Saint Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church

Reopening Our Parish

Dear Friends,

General Reminder:

• When inside or outside the Church, EVERYONE MUST ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES. 

Outside the Church:

• The Mass audio will be played through the exterior speakers of the church. You can sit anywhere within 100 feet of the church and still clearly hear the Mass, so feel free to bring some lawn chairs and celebrate Mass outside.
• The Mass audio will also be broadcast around the church on 105.1 FM. 
  • The reception in the parking lot is good overall, but there are spots where it is not. Test your reception as you find your parking space. We ask that the front parking spaces be reserved for those who are attending Mass from their car.
• After distributing communion to those inside, Father will go outside near the main entrance of the church to distribute communion to all who attend the Mass outside.

Inside the Church:

• Risk Management for the Diocese of Arlington has informed us that FACE COVERINGS ARE STRICTLY REQUIRED INSIDE THE CHURCH. The only exception is for very small children. If possible, please bring your own mask. If for some reason you come without a mask we may be able to provide one for you. Some of our generous parishioners have made and donated extra masks, you are welcome to take one as long as supplies last. 
• A map is provided with the location of your reserved seats. If this is confusing, ushers will help you find your place. 
• The flow of the Mass will be normal. You will go to communion as usual, but social distancing must be kept in mind at all times. Markings are placed on the floor to help you keep socially distant. Even those who are not receiving communion are asked to exit the pew and follow the path of the communicants in order to avoid having to be stepped-over by others returning from communion. 
• During the dismissal from Mass, ushers will dismiss the back rows first in order to allow everyone to safely exit the church.  
  • You can also exit the side doors in the Church. They will be open at all times during and after Mass.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

Please remember the bishop has dispensed the faithful from their obligation to attend Mass, and that dispensation will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.  That means absolutely no one HAS to attend Mass.  

 

Please read the attached Guidelines, especially the Guide for the Lay Faithful!! 

 All questions, concerns, suggestions are welcome.

Your Servant in Christ,

Fr. Staples

DONATIONS NEEDED How you can help our parish remain open for Mass
during Covid -19.

CRITICAL ITEM NEEDED
Clorox Non Bleach Wipes (Clorox brand only)

These scarce items are needed to keep our building safe.
Donations accepted in the box below the water fountains.

“Great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Jesus spoke these
words to a Canaanite (i.e. Gentile) woman who implored His help on behalf
of her daughter who was “tormented by a demon.” This encounter ended
well—the woman’s daughter was healed; however, it did not begin well.
This woman of great faith had to battle her way through great opposition
before she reached her happy end. Consider her plight:
1) She made her plea: “Have pity on me, Lord!” Jesus seems to ignore her.
2)Jesus’ disciples asked Him to “send her away.” Public opinion was: she is
just being a nuisance; She is a gentile, not worthy to speak to Jesus.
3)Despite this, she was not discouraged. She persisted, “Lord, help me.”
4)Jesus then apparently closed the proverbial door in her face: “I was sent
only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. . .. It is not right to take the
food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” In other words, “I am not here to help you, you are not
worthy of my help, go away!”
5) Then comes the priceless response which won Jesus’ praise, brought healing to her daughter, and
unequivocally proved the “great faith” of this Canaanite woman: “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat
the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Note, she does not deny her unworthiness, she
does not take offense, but continues to appeal to the mercy of her “master” for help.. .. Continue reading by clicking here.