UPDATE AS OF MAY 31, 2020: Bulletin of Pentecost Sunday for Martinez and Modesto.
UPDATE FROM MAY 30, LETTER FROM FR. ZAPP:
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JMJ
May 30, 2020
The Vigil of Pentecost
Dear Parishioners,
DEO GRATIAS!! After over two months of “lock down” and running on an “invitation only” schedule we are, on the beautiful feast of PENTECOST---the Birthday of our Holy Catholic Church---returning to a normal Sunday and weekday schedule! Both chapels (Blessed Sacrament & St. John Bosco) will be having Holy Mass at 8 am and 10 am this Sunday.
A couple of items. Firstly, (for the Blessed Sacrament parishioners only) park your cars down the street from the chapel. The parking garage across the street is probably the best place. Secondly, try to arrive for Mass at least 10 mins. early; for, we plan to shut the doors (to keep “strangers” from walking in) at the beginning of Mass. Please excuse yourself from coming to Mass if you or your children are having symptoms of a cold or flu. Lastly, don't congregate or visit with each other outside the chapel; rather, come to meet in the coffee room.
It was a long two months, but as I mentioned at the beginning of all this, OUR LORD HAS WILLED THIS TO BE! He has His reasons. One could be that He wishes that we get serious with the work of saving our souls. I know for one thing, that Daily Mass attendance has actually doubled.....proving the old saying: “You don't miss the water until the well runs dry”! I do hope and pray that this fervor for the Mass continues and even increases.
Let us pray that this pandemic dies out, or, if it returns, that the authorities don't over react and impose such harsh sanctions on churches....just what the Devil ordered! Always remember to pray for each other and your priests.
Sincerely in the Immaculate Heart of Mary!
Fr. Zapp
UPDATE FROM MARCH 21:
Below is a letter from Fr. Zapp about the virus situation. Please also see the Links page for links to various websites with sermons and other material.
Those in mortal sin who cannot make it to confession can obtain the forgiveness of their sins (and sanctifying grace) by making an act of perfect contrition. The doctrine and method are explained here. I highly recommend reading the entire pamphlet on the subject.
St. Gertrude the Great Church in West Chester, Ohio, has a live streaming Mass that you may watch. Remember that they are in the Eastern Time Zone, so you must subtract three hours to adjust those times to California time. You may also watch the live stream of the Mass at Most Holy Trinity Seminary in Florida (also Eastern Time Zone).
For emergencies, please contact Fr. Larrabee at 513-390-3070
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JMJ
A.M.D.G.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Feast of St. Benedict, Abbot
Dear Parishioners of St. John Bosco & Blessed Sacrament Chapels,
As the CORONAVIRUS, spreads (and kills) throughout the country, laws are getting stricter and more numerous by the day! Currently, we are being asked by the authorities to remain home-bound, except for shopping, working, banking, etc. This, in effect, means no more public gatherings---churches included! So, dear faithful, at this point in time, it appears that we have no choice than to close our chapels until the bans are lifted (2 or 3 weeks at the minimum!).
Our grave obligation to assist at Sunday Mass is no longer binding. However, we still have the obligation to keep Sunday holy, so, we should try to spend about an hour in prayer (the average length of time it takes for Sunday Mass and sermon). A suggestion of how to spend that hour or so....read the Mass from your Missal, including the Epistle and Gospel. Listen to a sermon off the internet (a link can be found off of our website). Make a Spiritual Communion...which is basically having the desire to receive the Holy Eucharist. Lastly, finishing off the hour with the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
In the meantime, please keep healthy! Above all, endeavor to be more supernatural in your thoughts and attitude towards this temporal affliction! BE RESIGNED TO GOD'S MOST HOLY WILL! HE IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL! TRUST IN HIM! May the all-merciful Sacred Heart of Jesus keep us numbered in His holy Flock and our Mother Mary keep us under her protective Mantel!
St. Michael, the Archangel, pray for us!
St. Sebastian, pray for us!
Sincerely in Our Lord,
Fr. Thomas Zapp
p.s.
Please visit our website TheTrueMass.com for further, up-to-date information and various links, such as to sermons, etc.