News & Events

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w-jvwaev9E&feature=youtu.be

I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of our winter parishioners back home.  I am very glad to see you again.  We are remaining vigilant in protecting one another from the spread of the co-vid virus.  We are having no large group activities in the parish hall at this time.  I know that this is painful for many of us, myself included, especially for Sunday fellowship after masses.  With regard to attending Mass, face masks are required, and they are to be worn properly, covering both mouth and nose.  This is an expression of concern for the entire congregation.  We need to maintain a safe environment.  As you know, our parishioners are largely of a certain age and at a higher risk than the general public.  So, wear your masks properly and maintain a distance from others in order to keep one another safe and healthy.  Happy New Year!

Below is a link to a video message from Bishop John Noonan explaining how our Church has adapted to serving our community’s increased needs since the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.  Please take few minutes to learn how your Catholic Appeal donation is making a difference throughout the Diocese.

Read our weekly bulletin online by going to the “About” section at the top of this webpage then clicking on “Bulletins”.

Note that parishes in the Diocese of Orlando are not publishing a paper bulletin, as per Bishop Noonan’s instructions.

As you may know, the Diocese of Orlando recently announced plans to safely and gradually reopen parishes for liturgical celebrations and the sacraments. While the Diocese has established general guidelines, each parish will be reopening in a way that best serves the needs of its staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Here at Our Lady Star of the Sea, we are eager to be able to gather together again at the table of the Lord! After much prayer and discussion, we have set in place the following schedule:

– The parish office will remain open for mass cards and food donations during the week (Monday-Thursday from 9:30-4:30 and Friday from 9:30-12). The office phone will be answered remotely during these hours.

– Beginning on Monday, May 11^th, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be made available by appointment. Please call the parish office to set up a time to meet with Fr. Patrick in his office where social distancing can be maintained.  Appointments are available on Monday May 11, from 9:30-11:30;Tuesday from 1:30- 2:30; Wednesday from 4:00-6:00.

It is important to remember, the Sunday obligation to attend Mass was lifted by Bishop Noonan when the parishes closed in March and remains lifted.  This means that missing Sunday mass is not a sin that anyone needs to confess.  Likewise, if you are not feeling well or have a precarious health issue do not feel any pressure to attend.

– Weekday Masses (Mon.-Fri.) will begin again on Monday, May 18^th, at 8:30am. The doors will open at 8:00am.  All the safety protocols recommended by the Diocese of Orlando will be followed (see the link below).

– May 30-31 marks the return of our weekend schedule. The Mass for the Feast of Pentecost will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30^th, at 4:00pm and on Sunday, May 31^st, at 9:00am and 11:00am.

Because of the pandemic there are some procedural changes made with regard to entering the church only from the main entrance on the parking lot side; no holy water will be available in the fonts and no collection baskets can be passed around at the Offertory, but baskets will be made available in the narthex of the church to collect offertory donations.
(Please be aware that we will only be able to accommodate 25% capacity in the church and we will have to deny entrance once we have reached capacity.)

When you come to church please wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and observe the social distancing guidelines set in place.

You can find more details and Bishop Noonan’s message here:
https://www.orlandodiocese.org/bishop-noonans-reopening-message/

Even as parishes begin to open, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays is suspended until further notice. If it is in your best interest to remain home due to illness, vulnerability to illness or the vulnerability of those you care for, you may continue to participate in the liturgy from home. We desire that all of our parishioners remain healthy. If that means staying home, please do so!

As more details develop, updates will be posted here on our website.