St. Matthew Catholic Church

Greetings and God's Blessings!! (Updated 5/28/20)

The Archdiocese has stated that we may start offering mass for the congregation again beginning May 31st, with specific guidelines.

• Daily masses will not be starting at this time - only one mass offered on Sunday morning.
• NOTE: The obligation for Sunday Mass is dispensed until after July 5th.
• People who are 65 years or older and may have health issues are to PLEASE STAY HOME.
• If you are not feeling well with cold or flu symptoms, PLEASE STAY HOME.

As we adhere to Archdiocesan policies, State of Wisconsin guidelines, and my discernment for ministering to St. Matthew Parish and Shepherd of the Hills Parish, we will proceed with the following stipulations.

1.  Beginning on May 31st, we will have one mass offered and open to our parishioners (with limitations). St. Matthew will celebrate mass at 8:00AM ONLY. Attendance in the church is limited to 100 people rather than 25% of the church capacity. Mass will not be shown in the cafeteria. It will still be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If we reach capacity in the Church, we have to send people home. Since the church must be fully disinfected after, we will start with one mass. 
2. If you are willing to help disinfect the church after our celebration of mass, please contact the Parish Office and let us know your willingness to help.  
3. People attending mass should wear a mask and sit only in the open pews. We will close 3 pews between people. A family (that is those who live together) may sit together in an open pew. There will need to be 6 feet minimum distance between others attending mass. 
4. The only ministries at mass will be a musician and cantors with a minimum of 6 feet between them. There will be no sacristans, no lectors, no servers, and no communion distributors until further notice. The priest will be the only one handing out communion - unless the priest is unable to do so because of age/health - then one designated person will distribute for the priest.  
5. Because of the spreading of germs, there will be no books or cards in the pews. Prayers will be said from memory along with the songs.
6. For the collection of offerings, we will have baskets placed in the church and the ushers will carry the baskets to the sacristy after mass. There is no passing of the basket or a handled basket for the collection as we need to keep the 6 feet distance from others. Please place your monetary offering in the collection basket before mass starts.
7. It is best if ushers wear a mask and gloves.
8. Mass will only be offered at St. Matthew until further notice (chapel masses will not be offered). The only mass offered is 8:00am Sunday mornings at St. Matthew Church.

I know attending Mass is one of our most important practices for our faith but at this time we need to move forward with extreme caution. Remember, just because we can attend Mass does not mean the danger of Covid-19 is over.  Extreme caution must be followed.  I am asking for everyone's cooperation during this transition.    

Thank you and God's Blessings,

Fr. Mark

If you would like confession please contact Fr. Mark at 262-752-7646

www.archmil.org/Find-a-Mass