After almost two months of being without access to the Most Holy Eucharist, I am happy to announce that public Masses will resume at Our Lady of the Woods and St. Peter Chapel on May 16, 2020. After careful consideration, our Bishop, Bishop Michael Sheridan, has decided to again allow public Masses in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. The rationale being that as businesses in our communities begin to reopen and offer their services, it is even more important that you have the opportunity to attend Mass and receive our Lord in Holy Communion.

Public authorities have the duty and obligation to place reasonable limits on gatherings, to discourage unnecessary activities, and call for social distancing. As such, limits will be placed on how many people can attend an individual Mass, unnecessary parish activities will still be canceled, and social distancing guidelines will be strictly followed. The Sacraments are necessary, and I have made it a priority to see that all diocesan guidelines are followed for everyone’s safety so that all who are to come to Mass can do so with peace of mind. In fact, the guidelines of this parish have gone above and beyond those mandated by the Diocese.

Some guidelines used by the Diocese can be found here:
https://thomisticinstitute.org/covid-sacraments

The following need to receive special attention:
 If you are sick do not come to Mass. If you feel sick, were sick or exhibit any
symptoms of being sick I am asking you to please do not come. The general
dispensation from attending Sunday Mass is still in effect (see below for more details).
 Limited Numbers: Due to the restrictions only 20 people will be able to gather at
OLW and 10 at SPC. To accommodate, I have increased the number of Masses
throughout the week as not everyone will be able to come to Mass on Sunday. To
reserve a place at Mass please go to the link below. Mass reservation is first come first
serve and please do not attend more than one Mass to allow others to attend.
Additionally, attending multiple Masses at multiple parishes is to be discouraged at this time for the same reason. Magnanimity should be observed by all.
* To sign up visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/OLWMassSignup
* If you know someone who does not have access to the internet, please help them
sign up or invite them to call the office at (719) 687-9345.
 Masses are offered at OLW and SPC but it should be noted that the Sunday Mass
Obligation has been temporarily dispensed until these unusual times pass.
* Please note that Catholics do not commit a mortal sin by not attending Sunday
Mass when the bishop has dispensed them from the obligation to do so.
* Parishioners with greater risk are counseled to seriously consider using this
dispensation and refrain from Mass in order to promote the health and safety of
everyone.
 The Catholic Church has always taught that serious illness automatically
dispenses a Catholic from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and is a
valid reason to stay home (cf. CCC 2181).

* The Mass on Sunday will continue to be recorded and posted online for those
unable to attend.

 Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between people/families when entering the
church, sitting in the pews, coming forward for Holy Communion, and when exiting the
church.
 Please wear a mask while in the church. You will remove the mask when receiving
Holy Communion and then put it back on.
 Refrain from shaking hands or hugging. Please be respectful of others’ personal
spaces and be mindful of the best social distancing practices.
 Wash hands before and after Mass. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to the church.
 Children’s Liturgy of the Word will not be resumed until further notice.
 An offertory basket will be placed at the entrance to the sanctuary instead of the basket
being passed during Mass.
 Singing of music at Mass is discouraged at this time.