While President Trump has proclaimed something we all know, that churches and religious institutions are essential elements of society, and there is encouragement that we should all be able to worship as early as this weekend, that is NOT possible for us here in the diocese of Spokane.
Bishop Daly has instructed us to maintain the ‘status quo’ for the mean time, and looks forward to further consultation with the other bishops of Washington State and health officials to create protocols for us to re-open safely. I have been monitoring the different ways that dioceses are implementing protocols for reopening and they include a number of things:

1. Face masks will be required by all participants.
2. Seating capacity will be limited to ¼ to 1/3 of normal.
3. Hand sanitization is necessary for all parishioners.
4. Communion is distributed only by the priest, wearing mask and gloves.
5. No distribution of the Blood of Christ.
6. No congregational singing.
7. No sign of peace.
8. Social distancing is to be maintained.

I am sure we will be incorporating some of those items and perhaps some things that are not yet included. I also am aware that the infection rate continues among large gatherings, and a recent news story relates the death of a Redemptorist priest in Texas from coronavirus and the infection of the other members of his community as well as several from the parish he was serving, following the May 2nd reopening of the diocese of Galveston-Houston. It is important for us to realize that the preparations that we will need to take in order to reopen with due respect for the lives of our parishioners will take some time to organize and implement. Please know that I continue to keep you all in prayer, and that it is likely that the dispensation to attend Sunday Mass will remain for the near future. To that end, I am committed to continue the recorded Masses until the dispensation is no longer needed.
 

Please be aware that Fr. Tim's diocesan email  has been hacked! 
(as have a number of other diocesan priests and employees)

Fr. Tim would like to thank you for your texts, calls and emails offering your assistance and willingness to help. If you ever have a concern about the legitimacy of an email or text from him,
please call the Parish Office to verify.

With the large number of scams in operation right now,
unfortunately, there is a greater chance that this may happen again. We will do our best to keep you informed.
 

CLICK HERE to view archived recorded Masses. 

As the world continues to face the ongoing effects of the global pandemic of the coronavirus, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB has announced that the U.S. bishops joined the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday, May 1 in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother. (More info at USCCB.org )
 

We are continuing to monitor our office, phone messages and communal concerns. 
My cell number is listed on the answering machine for emergencies,
and I will respond as soon as possible, whenever possible. 

Our faith continues to remind us that regardless of the challenges we face,
we are part of the cross that Jesus carried
as He made His way to Calvary.  We are part of the sacrifice that He offers
back to the Father in His very self.  He has not abandoned us, nor left us alone.
  We have been given to each other as part of the Body of Christ
and we remember each other in prayer as we draw closer to the Paschal Mystery. 

Peace and blessings to you all as we move forward.
Fr. Tim