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Health and Safety
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Precautions and Procedures
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From the Diocese
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Saint William is closely following information and directives from the Diocese of Austin and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please view below for the latest updates.
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Updates
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Message from Pope Francis
Pope Francis and six Cardinals and Archbishops from the US and Latin America have come together for a message of unity in support of COVID-19 vaccines and access for all.
Their message is that COVID-19 vaccines bring hope to protect us against this deadly disease and help end the pandemic – along with the idea that getting vaccinated can be a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable.
Get the latest facts on COVID-19 vaccines at GetVaccineAnswers.org.
Sunday, May 16
A Message from Fr. Francisco | Health and Safety
Brothers and Sisters,
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass lifts this coming weekend, May 22 and 23. Please remember these words that I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago:
"If you have not been to Mass in over a year, I invite you back. If you have been joining us for Mass, I invite you to reach out to others to join you. I pray that this time will be a communion event for the Saint William community, feasting at the Supper of the Lord together once again."
In other words, I invite and welcome all Catholics back into the Joy that is the Mass.
On another note, as you heard at Mass, those who sit in the nave (the center pews) have the option to wear a mask beginning next weekend. The updated safety precautions and procedures are here.
On behalf of all of Saint William, I continue to thank you for your care and respect shown to those in our community. We will see you at Mass.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Sunday, May 2
A Message from Fr. Francisco | news and updates
Brothers and Sisters,
The new safety precautions and procedures take effect this coming weekend, May 8th and 9th. The main difference is the social distancing section of pews and the self-seating section of pews. Depending on where you sit, the practice for the offertory and Holy Communion will differ. As you come to Mass, I ask that you pay attention to the announcements during these specific times. Most importantly, thank you to each of you and your families for your care and respect for our staff, ushers, and fellow parishioners as we continue through this pandemic.
I also want to address Bishop Vásquez’ Pastoral Letter that he released last Sunday. The dispensation for Sunday Mass will lift on May 23. As your pastor, I write these words: If you have not been to Mass in over a year, I invite you back. If you have been joining us for Mass, I invite you to reach out to others to join you. I pray that this time will be a communion event for the Saint William community, feasting at the Supper of the Lord together once again.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Saturday, April 17
A Message from Fr. Francisco | news and updates
Dear St. William Parishioners,
Happy Easter!
Upon my arrival, I wrote that none of our safety precautions and procedures would change at the time and that we would be having discussions on how to open the parish in the future, as appropriate.
On Friday, April 9, we received new diocesan COVID-19 protocols in line with the ones issued by the CDC. Consequently, we have decided to have certain sections of the church reserved for social distancing and other sections for self-seating. The requirements of wearing masks and using hand sanitizer will continue. We will implement these new procedures on the weekend of May 9.
I acknowledge that these changes may cause a certain level of anxiety. However, I want to assure you that we are moving ahead with these procedures only after careful deliberation and that we will implement them in gradual stages so as to continue ensuring the safety and well-being of all.
I have been greatly edified by the way we have cared for and respected one another during this pandemic, as brothers and sisters in Christ. I am sure we will continue doing so. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard.
May God’s grace be upon you and may your gaze remain firmly planted on the Risen Lord.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Thursday, March 4
A Message from Fr. Francisco | Health and Safety
Brothers and Sisters,
Since the resumption of public Masses at Saint William, it has been our priority to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Having this and the most up-to-date scientific evidence in mind (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), I have decided to maintain our current safety precautions and procedures for all operations at Saint William. This includes the requirement of masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing.
I thank you for your understanding and support in this decision. Our common efforts are essential to maintain the health and well-being of all in our community.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Rev. Francisco Rodriguez III
Thursday, January 14A Letter from Saint William | Parish Life
Dear Saint William Parishioners,
As we begin a new year and a new chapter in the life of our parish, we write to you to bring some clarity with regards to our in-person parish life.
For the past ten months, our parish staff has worked diligently to keep you and your family healthy and safe. This has been our priority and that priority has not and will not change. At the same time, we want to acknowledge our communal desire to return to our in-person parish life.
First and foremost, please keep in mind that for the past ten months, Saint William has been celebrating the Holy Eucharist with you, either virtually or in-person. We have been celebrating Baptisms, Confirmations, Confessions, Marriages, and Funerals. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed. Our Faith Formation team prepared and is executing a new and creative religious education format. In addition, the Sacred Heart Clinic and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul have been operating continuously. At the end of the year 2020, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of financial support to our parish from you. All of this means that, while not functioning at a one-hundred percent capacity, Saint William has continued its mission and ministry to the highest level of its ability and to a high degree of success. All of us have much to be proud of!
The ongoing reality of the pandemic, however, forces us to maintain the decision made in August by our Pastor, Fr. Dean, with regards to all non-liturgical meetings and events. Until further notice, they will not take place on campus. Instead, all ministries are encouraged to continue their fellowship and service in innovative ways so that we can continue protecting everybody’s health and well-being.
Please understand that this decision is very hard to make and that it goes against our strongest desire to reopen our campus. We will continue monitoring and periodically reevaluating the advancement of the COVID-19 pandemic in our local area to determine when and how to return to complete in-person parish life.
We wish to express our profound gratitude to each and every one of you for your kind understanding, patience, and continued support to our parish. Let us assure you that as soon as it is safe, we will return to complete in-person parish life and work towards normalcy.
Please know that we continue praying for you and your family.
Blessings,
Saint William Catholic Church
Friday, December 11
Your Health at Mass
As we continue on in the Advent season, we wish to remind you of some important information from a previously released decree from Bishop Vásquez. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and holy day Masses is still in effect only to those who fall into one of the five categories listed below:- Those who are sick
- Those who are 65 or older
- Those who have been advised by health care workers or caregivers not to attend Mass
- Those who sincerely believe that attending mass will jeopardize their health or the health of a person with whom they reside
- Those who sincerely believe that because of the limitations imposed by the temporary protocols attending Mass is not reasonable
If you do fall into one of the five categories, we invite you to "make other acts of spiritual devotion" (decree) by joining us for one of our live streamed Masses.
For those who will be joining us for Mass, our priority continues to be your health and safety.
Friday, September 25
Updated Mass Schedule Next Weekend
Beginning next weekend, October 4, the full Sunday Mass schedule will resume (return of the 7:30 am and 11:30 am Masses) and the weekday Spanish Masses will resume (return of the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 pm Masses). Please know that all safety procedures, including the wearing of face masks and the maintaining of social distance, will still be in effect. The Church doors will be open 30 minutes before Mass begins to allow our ushers to escort you to your seat.
Live Stream
The Bishop has requested that we discontinue the recording and archiving of our live streamed Masses. The intention of this change is to bring the whole community together (in-person or live stream) around the altar. We encourage you to gather with us virtually at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm as to bring the communal nature of the Mass and the Eucharist to its full potential. This decision will go into effect next weekend, October 4.
Friday, August 14
A Letter from Fr. Dean
My Dear Parishioners,
I write to bring you encouragement and news. It is the weekend of August 16, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary time. Our lives have been upended and filled with uncertainty since mid-March; some 21 weeks ago. I have felt the discouragement that many of you are encountering. This is not easy, but I write to you with hope.
For the past months we have been bringing the Mass to you either virtually or in-person. We have been conducting Baptisms, Confirmations, Confessions, Marriages, and Funerals. I have seen your incredible generosity in your financial gifts to our parish. Most importantly, I have witnessed the continuation of the mission of Saint William. I share this with you so that you, too, might be encouraged by what has transpired in our parish community over these months. “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matt 14:27).
After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided that all non-liturgical meetings and events will not take place on campus until 2021. The catalyst for this decision has been your family’s health and well-being. I implore your understanding and support in this difficult decision.
Our Faith Formation team is preparing for a semester of new and creative religious education. Our ministries are being encouraged to continue their fellowship and service in innovative ways as well. Saint William has powered through this time of pandemic and we will continue to do so. By way of closing, I wish to express my profound gratitude to each and every one of you.
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Dean
Friday, July 3
A Letter from Fr. Dean | Fr. Henry
My dear parishioners,
I come to you today with news that Fr. Henry has tested positive for COVID-19. He has safely quarantined himself away from the parish and is being cared for by family members. I have also been tested and it came back negative. We have closed the offices down to do a deep clean this whole weekend. If you are unable to reach someone in the office, please know we will respond as soon as possible.
Saint William has gone above and beyond with our safety protocols inside and outside of Mass. We continue to enforce the use of masks and social distancing because it is so important in keeping everyone safe. We are diligent about sanitizing before and after each Mass. Public Masses will continue this weekend and you will see some visiting priests. To get the most up-to-date information please continue to visit our website and Facebook page. If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, please see below for free testing sites.
Please keep Fr. Henry in your prayers. Please stay safe this holiday weekend and continue to do your part to keep those around you safe.
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Dean
Free Testing Sites- Williamson County and Cities Health District - www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/testing
- Austin, Texas - https://www.austintexas.gov/covid19
Monday, May 4
Public Mass Update:
Please remember that safety is our top priority during this time at Saint William. All new procedures are being integrated to provide the safest and healthiest environment for our parish. We ask for your cooperation, patience, and understanding while we maneuver through this time.
Friday, May 1
Public Mass Update | Email sent to parishioners:
"Dear Saint William Parishioners,
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez released a Decree Thursday, April 30, announcing that parishes may resume public Masses beginning on Tuesday, May 5th. Please watch the video above in which Fr. Dean and Fr. Henry begin to communicate with you the steps that Saint William is taking regarding this Decree.
Please understand that Saint William is taking full precautions to keep our community safe and healthy as we move to our first public daily Mass this coming Tuesday at 12:15 pm. Tune in to the live stream of Mass this Sunday to learn more about the safety precautions that will be taking place. We ask for your patience as we begin to plan for our public Mass and confession schedules. We want to ensure a safe and sacred space for you and your family.
Blessings,
Saint William Catholic Church"
Tuesday, March 24
Williamson County issued a Stay Home Stay Safe Order “in a proactive effort to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases.” This order goes into effect tonight, Tuesday, at 11:59 pm. Starting tomorrow, the parish office will be closed and access to the main Church, perpetual adoration, and Confession will cease. Saint William will continue to monitor phone calls/emails and live-stream Mass on Sunday.
We understand the sorrow that these changes bring to you but we also understand the importance of ensuring the health and safety of our community. We will continue to do our part in bringing the Love of God to you while practicing these safety prevention measures against COVID-19.
Tuesday, March 17This evening the Diocese of Austin released a Decree stating that all public Masses within the Diocese of Austin are suspended until Wednesday of Holy Week. Please see here for the Decree.
Saint William is currently assessing the situation. Please be patient with us as we adjust to this new information.
Monday, March 16
This afternoon Williamson County issued an order stating community gatherings of 50 people or more are prohibited (Link). As of right now, all ministry meetings and events are postponed until further notice. Our focus right now is on fulfilling the needs for the Mass and Reconciliation. We will update you with our plans and preparations as soon as we have more information. Please continue to pray for your parish and all those affected by this order.