Queen of Apostles Church

Dear Queen of Apostles Parish Family,

On May 30th and 31st, we planned to welcome back our faithful parishioners who have patiently wanted to resume our prayerful Masses in the wooden church many of you call your “second home.”

This upcoming Sunday renews the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. One of those seven gifts is wisdom. I wish to rely on that gift during this dangerous health crisis. The Archdiocese supports the decision of pastors and parish administrators to delay reopening if it is in the best interest of the parishioners. Therefore, after much prayerful consideration and reliance on two more Gifts of the Holy Spirit, courage and right judgment, I have made the difficult decision not to resume Weekend Masses this weekend. I am setting our target date for the weekend of June 13 and 14 but I will reevaluate as that weekend approaches.

This will no doubt disappoint many but, from our survey responses, there is no question it will put many who are anxious about returning at ease. One of my primary concerns has always been the health, safety, and protection of our parishioners. Your Pastoral Team has been working hard to develop and prepare a plan for a safe return. But given what we know of the easy spread of COVID 19, the ongoing concern for the gathering of large numbers in a confined space for extended periods of time, and the difficulty of ensuring all of the protocols required are adequately enforced and followed, I believe fervently that this decision is in the best interest of the parish and all who worship here.

At this writing, over forty Archdiocesan parishes have opted to delay as well, including the four Waukesha Parishes (St. William, St. Mary, St. John Newman and St. Joseph). By the time you read this that number will certainly grow. As one pastor put it, “our priority is the safety of our people. We want to take care of them and for them to take care of themselves.” I feel nothing less. This delay will allow us to determine the most appropriate time for reopening. This extra time allows us to assemble and train the large group of ushers, cleaners, and greeters necessary for each Mass to ensure your safety. For the time being, I’m calling them “Safety Ministers” which best describes their new responsibilities.

As the Body of Christ, we will continue to meet and connect as a family through our online Weekend and Wednesday Masses as well as confessions on Saturdays at 4:00 pm. All the members of your parish leadership continue to pray for all as we hope you pray for us. We will continue to diligently prepare your church to ensure that our reunion will be the joyous and safe occasion it is intended to be. Remember, spiritually and physically we are the Church. While our physical doors continue to be closed, we are spiritually united. United especially in providing a healthy worship space to honor our faith.

Please continue to pray for all of God’s family, especially those whose lives have been touched and affected by COVID 19 virus.

Easter Peace to you all,

Fr. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

 

 

 

 

Queen of Apostles has opened a YouTube channel on which we will post all Masses, Services and other formation videos while the shelter-at-home order remains in effect.  Beginning this week, we will have Wednesday morning Mass posted on our YouTube channel at 9:00 am.