Dear Parishioners,
You may have received information, or heard from the news, announcements from Archbishop Jose Gomez on the opening of Churches which will be done in two Phases: Phase I for private prayers, devotions and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confessions; and Phase II for the celebration of Holy Masses in the Parish. Both of these Phases need the separate approvals of Bishop Alex Aclan of the Pastoral Region of San Fernando before the implementation of each Phase. Only after the approval of Phase I (for private prayers/devotions and confessions) can we apply for Phase II which shall be for the celebration of Masses in the Parish under strict compliance to the guidelines given to us by the Archbishop in collaboration with the City and County Civil and Health officials.
Here is the Schedule for the Opening of the Church for Private Prayers/Devotions and Confessions:

1. Pentecost Sunday (May 31, 2020)

Live Streamed Mass -10:30 A.M.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament-11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Food drive for the Needy and Parish Fund Drive: Tables shall be set in
front of the Rectory Garage. Beans, Rice, Eggs, Canned Goods, Cheese
and other basic food supplies are encouraged; sacrificial and love for
OLL Parish are to be dropped off, too.

2. Monday to Thursday (June 1 – 4, 2020)

Private Prayers/Devotions in OLL Church -7:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confessions - By Appointment (call the office)

3. Friday (June 5, 2020)

Private Prayers/Devotions in OLL Church-7:00A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Live Streamed Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Private Prayers/Devotions in OLL Church- 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confessions - By Appointment (call the office)
Protocols for the Safety and Well-being of all who enter OLL Church

1. Age Limits and Health Issues. Anyone who is 65 years old and older is discouraged from coming to church. Anyone who feels sick or has a cough or cold is asked to stay home. Instead, join live streamed prayers and devotions for the homebound on certain days and times.
2. Entrance and Exit Doors. The two main doors at the front center of the church and the door by the rectory staircase shall be the only entrance doors to the church while the doors at both sides of the church near the restrooms shall be the exit doors.
3. Disinfecting. While the parish provides disinfectant wipes for designated chairs and kneelers to be used for private prayers and confessions (all other pews and seats will be blocked off), everyone who comes to church are encouraged to bring their own disinfectants. The church shall be thoroughly disinfected on Monday to Friday at 2:00 P.M. and Mondays at 7:00 A.M.
4. No Face Covering; No Entry Policy. Everyone, without exemption, is required to use a mask or face covering while inside the church.
5. Social Distancing. Use only Chairs and Kneelers reserved for Private Prayers/Devotions. Pews are blocked. Everyone who uses the chairs and kneelers must disinfect them before and after using them. Nobody is allowed to converse, interact or congregate inside the church. It is prohibited to congregate in church grounds without observing social distancing.
6. Silence. Silence shall be strictly observed inside the church. No one should be praying aloud or singing alone.
7. Statues and Votive Candles. Touching statues and images are strictly prohibited. Anyone who desires to light electronic votive candles must call the office who will notify the person designated by the pastor or the pastor to assist you.
8. Holy Water. All Holy Water containers are empty. The use of Holy Water is reserved to the priest and the deacon.
9. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Confession. As this is by appointment, kindly call the office to choose the day and time you will be in the church. Confessions or the Sacrament of Reconciliation is held at the Music Room. Kindly enter through the door by the side of the altar and proceed to the Music Room. After Confessions, exit by the side hallway of the Church.
10. Worship Aids, Prayer Books, Rosary Beads and Hymnals. These are no longer found inside the church. Anything brought to the church as personal Prayer Books and Rosaries are to be brought along when you leave the church.
11. Restrooms. Cleaning materials, toilette tissue, paper towel, hand soap and disinfectants shall be provided in the restrooms. Kindly disinfect anything you touch or hold inside the restrooms and wash your hands thoroughly. Cleaning of restrooms is done at short intervals by the maintenance personnel or a designated person.

Notices and these Protocols are posted on the Parish Website, Church Bulletin Boards, Church Doors, Restrooms and the Parish Office for strict compliance. It shall also be communicated through social media.
Thank you for your cooperation and for being mindful of others as we practice the commandment of LOVE for God, oneself and our neighbor.
Information on Phase II (Church Re-opening for Holy Mass) will follow very soon.
 
FR. ROLLY ASTUDILLO
PASTOR