Coronavirus

When unable to receive Holy Communion, pray the prayer below:

A prayer for Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

(Source: Archdiocese of Detroit) 

Updated May 20, 2021
 

Updated COVID Safety Protocols at St. Laurence

On May 19, 2021, Cardinal DiNardo announced new  COVID-19 pandemic protocols for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, effective on the Vigil of Pentecost. Additionally, our priests received separate correspondence from the Cardinal with more detailed protocols that must be followed by all parishes. 

The following summarizes the key points from both documents, so you know what to expect as you return to Mass at St. Laurence:

CAPACITY & DISTANCING

• Church is 100% capacity
• Enter thru any door (no counters at the door)
• Tape removed from pews; no distancing required
• Calming Rooms reopened and available for families

MASKS

• Masks are not required, but are encouraged
• All Ministers of Holy Communion will wear masks when serving

COMMUNION

• Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand
• Communion will not be distributed from the Chalice
   

SANITIZING

• Sanitizing is no longer required after every Mass
• Hand sanitizer will continue to be available

OFFERTORY

• Offertory baskets will be passed in the pews
• Families will be invited to participate in the Offertory procession

WORSHIP AIDS

• Hymnals returned to the pews

SUNDAY OBLIGATION

• The obligation to attend Mass remains dispensed at this time
• We will continue to record and post the Vigil Mass each week

ADDITIONAL POINTS

• For now, no holy water is allowed in the baptismal font
• Confessionals are reopened
• All previous capacity, distancing, mask and sanitizing protocols are suspended for other parts of the parish campus, including the chapel, offices and meeting rooms

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Mass and the restoration of the vibrant parish life that our parish has always enjoyed. As we move forward with grateful hearts, let us keep in our prayers all those who guided us through these most difficult months and those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.

Safely reopening a parish of this size is quite complex and requires the cooperation of everyone involved: clergy, staff, and all the great people who make up our parish.  All decisions are made with the best information and inspiration at the time.  COVID-19 is a novel virus and we will continue to be obedient to directives from our bishop for the common good. 

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, adaptability and patience.

St. Laurence, pray for us!