COVID Updates
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In the last month or two I have been approached by so many people who have let me know that they are opposed to getting vaccinated. Over and over they say that it is against the teaching of the Church. I have encouraged them, out of love for their families, for neighbors and for all of us, to reconsider. If you are holding out on the vaccine Pope Francis has an invitation for you. Please watch this short video of Pope Francis and leading Cardinals/Bishops from around the world.
Fr. Bob -
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A letter from Fr. Bob 7/28/2021
We are monitoring the development of a 4th Covid 19 Surge in our area. We have received no new instructions from the Archdiocese regarding masks at Eucharist. The plan remains ENCOURAGE BUT DO NOT REQUIRE. How about if we put some ummph behind ENCOURAGE.
There is one small change we are making this week. Our station for the Sacrament of Penance is located in a corner of the sanctuary. To date we have placed a chair for those who wish to celebrate the sacrament "face to face." Given the uptick, the news that hospitals are seeing an increase in cases as well as the large numbers of those who have chosen not to receive a vaccine, we have removed the chair - no face to face confessions at this time. The screen remains in place and a kneeler welcomes all. Lets go with this configuration until things improve and until more people choose to receive a vaccine.
All volunteers are required to wear masks. -
Parish Update 7/28/2021Here's what to expect when you come to worship at Church this weekend:There is no need to sign up for Mass for contact tracing purposes. Should anyone alert us regarding a potential COVID-19 exposure, we will communicate with the entire parish communityvia our website & Facebook.
Masks are encouraged but no longer required.Hand sanitizer will continue to be available as you enter the Church.There is no longer a requirement to social distance. Ushers will no longer need to direct you to a seat but will still be available to assist you, especially if you will need communion brought to you (Red Cards).Please be mindful that the comfort level and needs of others may be different than your own, especially those with young children who cannot yet be vaccinated. We will continue to use ribbons in a small section of the Church (near the tabernacle) to provide an area for anyone who would like extra space around them. Please arrive early if you would like to sit in this area.Ushers will no longer offer hand sanitizer as people process forward for communion. You are encouraged to bring your own sanitizer to use before and after receiving communion.If you choose, communion may again be received on the tongue.All Communion ministers are required to wear a mask when distributing Communion and will continue to sanitize their hands before distribution. Ministers will also have a sanitizing wipe to hold under the ciborium (bowl). If someone receives Communion on the tongue, the minister will clean his/her fingers afterwards with the wipe before distributing to others.We will begin to pass the collection basket he first weekend of June.Note that it is still not obligatory to go to Sunday Mass. If you do not feel well, please be safe and stay home.We will livestream our Sunday 9a Mass. Whether you are not yet ready to come back to worship on campus or you need to stay home because you feel under the weather, you can still pray with us! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or visit www.stbchurch.org to pray with us online.Note: The font will continue to remain empty. If you would like to purchase a bottle for Holy Water, please contact Suzanne Staron at the Parish Office (281-486-0337, ext. 110 or starons@stbchurch.org). We will sell you the bottle and ensure that it is filled with Holy Water.Let us continue to pray for the end of this pandemic and for all those affected by COVID-19.Come, Holy Spirit! Come! -
from the Archdiocese 5/19/2021
A letter to the faithful regarding updated pandemic protocols
MAY 19, 2021
By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic I modified the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy and non-liturgical parish gatherings within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in order to prevent these gatherings from becoming sources of community spread for the virus. These modifications were aimed at the common good of all who live within our communities.
The local pandemic situation is greatly improved. Therefore, I have amended our pandemic protocols. Beginning with the celebration of the Vigil Mass of Pentecost on the evening of Saturday, May 22, 2021 social distancing no longer needs to be maintained during liturgical celebrations. Parish churches and chapels may be filled to 100% of the building’s occupancy load. Masks will not be required, but they are encouraged.
Also effective on the evening of May 22, 2021, the temporary suspension of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is removed. Holy Communion may be received on the tongue, or in the hand, at the communicant’s discretion. The temporary suspension of receiving Holy Communion under the appearance of wine from a common chalice remains in effect until further notice.
For the time being, the general dispensation from the Sunday obligation remains in effect for all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
With assurances of my prayers, and commending this local Church to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston -
Regarding Vaccines
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 do not involve abortion-derived cell lines in the manufacturing process, and are morally permissible since the connection to abortion is remote.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is morally compromised because an abortion-derived cell line was used in its development, testing, and production. However, according to Catholic moral teaching, it is permissible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it is the only vaccine available in a given place. Where there is an option, Catholics should choose the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The decision to receive a vaccination for COVID-19 is one of personal conscience.
For more information regarding the vaccines, please visit
the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston click here
the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops) click here
the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) click here -
You can help us
Unable to make it to Church? Join the parishioners who are using Faith Direct for automated giving to St. Bernadette Church. Faith direct offers a safe and secure way to donate to your Parish in this time of uncertainty. There is no cost to you, and the program provides a great benefit to our parish. Sign up today by clicking the button below. Thank you for all you do for our parish.
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Helpful Documents