Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults classes begin October 24th
What is RCIA?
The RCIA is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass.
RCIA claasses are open to adults who are intersted in learning more about the Catholic Faith and Confirmed Catholics who want to learn more about their faith. 
Our Journey of Faith begins October 24th!
RCIA Meets Sundays at Noon at Sacred Heart of Mary!
Call (269) 782-8048 for more information!
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Diocesan Year of the Holy Spirit
Bishop Bradley has called our entire Diocese to observe a  “Jubilee Year of the Holy Spirit” 
The purpose of this special Year is to prayerfully beseech the Holy Spirit to pour out His abundant, powerful Gifts upon our Diocese, all our parishes, and on each member of the Clergy and Faithful.  Strengthened by the most Holy Eucharist, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we fervently pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire and enflame all of us with the “Fire of His Love”.   We also pray that all of us will demonstrate a readiness and enthusiasm to do what Jesus asks of us: to love God and Neighbor in word, in deed and in fact.  Then, mindful of the Mission Jesus gave to His Apostles and to the Church, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, that we will renew our commitment to be courageous and joyful witnesses to Jesus and His Church in the world, with the Goal of strengthening our own Faith, and of sharing our Faith with others. 
Click here for more information and additional resources
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UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR WORSHIP AND PARISH ACTIVITIES
Effective June 5, 2021
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KALAMAZOO 1 GUIDELINES for Public Worship and Parish Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
June 6, 2021 Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, We are called to care for and love each other, in particular the most vulnerable among us. Throughout this pandemic our primary concern has been for the physical and spiritual well-being of all our sisters and brothers in Christ. We are mindful of those in our care who remain in the vulnerable and immune-compromised categories. With that as our basic premise, we need to adjust and modify some of our current practices so that all members of the Body of Christ feel welcome at the Mass and participate in other Parish events. To allow sufficient time to prepare ourselves, these Revised Guidelines will be effective next weekend, June 5-6, 2021, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. We should remember we have not yet fully emerged from the pandemic and the need for vigilance still exists. Our safety and health practices such as washing hands, staying home when sick, and social distancing when appropriate remain important. Let us continue to remember in prayer all those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 as well as their family and friends impacted by their loss. Let us as well be unceasing in our prayers and petitions to God for an end to this pandemic. My hope and prayer for all of us now is that, despite the traumatic experience we have all endured throughout this past year, we will allow the Holy Spirit, Who filled the hearts of the Apostles on the first Pentecost and turned them into “fearless witnesses”, to fill our hearts as well. May Pentecost 2021 be a time when each of us will personally invite the Holy Spirit to renew, empower, and embolden us to be joyful disciples and effective witnesses to the Risen and Ascended Jesus in our lives. [Letter to the Faithful, Pentecost 2021] Assuring you of my heartfelt prayers for you, and asking that we always pray for one another, I remain Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley Bishop of Kalamazoo Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 2 Keeping Holy the Lord’s Day The General Dispensation was lifted on May 22/23, 2021 on the Feast of Pentecost. Bishop Bradley issued a Letter to the Faithful.
  What has changed: • Masks are optional for those who are vaccinated [see details under Section I: General Notes]. • Capacity restrictions are lifted; however, a section must be designated that requires masks and social distancing for those who feel more comfortable continuing those practices • The addition of Altar Servers is allowed during the liturgy • Choirs may resume if space allows for social distancing • Bulletin distribution may resume • Hymnals may return to the pews for use • Indoor and outdoor Parish activities may resume in adherence to current State guidelines What remains the same: • Clergy and anyone assisting with Holy Communion are to be masked during the distribution of Holy Communion • Enclosed Confessionals may only be used if proper ventilation is possible • Cry rooms and nurseries remain closed • Cleaning and safety protocols (hand washing/sanitizing) must be followed • Indoor and outdoor gatherings are subject to the capacity limits set by the State (MDHHS). Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 3
SECTION I: Liturgy and Worship Guidelines GENERAL NOTES: Mask wearing On Friday, May 14, 2021, the MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) updated its Gatherings and Mask Order to align with CDC guidelines which state: "fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance." In light of this development, and taking into account the growing numbers of people becoming fully vaccinated and/or having the access to vaccinations; the following changes to liturgical worship at parish churches and chapels within the Diocese of Kalamazoo are effective immediately: • The Faithful are not required to wear masks during outdoor Masses; social distancing is still advised, with the exception of households. • Mask wearing is optional for members of the Faithful who are vaccinated. However, members of the Faithful that are unvaccinated are asked to continue to wear their masks, for their own protection, as well as the protection of others. o NOTE: Please communicate this pastorally, with the understanding that some members of the Faithful will also want to continue wearing a mask even if they do fall into exempt categories. • Anyone assisting with Holy Communion must also wear a mask. • Ushers and parish staff are NOT to ask any parishioner and/or attendee what their vaccination status is. • Parish staff offices should continue to follow the guidance and rules of MIOSHA. Capacity Capacity restrictions are lifted. However, every parish church or chapel must maintain a section or area of the church that retains current social distancing and mask requirements for those who feel more comfortable continuing these practices. NOTE: these are not to be labeled/designated/or referred to as “vaccinated and unvaccinated areas”, but are open to all the Faithful who choose per their own comfort levels. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 4 Overflow Plan There must be a plan in place to provide for people who want to come to Mass when the capacity in the main Church has been reached. There should be a designated area in another part of the parish grounds to provide for those in the “overflow” category, as long as they can participate in the Mass virtually through live-streaming or simulcast.
CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MASS • Holy Water fonts may be refilled, but should be emptied and replenished weekly. • Hymnals may be returned to the pews. • A stand may be placed at the chair, or even on the Altar, to hold the Missal for the presidential prayers instead of having a deacon hold the Missal. • A separate Chalice is to be provided for the celebrant and each concelebrant, as well as the deacon, as appropriate. • Alternatively, the priests may receive from the Chalice through self-intinction. • No one else should receive from the Chalice. • The last priest or deacon receiving from the Chalice should be the one responsible for purifying it. • Small tables for an ablution cup with water, a purificator, and a dish with bleach or other disinfectant wipe are to be placed at the station(s) for the distribution of Holy Communion. • The entrance, offertory, and recessional processions may be allowed, with adherence to social distancing. • The gifts of Bread and Wine should continue to be kept from public areas until brought up in the procession, and should be covered when brought forward. • Monetary offerings may be received from the pews through use of the long handled baskets, placed in secure receptacles, or in carefully supervised baskets placed in designated spaces in the Church. • The Lavabo should be done without assistance at the credence table. • The hosts to be consecrated for the Faithful should be placed in a Ciborium on a Corporal toward the side of the Altar. This allows the priest to pronounce the Words of Consecration directly over the host he will consume, with the other hosts not directly in front of him, as he prays the Eucharistic Prayer. • During the elevation of the Sacred Species concluding the Eucharistic Prayer, if there is a deacon present, he may stand alongside the priest and elevate the Chalice. Since this action is brief, a 6-foot-distance is not required. • Holding hands during the Our Father is suspended. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 5 • The Sign of Peace continues to be a non-contact gesture or nod. All vessels are to be thoroughly purified by a priest or deacon, then cleaned with soap and hot water after every Mass. Reception of Holy Communion The Faithful may receive Holy Communion, either on the tongue or in the hand. Distribution of the Precious Blood to the Faithful, even by means of intinction, remains suspended at this time. Distribution of Holy Communion In Masses with a reasonable number of people, Holy Communion should be distributed only by the priest(s) and deacon(s). Holy Communion may not be distributed with gloves, nor may it be received in the hand if someone is wearing a glove. Instead, proper and diligent hand hygiene should be observed before and after distributing and/or receiving Holy Communion. Every effort should be made to provide a stand with a corporal and hand sanitizer at the place of distribution of Holy Communion. The minister should take special care not to touch the Faithful in any way (hand, tongue, etc.). Priests and deacons (and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion [EMHC] as needed, see Special Note, below), who make physical contact with a communicant’s tongue, are to place the ciborium on the nearby table, then purify their fingers in the ablution cup and dry them on the purificator, to ensure that no particles of the Blessed Sacrament remain on their fingers. They are then to clean the same fingers on the bleach or disinfectant wipe provided, and to continue distributing. As an alternative, a purificator soaked in a 60% alcohol solution could be used after distributing to those receiving on the tongue. Special provisions (such as those in need of low-gluten hosts, those unable to receive even lowgluten hosts, and Holy Communion to the homebound) should receive particular consideration from pastors. If the celebrant of the Mass is in a higher-risk group, a different priest or deacon, (or EMHC if no other clergy are available) may distribute Holy Communion. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 6 Liturgical and Support Roles  Please continue to ensure that greeters and ushers are trained in new procedures. Their role is not to police guidelines.  Use of liturgical ministers may resume.  Readers may assist with the first and second readings, as well as the Prayers of the Faithful.  A Pastor may choose to have up to three (maximum) altar servers to assist who must adhere to proper guidelines regarding wearing a mask and social distancing.  Safety precautions (e.g. gloves, masks, etc.) are to be followed for ushers, counters, and others.  Small choirs may be used, provided there is the necessary space to social distance. Otherwise, one musician and one cantor remain options.  Plans must be in place for cleaning crews that are sanitizing the church and surrounding areas each week. This is a critically important function that must continue diligently.
SPECIAL NOTE ON EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION [EMHC]: Normally, it is the responsibility of the priest to bring the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, but also Penance and Anointing of the Sick, to the Faithful who are ill or homebound. Deacons also have the duty of bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound, if the priest is unable. In the event that they are unable to do so, and if there is a special need and the homebound parishioner has requested it, an EMHC may take Holy Communion to homebound parishioners at the pastor’s direction for specific cases. The EMHC must have contact with the homebound parishioner, and adhere to the parishioner’s requirements for coming into their home. This option should only be employed in the case that the priest or deacon is unable to do so. EMHC’s must adhere to the proper safety protocols (e.g. must wear mask and properly distribute the Holy Eucharist)
. CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms Baptisms are permitted. Water for Baptism is to be changed and blessed before each Baptism. As always, blessed water should be properly disposed of in the sacrarium or appropriately in the ground. Baptisms held outside the celebration of the Mass should also adhere to capacity limitations and social distancing. Immersion can be used if there is only one person to be baptized. If there are two or more children or adults to be baptized, then baptism by infusion (water poured over the forehead of the one to be baptized) should be used. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 7 It is important that, once a Baptism has occurred, the same water is not used for the next person. There are several ways this may be done. After the Water is blessed in the usual way: a) a pitcher may be used to take the Holy Water from the font, and then the pitcher or baptismal shell or another appropriate vessel may be used to pour the water over the forehead; b) multiple bowls may be filled with water from the font for each person to be baptized; or c) a basin may be placed just below the font; the water taken from the font used to baptize the person over the basin. Confession More scheduled opportunities for individual Confessions are to be made available to the Faithful. Enclosed confessionals may be used at this time only if proper ventilation can be achieved. If not, alternate areas should also be provided in a more open environment; confidentiality and protection of the Seal of Confession are of utmost importance. Confessional screens should be used, both to protect the penitent’s right to anonymity, and as a barrier. Pastors may offer to hear Confessions outside, or while the penitent is in a vehicle. This may occur only if the Seal of Confession and all other necessary requirements are vigorously observed. Priests should find ways to visit the homes of the sick and homebound, and to offer the Sacrament of Penance in a way that preserves sacramental integrity, either inside or outside. Anointing and Care of the Sick Priests and deacons are strongly encouraged to ensure that the sick and homebound are able to receive the Sacraments, following the necessary protocols. The Faithful who are ill should be tended with spiritual sustenance in their time of need. Every effort to bring spiritual comfort to them should be made. The care of the dying must be a top priority, and Holy Viaticum and the Anointing of the Sick are not to be delayed when needed. Access to healthcare institutions should be pre-arranged in case of an emergency. All precautions and protocols mandated by healthcare institutions are to be strictly followed. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 8 Wedding Masses Wedding Masses are permitted, with adherence to all safety and health protocols and capacity guidelines. [SPECIAL NOTE: Michigan State law requires that a marriage license from the County be obtained and submitted to the officiant prior to the wedding. Clergy may not officiate at a wedding without it, and most Counties within the State have an online process for obtaining them.] Funeral Mass of Christian Burial Mass of Christian Burials and on-site Visitations are permitted, with adherence to all safety and health protocols and capacity guidelines.
[FOR WEDDING RECEPTIONS/FUNERAL LUNCHEONS GUIDELINES SEE SECTION II] Eucharistic Adoration Eucharistic Adoration, and Perpetual Adoration in particular, are to continue uninterrupted; Parish churches should be available for private prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist. SECTION II: Guidelines for Conducting Non-Worship Programs at the Parish Non-worship program at the Parish may resume. NOTE: All indoor and outdoor gatherings, events and programs must adhere to the current State MDHHS orders (e.g. capacity regulations) – visit: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/ For future planning it is advised to have a contingency plan, in particular for the use of indoor facilities, as State orders may change.
SECTION III: Communication Parish printed bulletin distribution may resume. It is recommended that Parishes continue to offer the live streaming of the Mass (at minimum at least one Sunday Mass). Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 9 SECTION IV: Safety and Hygiene Protocols Diligent attention to all safety and hygiene protocols must continue. It is vitally important to continue to practice all those outlined below for all onsite activities at the Parish including worship, events and meetings. Hand Washing: Clergy, and others who assist, are to wash their hands before and after set-up for Mass, as well as after Mass and clean up. Any and all vessels used at Mass must be cleaned with soap and hot water. Hand sanitizer is to be available in the sanctuary as needed during a liturgy. If possible, hand sanitizer should also be placed near the entrances of the church for the Faithful. Invite the Faithful to bring their own supply of hand sanitizer to use before Holy Communion. Gloves Disposable gloves are to be available for sacristans, those preparing, and those cleaning the areas to be used. Instructions for the proper removal of the gloves after each use are to be given/posted. Masks See Section I; General Notes Cleaning and Disinfecting NOTE: The following Addendum was released April 9, 2021: With the release of the new guidance from the CDC on Cleaning and Disinfecting your facility the Diocese of Kalamazoo is adjusting its requirement that all the pews and common areas be disinfected after each Mass. The new recommendations state that cleaning pews once a day with soap and water should be sufficient. The CDC has recommendations on creating a plan for your cleaning as well as some recommendations on more thorough cleaning for certain circumstances (such as events which include high vulnerable populations and if there are a large number of maskless people in and out of your facility). Please read through the recommendations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfectingbuilding-facility.html. REQUIREMENT: Parishes must continue to adhere to the procedures required to be in place since May 2020 and maintain the required staffing (volunteers) in order to successfully ensure these sanitizing and cleaning measures are in place for public worship. Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo 10 To help stop the spread of the virus, effective cleaning and disinfecting is essential. It is very important to be able to know the distinction between these two practices. It is also advisable to ensure that the products being used are effective in disinfecting as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency. Consider propping open all necessary doors to minimize touching of doors. Once a day items used by the public should be disinfected (e.g. door handles, restrooms, push plates, knobs, handrails, etc.). Pews and chairs should also be disinfected. If Parishes do not have available maintenance staff for this level of cleaning, healthy Parishioners are to be asked to help with this task after Mass.
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May 16, 2021 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
            May the grace and peace of God our Father, the Joy of the Risen and Ascended Lord, and the power of the Holy Spirit be with you!
            On this beautiful Solemnity of the Ascension, as we remember the “Great Commission Jesus gave to His Apostles, and to all of us: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15), I write to you with a hope-filled message, announcing another step forward in the midst of this unprecedented and long-standing worldwide battle with COVID-19. 
            As you well remember, after we, and much of the world, were completely restricted to our homes for the better part of three months early in 2020, it was on the Solemnity of Pentecost in 2020 when we were able to return to the public celebration of the Mass.  Throughout those months, and since Pentecost of 2020, there has been in place a “General Dispensation” from the obligation to attend Mass in person for all the Faithful of our Diocese.  We are now at another very important step forward in this ongoing battle; it is time for us to reignite our devotion, and see the practice of our Faith as a high priority in our spiritual lives.
            While we all realize that the pandemic is by no means over, we all need to, and long for, a return to the celebration of Mass and the ability to receive the Sacraments.  Since we are returning to some level of normalcy in many aspects of our lives, regarding both our employment lives and social events, we must also do so in regard to the most important part of our lives: the practice of our Faith. More and more people in Southwest Michigan have been fully vaccinated, and the numbers of people becoming fully vaccinated continues to grow.  I have received both my vaccinations, and I hope that all people will consider taking advantage of this important way to protect themselves, as well as to help ensure the health and well-being of others around us.  May this vaccine contribute to the successful eradication of this coronavirus.
            In light of those positive realities, it is time to remove the “General Dispensation” from the obligation to come to Mass each week.  This will take effect on the Solemnity of Pentecost, one week from today, on the weekend of May 22-23, 2021.  At that time, the normal expectations regarding the practice of our Faith will once again be in effect, which includes the obligation to participate, in-person, in the celebration of Holy Mass each weekend for all who are able to do so.  A person who is able to do so, but chooses not to come to Mass, is guilty of a mortal sin, in light of the grave responsibility that each person has to “keep Holy the Lord’s Day” by coming to Mass each Sunday.  Of course, if a person is unable to do so, due to sickness or other serious risks or concerns, the obligation does not apply; that person is dispensed by virtue of his or her particular circumstances.
            All parishes within the Diocese of Kalamazoo will continue to observe the “Guidelines for Return to Public Mass”, and we will still follow all safety protocols, including social distancing and the wearing of masks as outlined by health authorities. These Guidelines will be modified as needed, and as circumstances change in the future.
            My hope and prayer for all of us now is that, despite the traumatic experience we have all endured throughout this past year, we will allow the Holy Spirit, Who filled the hearts of the Apostles on the first Pentecost and turned them into “fearless witnesses”, to fill our hearts as well.  May Pentecost 2021 be a time when each of us will personally invite the
Holy Spirit to renew, empower, and embolden us to be joyful disciples and effective witnesses to the Risen and Ascended Jesus in our lives. 
            Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of the Church, and St. Joseph, the Protector of the Holy Family, may we be strengthened in our Faith in God, renewed in our Hope for what God wills for us in our Future, and determined to Love God and one another as Jesus loves us all.
            Assuring you of my heartfelt prayers for you, and asking that we always pray for one another, I remain                

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Bishop of Kalamazoo