friday, June 26, we received a definitive answer to our inquiry whether masks are required for counties in both Phase I and Phase 2 of reopening in Oregon. The answer is yes.

Those excepted from wearing masks are those who perform “activity that makes wearing a mask . . . not feasible, like the presider (throughout Mass), and lectors and cantors (while reading and singing). Exceptions are also made for people with disabilities and children 12 and under. Children 2 and under should not wear masks.

By archdiocesan requirement, masks must still be worn by ministers when distributing Holy Communion.

At this point, people attending cathedral must bring their own mask. We hope to have additional masks at the door by next week. Let’s do our best to be in compliance of these common sense measures. Thank you!

Msgr. Patrick S. Brennan

Pastor

Mass Registration

Because of this limited number, it will be necessary to sign up in order to attend a particular Mass. Click here to reserve your place. You will be asked to indicate whether you wish to attend Mass, how many in your party, and which Mass you would like to attend. Please remember that you need not attend Mass on the weekend (Archbishop Sample’s dispensation remains in place, and he will continue his livestream of the Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Mass). What is important is to participate at Mass at some time during the week, whether on a weekday or a Sunday. The parish staff will do its best to honor requests for a particular Mass, and someone will contact you by phone or email to confirm your reservation.

Updated May 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s Cathedral,

As you know, Archbishop Sample has authorized the reopening of our churches on a limited basis starting this weekend, May 9 and 10. In order to reopen, a parish must meet all of the requirements established by the archdiocese and by the state of Oregon to ensure the safety of all participants as well as the church’s ministers.

In my last “blast” email I said that St. Mary’s Cathedral is not able to open its doors this weekend, but we are hoping to be ready by next weekend, May 16 and 17. After discussing this with our staff, I am happy to announce that our parish is now ready to begin a limited public celebration of Mass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 a.m., followed by weekend Masses at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. Masses will continue each weekday at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

When I say “a limited public celebration,” I mean only 25 people may be present in the church, and this includes the priest and any ministers.

Because of this limited number, it will be necessary to sign up in order to attend a particular Mass. Click here to reserve your place. You will be asked to indicate whether you wish to attend Mass, how many in your party, and which Mass you would like to attend. Please remember that you need not attend Mass on the weekend (Archbishop Sample’s dispensation remains in place, and he will continue his livestream of the Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Mass). What is important is to participate at Mass at some time during the week, whether on a weekday or a Sunday. The parish staff will do its best to honor requests for a particular Mass, and someone will contact you by phone or email to confirm your reservation.

We must remind everyone once again that anyone who is at risk because of an underlying health issue or who is 65 or older is strongly encouraged to avoid the risk of attending public Mass.

For those without email, a post card is being sent by mail with the request that you call the parish office to indicate your preferences. We want to make sure that all parishioners have an equal opportunity to attend Mass. One can also pull up the parish website to request a Mass time.

Two Masses will be celebrated each week day, starting on May 18, at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Call the parish office if you wish a Mass intention. Please see below for Confession times.

Further instructions will be given at Mass. Masks are not required, but you might feel the need to wear one. The church will be clearly marked with respect to physical distancing. It may take a few weeks to have everything running smoothly, but this is a small price to pay for such a gift as the Eucharist. I look forward to seeing as many of you who are able to attend. Many blessings, and stay well!

​Msgr. Patrick S. Brennan