May 30, 2020

Dear San Agustín Community,
 
I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe as we continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Governor Newsom and all Monterey Diocese counties have allowed the re-starting of religious services in churches. While this is great news, the Bishop reminds us that we have many preparations to make and precautions to follow in order to be in compliance with the new rules and regulations. Earlier this week, Bishop Danny Garcia posted a short video on our diocesan website (you can also find it on our own parish website) regarding the subject of re-opening church services. Please take a moment to view the video here:  https://youtu.be/S1iV_PzNgs0
 
The good news is that as of late yesterday, the Bishop has granted permission for all diocesan parishes to re-open for Mass on a limited bases on the weekend of June 13th and 14th.  Together with our parish staff, we have been preparing in anticipation of this and while we are excited to be able to meet again in person, we still have some additional preparations and procedures to put in place before we can officially re-open. Rest assured the Bishop is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of all who attend and we ask for your patience as we work through the logistics of finalizing our site plan here at San Agustín. We will be communicating the specifics of how we will be re-opening for Mass to you, our faith community, very soon.
 
Until then, let us celebrate Pentecost and ask the Holy Spirit, "Come fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth."
 
We hope that you will continue to join us for LIVE stream Mass on Sundays at 11am, continue to pray and support one another as we look forward to meeting again soon in person for Mass in a few weeks.
 
May our FAITH continue to be stronger than fear, our HOPE greater than despair and our LOVE strengthening the relationship between God and each other.
 
With every good wish and blessing,
Fr. Seamus
 
Watch LIVE Stream mass, view our current bulletin and updates on our parish website at:  www.sanagustin.church

May 15, 2020

Dear San Agustín Parishioners,
 
It's been two months now since we began shelter in place. Our world and daily lives have been disrupted and changed. Although we have learned to adapt, we miss the way things were and we miss each other. As the county begins phases to re-open our local economy, we as a church wait for our time when we can gather again as a faith community. It is important for us to acknowledge that things won't immediately go back to the way they used to be. We will need to make adjustments to the way we gather and worship. Rest assured the Bishop is taking all into consideration and when the time comes, we will reopen our doors and gather together in the safest way possible.
 
Again, I want thank all who are working hard to keep our faith community connected and cared for. I want to thank all who are praying daily, those serving the needs of our local community, those joining us for live stream mass and all who are able to contribute financially allowing us to carry out needed repairs and upgrades so that when we do come back, we will be ready to serve our faith community in the best way possible.
 
It is also usually at this time of year that we end our faith formation programs and celebrate with thanks to our catechists for their dedication. Although our year was cut short, we want to acknowledge and extend our gratitude to all our volunteers who have so willingly shared their faith with the youth of our parish……Thank You! May the Lord bless them, strengthen them with His gifts and continue to inspire them to teach by word and example.
 
Although this time of crisis has been confusing, it has in a way provided some clarity in our lives. It has forced us to slow down, to simplify, to decide what is truly necessary and who is most important to us. This pandemic has reminded us of what God too reminds us; life is sacred, each day is a gift, don't wait to say "I'm sorry", "thank you" or "I love you" as only the Lord knows what tomorrow will bring.
 
I continue to keep you all in my prayers and look forward to the day when we can gather together once again. Until then, let our FAITH be stronger the fear, our HOPE be greater than despair, and our LOVE strengthening our relationship with God and each other. 
 
With many blessings,
Fr. Seamus