There has been some erroneous reporting regarding a document about the Eucharist being discussed at the June meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Here is a statement from Bishop Lucia addressing the issue.

On June 15, COVID-19 restrictions were lifted throughout New York State. Bishop Lucia therefore wishes to inform you that most restrictions placed on houses of worship in the Diocese of Syracuse are now lifted.

Of particular importance, please note the following:

• Masks for those who are fully vaccinated continue to be optional. Parishioners are not to be asked their vaccination status or for proof of vaccination. NYS and CDC regulations continue to maintain the wearing of masks, social distancing practices, etc. for some individuals in certain circumstances: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.

• There are no social distancing requirements, although we recommend that there still be space allotted in the church for those who wish to remain distanced

• There are no capacity restrictions and no gathering limits, except at indoor venues that hold more than 5,000.

• Holy Communion will continue to be distributed under the form of bread only. There are to be no common or shared Communion chalices. At concelebrated Masses, the manner of reception by the priest continues to be by intinction.

• All Communion vessels should be properly cleaned after Mass with hot, soapy water (after being purified according to the rubrics).

• The Sign of Peace is optional and there still should be no physical contact.

• Holy Water fonts may be filled; however, we encourage you to change the water and clean the fonts on a weekly basis.

• Although frequent sanitation is no longer required, the practice of sanitizing once per day should be maintained.

• Hand sanitizer should continue to be available at all church entrances and in the Sanctuary where it can be easily used by celebrants, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and others serving or attending Mass.

• Festivals and other parish events may resume.

As you know, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses was lifted on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Sunday, June 6. It should be noted as well that anyone who is frail or at risk due to advanced age or medical conditions is always excused from this obligation. Caregivers, too, may have to use prudential judgment about attendance at Mass, carefully considering the risk factors involved.

You may view the Syracuse Diocese Mass online:

https://www.youtube.com/user/syrdio

Last Sunday I had the great honor, and very moving experience of being at the first Mass of one of our newly Ordained Priests:  Rev. Dennis Walker.  I taught Dennis at Bishop Ludden and still remember him as a student in my class.  It was fitting that his first Mass was on the feast of Corpus Christi.  As Deacon John reminded us in his excellent homily about the Eucharist, the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ (we refer to this Dogma as the Real Presence).  The Eucharist is the heart and soul of who we are as Catholics.  It connects us with our past, gives meaning to our present and moves us into the future.  Without the Eucharist  we have no Catholic Church.  I was reminded of this again at  Fr.. Dennis’ first Mass because without priests there simply is no Eucharist and no Catholic Church.  This year (and especially this week here at St. Francis Xavier) our Church has been praying for vocations.  While all vocations are necessary for the spiritual life and health of the Church:  deacons, consecrated men and women, married couples and lay ministers; the priesthood is necessary for the gift of the Eucharist.  Please continue to pray for ALL vocations and make a special prayer for more men to answer the call of the Holy Spirit to priesthood.

God bless you and please pray for me.

-Fr. Dan