COVID 19 SUPPORT

Mass Schedule:

Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m.*, 11:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m.
*9:30 a.m. will be live-streamed at facebook.com/simonandjude/live or on our YouTube Channel.
Monday - Friday: 6:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday: Confessions 8 - 9:00 a.m.,
Mass 9:00 a.m.
Confessions 4 - 5:00 p.m.,
Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (March-October)
Confessions 3 - 4:00 p.m.,
Vigil Mass 4:00 p.m. (Nov. - February)

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania have once again updated directives for Covid-19 restrictions.

July 15, 2021
STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING REINSTATING THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS

“We have all felt the impact of COVID-19 as individuals and families. It has been a time of acute hardship and struggle, of separation and isolation. . It is now time for everyone to return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy. As many aspects of life are now returning to normalcy, each Catholic Bishop in Pennsylvania will reinstate the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days beginning on Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Bishops previously jointly decided to dispense the faithful from this obligation in March of 2020 in order to provide for the common good given concerns over the developing pandemic. Now, with the impact of the pandemic considerably reduced, it is again possible for the faithful to assemble for the Eucharist. It is time to lift the dispensation from the obligation.

The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days comes from our Baptism as Christians. Baptism compels Christians to unite themselves with Christ at the altar in his saving Sacrifice of the Cross. Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2182). This is the foundation for the law of the Church that binds Catholics to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (Code of Canon Law, canon 1247) and the Christian way fully to observe the Third Commandment, to keep holy the Lord’s Day (Deuteronomy 5: 12; Exodus 31: 15; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2180-2181).

This obligation, as is always the case, does not apply to those who are seriously ill, have a serious health risk, as well as those who have serious anxiety about being a part of large groups at this time. Likewise, the obligation does not apply to those who care for those who cannot attend Mass in person (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2181). Those who are legitimately excused from Mass on Sundays and Holy Days are encouraged to spend time in prayer, meditating on the Death and Resurrection of the Lord, reading the Sacred Scriptures, and uniting themselves to Christ in his worship of the Father of us all.

Those who are legitimately excused are also encouraged to view a broadcast of the Mass which is intended for those who cannot participate in person.  Mass can be found on the parish website, Facebook and YouTube pages.

As Bishops, we welcome this moment of the reinstatement of the obligation for all Catholics in Pennsylvania. This is a moment to thank God anew for the great gift of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus to us in his Holy Body and Blood as well as the joy of gathering together as people of faith.” Most Reverend Nelson Pérez Archbishop of Philadelphia

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Experience the Joy!  Nothing Compares to Being There!

“I have greatly desired to eat this Supper with you.” cf. Luke 22:15

All of us know instinctively that nothing compares to “being there” in person. Whether it’s being at a friend’s wedding, sitting down to have a heart-to-heart conversation, comforting a family member while she is grieving or watching as your baby takes his first steps, we all know that being physically present makes all the difference. The same logic applies to our life as Catholics. Especially when it comes to the Mass, truly, nothing compares to being there.     

The Nothing Compares initiative is an opportunity for parishes to issue a heartfelt invitation to parishioners to return to the in-person celebration of the Mass after the many long months of the pandemic.  It draws upon the central truth of our Christian faith that Jesus Christ encounters and saves us in the flesh, through in-person presence. 

Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

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As of Monday, May 31, 2021, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, lifts all building sanitation, distancing and capacity restrictions for our area. We will be taking the ropes off the pews and returning chairs to the chapel the first week of June. Daily Mass will continue to be held in the church at this time.

The use of face coverings and masks has changed.  When you are at Saints Simon and Jude Church, you have the option of wearing a mask or not. According to the guidance, people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no longer need to wear masks.

The faithful continue to be dispensed by the Archbishop from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days until further notice. However, all are encouraged to return to in-person Mass, especially those who are in good health.

Additional updates will be forthcoming. 

CLICK HERE for the lastest updates from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Any questions?  Please call the Rectory Office at 610-696-3624 or email rectory@simonandjude.org.