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Dear St. Anthony Community,

We are operating under a 50% capacity limitation, but depending upon seating selection, maintaining social distancing will dictate how many can actually be accommodated in the main church and Fr. Pondant Hall. 

The ushers will serve as the attendance keepers during this period of capacity restrictions. Upon entry, your temperatures will be taken with a contact free measurement device.  If an individual’s temperature is higher than 100.4º F, they will not be allowed to enter. 

Entry to the Church and hall will be through entry points indicated by the red arrows in the diagram below.

Once the church is filled, overflow will be directed to seating in

Fr. Pondant Hall.  Once capacity is reached in Fr. Pondant Hall, no others will be permitted to enter.  All Masses will continue to be streamed so those unable to attend may watch on personal computing devices.  Communion under single species will be offered in the church and Fr. Pondant Hall.  All persons receiving communion are asked to receive on the hand.  Ministers of holy communion will remind those attempting to receive on the tongue to please do so on the hand.  I realize this may upset some people, but this is a courtesy to ensure your saliva does not get transmitted to the person behind you.  Those who insist on receiving on the tongue, I ask again as a courtesy to please come at the end of the communion line.

Please know that all Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass “on Sundays and other holy days of Obligation” (canon 1247) and remain dispensed until further notice, even after public Masses begin.

I continue to ask for your patience as we do our best during these challenging times to implement responsible procedures for our public liturgies.  We will adjust these procedures as best we can in the coming weeks to accommodate all parishioners while following local and diocesan requirements and guidelines.  Given the procedures outlined above, I encourage those who choose to come to Mass to arrive at church early and follow the guidance of our ushers.  I appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we negotiate all of this together.

God’s Blessings,

Fr. Tony

____________________________________________________________________________

26 de julio de 2020

Estimada Comunidad de San Antonio,

Estamos operando bajo una limitación de capacidad del 50%, pero dependiendo de la selección de asientos, mantener el distanciamiento social determinará cuántos pueden ser realmente alojados en la iglesia principal y en el Salón Padre Pondant. 

Los ujieres servirán como guardianes de asistencia durante este período de restricciones de capacidad. Al entrar, sus temperaturas se tomarán con un dispositivo de medición sin contacto.  Si la temperatura de un individuo es superior a 100.4 o F, no se le permitirá entrar. 

La entrada a la Iglesia y a la sala serán puntos de entrada electrónica indicados por las flechas rojas en el diagrama de abajo.
 

Una vez que la iglesia esté llena, el desbordamiento se dirigirá a

el Salón Padre Pondant. Una vez que se alcance la capacidad en el Salón Padre Pondant, no se permitirá la entrada de otros. Todas las misas seguirán siendo transmitidas para que los que no puedan asistir puedan ver en dispositivos de computación personal. La comunión bajo especies individuales se ofrecerá en la iglesia y el Salón Padre Pondant. Se pide a todas las personas que reciben la comunión que reciban en la mano. Los ministros de la santa comunión recordarán a los que intentan recibir en la lengua que, por favor, lo hagan de la mano. Me doy cuenta de que esto puede molestar a algunas personas, pero esto es una cortesía para asegurar la salud de la persona detrás de usted. Los que insisten en recibir en la lengua, pido de nuevo como cortesía que, por favor, vengan al final de la línea de comunión.

Por favor, sepa que todos los católicos de la Diócesis de Dallas permanecen dispensados de la obligación de asistir a la Misa "los domingos y otros días santos de obligación" (canon 1247) y permanecen dispensados hasta nuevo aviso, incluso después de que comiencen las misas públicas.

Sigo pidiendo su paciencia, ya que hacemos todo lo posible durante estos tiempos difíciles para implementar procedimientos responsables para nuestras liturgias públicas.  Ajustaremos estos procedimientos lo mejor que podamos en las próximas semanas para acomodar a todos los feligreses mientras seguimos los requisitos y pautas locales y diocesanas.  Teniendo en cuenta lo descrito anteriormente, animo a aquellos que decidan venir a misa a llegar a la Iglesia temprano y seguir la guía de nuestros ujieres.  Agradezco su comprensión y cooperación mientras negociamos todo esto juntos.

Bendiciones de Dios,

Padre Tony

Letter from Fr. Tony - July 26, 2020 - PDF

NEWS FROM ST. ANTHONY
 

We will be practicing social distancing with no more than 50% occupancy. We encourage masks to be worn for the safety of others as well as yourself.

Practicaremos el distanciamiento social con no más del 50% de ocupación. Alentamos que se usen másca-ras para la seguridad de los demás y de usted mismo.

There will be No Wednesday 6:30 pm Mass

No habrá misa los Miércoles a las 6:30 pm.


We invite you to continue to join Fr. Tony and Fr. Alvarez for our live streaming Mass on Sundays by going to the St. Anthony website. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. (English) and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish).

Te invitamos a seguir uniéndote al Padre. Tony y el p. Alvarez visitando el sitio web de St. Anthony. La misa comenzará a las 10:30 a.m. (inglés) y a las 12:30 p.m. (español).  

Please join Deacon Hawley Monday thru Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for a daily Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. Tony 
Pax et bonum, Rev. Anthony M. Densmore Pastor St. Anthony's Catholic Church 404 N. Ballard Ave (972) 442-2765
email: frtony@me.com

Statement from Bishop Edward J. Burns Concerning Reopening of Sunday Masses

July 3, 2020

The decision to resume Sunday masses was made weeks ago well before the spike and warnings that have come as a result of the coronavirus statistics that we are seeing at this time. We continue to place the safety and well-being of our parishioners as a priority.

In heeding the messages of civic officials and medical personnel to slow down the process of re-opening, and after consultation with the diocesan priest council, I have decided to ask the individual pastors to determine for their parishes whether or not they should resume Sunday Masses at this time. We recognize that the nine counties of the Diocese of Dallas face different realities with regard to this coronavirus, and the pastors are in a better position to individually decide what is best for their parishioners and for their parish communities.

The celebrations of Sunday Mass are bound by all the requirements laid out in the Phase Three Decree released on June 17, 2020, and any obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be suspended at this time. While it is our hope that we can all be together to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we continue to pray for all of our families during these difficult days.

Thank you so much for your understanding and please continue to join us for our televised and online Masses. Your patience is greatly appreciated. Stay well, be healthy, and remain faithful.

With prayers,
Bishop Edward J. Burns

_______________________________________________


Bishop Burns made a new decree in which he gives parishes guidelines for reopening.  This will include several phases, please see below.


https://www.cathdal.org/

"Bishop Edward J. Burns - at this time, in consultation with local authorities, and out of a desire to help combat the virus and limit the flock from exposure or risk, aware that many events by their nature attract large numbers of people - I hereby decree the following:."


COVID-19
Updated: 06/17/2020

The Diocese of Dallas has released a decree outlining the way in which its 77 churches will incrementally open to welcome back the 1.3 million Catholics in the 9 counties it serves. Taking into consideration the recent guidance of civil and health authorities, and with the unanimous support of the bishop’s priest leadership council, the Diocese of Dallas will begin the process of opening in phases, allowing for the ability to re-evaluate the process as necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of the community. This process will occur in four phases, with each phase building upon the last.

June 17, 2020
DECREE_06172020.pdf
DECREE FROM THE DIOCESE OF DALLAS

Introduction 

On May 18, 2020, I issued a decree which continued to the second phase of the diocesan reopening plan. As indicated at that time, the opening of the Diocese is to occur in four phases. These phases are presented again here for reference.

• PHASE ONE: Scheduled Confessions may resume with strict social distancing guidelines; the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) for adults and children who had been preparing for the Easter sacraments but have gone without reception into the Church due to this pandemic as well as for infants can continue in limited numbers; and religious celebrations for families (weddings, Ordinations, Funeral Masses, Quinceañeras, etc.) may begin in small groups.

• PHASE TWO: The celebration of public daily Masses may resume, with protocols to ensure limited and restricted attendance in keeping with distancing and safety protocols as presented by and following civil and health authorities.

• PHASE THREE: The celebration of public Sunday Masses may resume, with limited and restricted attendance increasing over time, as presented by and following civil and health authorities. Even when Sunday Mass is available, the Faithful will remain dispensed from any obligation to attend Mass on Sunday because of the continuation of restricted attendance.

• PHASE FOUR: The celebration of Sunday Masses at full capacity may resume, with a return to a state resembling Catholic life before the beginning of the pandemic.

This decree addresses the implementation of Phase Three. Note: Phase Three will be implemented over multiple weeks; please note when particular events may begin. For example, Sunday Mass does not begin immediately in this phase, but will commence soon after the promulgation of this Decree. Also note that these guidelines are subject to change, specifically if there are concerns over increased cases of infection in the Diocese.

Taking into consideration the health, well-being and spiritual needs of the Diocese of Dallas, as well as the advice and guidelines presented by civil authorities, I will begin the implementation of Phase Three. There is currently no scheduled date for Phase Four.

Phase Three

• Gathering and Seating Requirements: Groups may not exceed 50% of total listed capacity for church buildings and all social distancing requirements (six feet of separation) must be strictly followed when individuals are present in church buildings.

• The church building must be diligently cleaned and disinfected. Pastors must train or have trained all employees, volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. Additional protocols for this are forthcoming, but diligent cleaning must occur after every gathering or event.

• All Diocesan Safe Environment protocols remain strictly in place.

• Please see the following guidelines from the Governor’s Office as well as guidelines from respective counties for additional information.

• Sunday Masses may resume on June 28, 2020 at 50% of building capacity. At that time, the pastor is to determine the proper schedule for Sunday Masses, taking into consideration the needs of his community and the need to allow time to sanitize the church between Masses. Sunday Masses and other devotions will continue to be livestreamed. In addition to parishes, the Diocese continues to broadcast live Masses and recorded events on the Diocese of Dallas website and local television. During such Masses, there will be an act of spiritual communion.
•  
• Saturday Masses, including vigil Masses, may continue at 50% of building capacity. Saturday vigil Masses may continue on June 27, 2020 at 50% of building capacity. The number of Masses celebrated on Saturdays is to be determined by the pastor.

• All Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass “on Sundays and other holy days of Obligation” (canon 1247). The requirement to receive communion during the Easter season (canon 920) may be fulfilled at another time during the year.

• Public weekday Masses (Monday through Friday) may continue at 50% of building capacity. The number of Masses celebrated on weekdays is to be determined by the pastor.

• If a pastor or other priest feels unable to personally celebrate Mass, priests from other parishes (ideally in his Deanery) can be asked by the Pastor to celebrate Masses where necessary.
• So as to ensure proper capacity, it is strongly encouraged that pastors implement an online sign-up sheet for Masses, the supplying of tickets or a call-in system to account for individuals that intend to attend Mass. It is also advisable, in order to avoid turning away individuals at the door, for pastors to close parking lots, where feasible, when maximum capacity is reached. Pastors know their parishes best, and they are empowered to use appropriate means in ensuring that the maximum capacity and social distancing guidelines are met.
• Members of vulnerable populations are strongly encouraged to not attend Mass at this time. Those who are presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not attend Mass.
• Those attending Mass are strongly encouraged to wear proper face coverings, following local civil orders where appropriate
• Those attending Mass are strongly encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer and sanitize their hands before Mass and before receiving Holy Communion
• Doors are to be left propped open before Mass and opened again at the end of Mass so as to avoid unnecessary touching of door handles
• All hymnals, worships aids and other papers, such as contribution envelopes or visitor cards, must be removed from pews
• Worship aids may only be single-use for each Mass and must be disposed of after Mass before leaving the church
• Holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer is not permitted
• The Sign of Peace remains suspended at this time
• Pastors should rely on their music ministry to make safe decisions regarding singing and production of music for the liturgy
• Cry rooms and nurseries will remain closed
• Holy Water fonts are to remain empty
• The collection basket will not be distributed, and gifts will not be brought up in procession, but collection baskets will remain available at entrances and exits. Individuals are encouraged to donate online if possible.
• Hospitality Ministers should wear proper face coverings during Mass
• Hospitality Ministers will dismiss those in attendance by pew in order to ensure a staggered exit that maintains social distancing

• The Faithful (especially members of vulnerable populations) who are present at these liturgical celebrations are free to forego reception of Holy Communion and make an act of spiritual communion
• All vessels must be sanitized before celebration
• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are permitted to distribute Holy Communion at this time. Pastors should be aware of the needs and concerns of all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
• Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended at this time
• Priests should sanitize their hands before approaching the altar prior to the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Deacons and installed acolytes should sanitize their hands before distribution.
• Those distributing Holy Communion should strongly consider wearing face coverings during distribution of Holy Communion
• Those receiving Holy Communion are strongly encouraged to sanitize their hands before reception of Holy Communion
• Those receiving Holy Communion are strongly encouraged to receive communion on the hand
• Individuals should remove face coverings and gloves before approaching to receive communion
• The communion line should maintain a distance of two pews between individuals to ensure safe distancing

• The celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation as well as First Communion celebrations continue at the discretion of the pastor. This includes all celebrations that have been delayed as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• The Anointing with Chrism during Confirmation may be done directly by hand or by the use of an instrument or cotton ball. Please see the attached document for more information. Those approaching to be confirmed should maintain a distance of two pews between individuals to ensure safe distancing. Candidates and priests administering the sacrament should consider wearing face coverings.
• These celebrations may include the presence of families and guests, so long as the above Gathering and Seating Requirements are maintained.
• Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is permitted at the discretion of the pastor. The church building may remain physically open at times during the daytime hours for prayer at the discretion of the pastor. The aforementioned Gathering and Seating Requirements must always be maintained.
• Ordinations will take place in the Diocese with the presence of families and guests, maintaining the above Gathering and Seating Requirements. This includes ordinations to the diaconate (transitional and permanent) and the priesthood.
• Weddings, including Convalidations, may continue with families and guests at the discretion of the pastor. The above Gathering and Seating Requirements must be maintained; the total number present may not exceed 50% of the total listed capacity for the church building.
• Quinceañeras may also continue with the presence of families and guests at the discretion of the pastor under the Gathering and Seating Requirements; the total number present may not exceed 50% of the total listed capacity for the church building.
• Funeral services, including Funeral Masses, Wakes and Viewings may continue with families and guests. The Gathering and Seating Requirements above must be maintained.
• Scheduled Confessions may continue with a schedule determined by the pastor. The pastor must diligently ensure that social distancing is maintained and that large groups do not gather while waiting in line for Confession. Confessions are encouraged to take place in open spaces, even outside the church building, while always providing the option for privacy and anonymity.
• Perfect Contrition: Even if Confession may be available in a location in the Diocese, not all of the Faithful will feel safe in approaching the sacrament at this time. Therefore, the Diocese has published a resource on Perfect Contrition that should be helpful to the Faithful who are unable to seek the Sacrament of Confession. It is located here. Perfect Contrition “obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to Sacramental Confession as soon as possible.”
• Parish gatherings among the Faithful may continue at 50% capacity, with all Gathering and Seating Requirements maintained. Pastors are to use their discretion in determining what events are appropriate in light of the circumstances.
• Communion as Viaticum, Anointing of the Sick and Confession are to be given in danger of death where possible. In the event where COVID-19 is indicated, please contact the emergency number (469-401-7717).
• The Pastoral Center is continuing its opening process. Sacramental services (including the work of the Tribunal) remain functioning.
• Parish Offices may continue to be opened at the discretion of the pastor, who is to make sure that all safety and social distancing guidelines are met for employees and volunteers as described in the diocesan re-entry protocols, which have been provided to pastors and business managers
• Diocesan schools will remain closed, and e-learning is to continue until further notice.

Most Reverend Edward J. Burns
Bishop of Dallas
Gregory Caridi
Chancellor


 

If you know of someone who has a serious condition or is having surgery and you would like to have their name put in the bulletin for prayers, please contact Debbie at the church office at 972-442-2765 or email debbie@saint-anthony.com   Please note:  Your request will only be fulfilled for the following week's bulletin.  If you would like your request to appear again, you will need to resubmit your request each week by noon on Monday.  Saint Anthony will make every effort to meet all parishioners prayer requests.

Regarding the Inability to Receive Sacramental Reconciliation:

Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452).

Never before has the Church experienced thus the power of the communion of saints, raising to her Crucified and Risen Lord her vows and prayers, especially the Sacrifice of Holy Mass, celebrated daily, even without the presence of the people, by priests.

Like a good mother, the Church implores the Lord that humanity may be freed from such a scourge, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Sick, and of her Spouse Saint Joseph, under whose patronage the Church has always walked the world.
 

May Mary Most Holy and Saint Joseph obtain for us abundant graces of reconciliation and salvation, in attentive listening to the Word of the Lord, which he repeats to humanity today: “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46: 10), “I am with you always” (Mt 28 :20).

Given in Rome, from the seat of the Apostolic Penitentiary, on March 19, 2020.
 

Until individual reconciliation is possible, please do the following for forgiveness of sins:
 

1. i) Speak to God, express your love for him and his Son, Jesus;
2. ii) Pray for genuine, loving contrition for your sins;
3. iii) Enumerate your sins silently;
4. iv) Ask for forgiveness for your sins;
5. v) Say an Act of Contrition;
6. vi) Promise with true intention to confess your sins to a priest as soon as you are able.
 

Sobre la Incapacidad de Recibir La Reconciliación Sacramental

Hasta que sea posible la reconciliación individual, haga lo siguiente para el perdón de los pecados:

ReconciliationCOVID-19.pdf

Click Above Link to Download the Information