Our Lady of the Mountains Church

Bishop Libasci has written a new Letter to the Faithful announcing the return of public celebration of Mass in the Diocese of Manchester.  Please click here to read the letter. More information, both from the Diocese and our Church, as to when and how public Masses will resume will be coming soon. Distribution of Holy Communion will still take place as planned this weekend.

Please keep checking this website for current updates.

Please click here to read the Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Manchester regarding the distribution of Holy Communion. More information specific to the distribution of Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Mountains can be found below under "From Our Pastor." 

Helpful links:

• Updates from the Diocese of Manchester regarding the coronavirus.
• How to make a donation to help the parish during these difficult times
• Resources available for livestreamed and televised Masses 

Our own livestream can be found below. You may have to scroll down in order to see it, especially if you're on a cell phone. You can view the livestreamed Mass by clicking on the play button in the center of the video; you do not need a Facebook account to do this.

On May 19th we received news that Bishop Peter Libasci has granted permission to begin distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful. However, certain guidelines, which will be explained in this letter, must be followed in order to put this plan into action. The reception of Holy Communion will take place in the church but outside of the Mass; again, the celebration of gathering publicly for Mass is still suspended. Please read our Bishop’s Letter to the Faithful for more details, including his hope, too, for us to fully participate in our liturgies soon.            

In his letter to priests, our Bishop stressed that the “experience of the Eucharist must be appropriate to the circumstances and timely in regard to the local celebrations of the Mass.” Having stated this, the opportunity to receive Holy Communion will only be available following Mass that will be announced.  After I privately celebrate the 10:30 Mass, I will be present for ONE hour, from noon to 1pm, to offer communion for those who are able to and wish to receive. 

Please note:

• There is ONLY 1 Entrance (through the Narthex handicapped door) and ONLY 1 Exit (to the left through the handicapped ramp to the side of the organ). Yellow tape will be used to guide you along the way.
• Masks are required to be worn in the church by everyone over age 5, and are only to be removed at the time of reception. A mask will also be worn by the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister while distributing Holy Communion. 
• Our center aisle will be marked with blue colored tape on top of the pews and on the floor to ensure the proper 6 feet of distance between recipients, and our doors will be opened to reduce touching surfaces and increase ventilation. 
• Our pews will remain closed off, and preparatory prayers before receiving and thanksgiving prayers made following the reception of communion will have to take place outside the church. *Additional prayers provided for you can be found here.
• Please, NO loitering in the Narthex, or in other parts of the church, to socialize, etc. 
• If you experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, shortness of breath, or otherwise feel sick, you also must stay home for the best interest of all.

Finally, distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound HAS NOT resumed. For those who are unable to come to church to receive, please contact the office and arrangements will be made for me or Deacon Jack to assist. Currently, the Sacrament of the Sick is offered for those who are desperately ill.

Blessings to you!    

Fr. Steve