There is good news for New York City:  infection rates are way down and vaccination rates are over 60% for people over 18.  The city has been downgraded from a “High” level of risk to a “moderate” level.* Last week the governor of New York removed most state mandated restrictions in the state.* The state has allowed individual organizations to continue to implement covid regulations that they believe best protects their people.

At St. Francis we have relaxed some covid regulations but we have maintained others.

Here are our current regulations:

1. Masks are required in the Church especially during Mass
2. Holy Water basins are still empty
3. Communion is only given in the hand, with communicants keeping their masks up until they step aside to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
4. The Mass schedule will continue to be limited to our current Mass times.
5. The Adult Education Center remains closed until after Labor Day.

We have kept these precautions in place to make people as safe as possible since we are a congregant setting where many people gather.  We strongly encourage our parishioners and visitors who have not yet gotten vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

What have we relaxed as St. Francis:

1. Seating limitations and 6′ restrictions have been lifted.  However for those who desire to sit 6′ apart the side seats will remain available for the foreseeable future.
2. Congregant singing is back (with masks on) but people are encouraged to sing again
3. In person ministry meetings and classes are welcome to return in person in the St. Francis parish house.

The staff continues to keep an eye on the situation and we hope to further relax Covid restrictions if the city continues on the current trajectory with the pandemic.  In the meantime we thank you all for your continued cooperation in keeping each other safe.

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* https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/new-york-city-new-york-covid-cases.html
* https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-covid-19-restrictions-lifted-70-adult-new-yorkers-have-received-first

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?

Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ 

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence,* and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.

And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. (Matthew 11:7-14)

Today is the feast of the Birth of John the Baptist.  Jesus holds up John as one of the greatest in the history of salvation.  John was a prophet who not only made the final preparations for the coming of Christ, but he also spoke out with great power against the evils of his own day.  John was not afraid to speak out even against those in power who would eventually persecute and kill him.

Because of Pentecost and the decent of the Holy Spirit upon us, we are all called to be prophets. John provides a great model for us to follow.  The Spirit calls us and empowers us too to welcome Christ into our world today and to bear witness to Him.   The Spirit also empowers us, like John, to speak out against injustice, hatred, prejudice and all kinds of evil that cause suffering to God’s children and God’s creation.

-Joseph Nuzzi
Director of Evangelization

PS…

Interesting Catholic Trivia:  There are only 3 actually birthdays on the Catholic liturgical calendar, and today, June 24th, the birth of John the Baptist is one of them.  The other two are September 8th, the birth of the Blessed Mother, and of course, December 25th, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  All other saints’ days on the calendar are commemorations of the death of the saint.