St. Therese, Little Flower
Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,
Public Masses will resume in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese on the weekend of May 23-24 and the staff are excited to welcome you back.  As we prepare the facility for this weekend, it is important for you to prepare yourself with the new directives set by the Diocese and the State of Indiana.  (Bishop Rhoades’ letter and directives can be found on our parish website www.littleflowerchurch.org.) The look and feel of Mass will be different. (Resources for parents to prepare their children for the transition back to Mass can be found on our website: https://www.littleflowerchurch.org/family-ministry.)  It is imperative that everyone adhere to these directives until the threat of the pandemic is gone.  We make these sacrifices out of love and charity for others.  Outlined below is what you can expect for attending Mass.

• Please enter through the main church doors under the canopy; these will be the only doors unlocked.  All attendees over the age of 5 will be required to wear a face mask while in the church – except those who have trouble breathing.  The parish will not be providing masks.

• Please use hand sanitizer before sitting in the pews; located inside the church entrance.

• A greeter/usher will escort you to your seats. Seating will start from the front and move towards the back of the church as the designated seats are filled.  Please note – at this time you will not be allowed to select your own seats. This helps the parish ensure social distancing and control capacity.  Children must sit with the family; no wandering the church.

• Once the church is at capacity for Mass, parishioners will be directed into the Parish Center for seating to view the livestreaming of the Mass.  Once the Parish Center is at capacity, people will be asked to leave. Be prepared - you may not be able to stay for Mass if we are at the capacity.  Communion will be available in the Parish Center. 

• Due to the increased risk of spreading particles through the air - there will be no singing at Mass. 

• Please place collection envelopes in the drop box located on the pillar by the entrance of the church. There will not be any collection at this time.

• No holding of hands during the Our Father and no shaking hands during the sign of peace.

• Ushers will release each row for Holy Communion – Wait for the usher.  Fr. Terry will explain the Communion process at Mass.  You will lower your mask to receive Communion and then immediately place it back over your mouth and nose.  Receiving Communion on the tongue is discouraged.

• At the conclusion of Mass – stay seated.  The ushers will dismiss each row starting from the back of the church.  Please walk outside and do not congregate at the back of the church or in the parking lot. 

• The church will be thoroughly disinfected before each Mass.

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED anyone 65 or over or with compromised health stay at home.  The parish will continue to livestream the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass for those at home. 

Anyone with symptoms of fever, coughing, sneezing or any known COVID-19 symptoms are to STAY HOME.  

The parish will continue to email parishioners with updates.  If you have not received any of our emails, please call the parish office from 11 am – 3pm,
Monday - Friday or email jenny@littleflowerchurch.org to add your email address to our list.

Thank you for your cooperation.
The Staff of St. Therese Little Flower Church