Saint Ephrem
Catholic CHURCH

Our weekly bulletin is called The Harp. By exploring THIS link, you can read the current as well as many past editions!
 

We welcome (Fr. Aro, MSFS),
Fr. Arokiaselvam Nithiyaselvam, MSFS
as our new administrator!


Resumption of Public Masses
Mass is now on regular schedule!  
Limited seating, see letter below.  

Weekend Masses must sign-up online!
The link is emailed to parishioner on Wednesday mornings. If space is still available, the link is made public Friday morning on Facebook.  

  Confessions 30 minutes before Mass.
 

(Also by appointment).

No Sat. 12:15 Confessions.


Church is open for private prayer
from 10-5 - Monday-Friday.
(Parish office remains closed to the public,
but staff are working from home.)

Food Pantry remains open
(by appointment only!)

-Only 10 people allowed in Church at one time.
-Keep at a safe distance from each other.
-Please wear a facemask, and consider using gloves.
-STAY HOME if you are sick, or have been around someone sick.
-If you have any symptoms do not come to Church.
-If you are among the vulnerable, or take care of someone vulnerable, stay home.



To Support St. Ephrem
Click Here to Give Online

Updated report as of May 19th

 Dear parishioners,
 
     It is with great joy that I share this news with you.  Archbishop Vigneron announced in a letter that public Masses may resume on Tuesday, May 19^th  with adherence to the directives put forth by the Archdiocese of Detroit.  Masses are not mandatory to begin until May 29^th, so other parishes in the area may still be closed. The Archdiocese has also put forth a video  called “What You Need to Know About Returning to Mass” which provides a great visual of what to expect. Please take time to read both the Archbishop’s letter and the directives from the Archdiocese and view the video.  It is important to note, all the faithful are dispensed of the obligation to attend Mass until Sept. 6^th.
 
     Know that we are doing our best to accommodate the most amount of people in the safest possible way.  Some of what I am going to share may change after the very first Mass.  Please be patient as we continue to improve and implement new directives unique to our parish situation and layout.  Also, be patient with one another as each person has been handling the pandemic differently.  While in the church, if at any time you feel your safety is at risk, please leave to avoid the situation.  A passive response will help to keep everyone safe.  I will briefly explain a few unique directives to our parish, however, please read over the directives the Archdiocese has issued.
 
     St. Ephrem has resumed its regular Mass schedule with confessions beforehand.  Following the directives and our parish makeup, we are only allowed to have 75 people at each Mass.  There are taped off sections for seating which allow for proper distancing.  Please take a seat in the middle of the pew if you are first so that others do not have to pass over you.  A mask must be worn before entering the church and must remain on while in church, (except during the reception of Holy Communion).  Consider wearig a mask more as a service to others, as a way to be like Jesus by making people feel comfortable and safe.  Please bring hand sanitizer for yourself.  At the end of Mass, everyone will be required to leave the church to allow for proper cleaning and sanitizing between Masses. With the exception of the Holy Rosary before Mass, all other devotions and Eucharistic Adoration remain suspended. Dismissal will begin pew by pew from the back of the church to the front.  Our restrooms will be available for emergency use (and all children must be accompanied by an adult.)
 
     During the week, Mass will be first come first serve.  Once the church is filled to capacity, people will not be admitted in.  As we anticipate a larger demand for Mass on the weekend, there will be an online sign-up to secure a spot.   For those who do not have the internet, they can call the office or have someone register for them.  A separate email with the sign-up link will go out on Wednesdays to all parishioners first so that they may have pride of place. On Fridays, if there are any spaces still available, we will post the link to our Facebook page for anyone to sign up. Again, this may change in the future, but it seems the most prudent option at this time.  Consider making a daily Mass your Mass for the week, as we will not be able to accommodate the normal number of parishioners for the weekend at this time.  For those who are not currently registered, this would be a great time to become a member of our community.  You are most welcome to worship with us.
 
     Confessions will be heard ½ hour before every Mass.  Confessions will take place in the Sacred Heart/Cry Room, as this room will be closed off for Mass.   If you plan on bringing kids to Mass, know that there is not a separate place for you.  Saturday Confessions at 12:15pm remain cancelled until July.
 
     This is a hopeful step toward the safe reopening of our church, but it is important to note the following from the “Guidelines for Resumption of Public Masses”:
“Those older than 65 years old (the recommended CDC age), with a compromised health condition or caring for the sick in any way, are encouraged to stay home. Anyone who is ill, has a temperature, cough, etc., should definitely stay home as an act of justice to the whole community. Clergy with a respiratory infection of any kind should avoid celebrating public Masses or administering the sacraments as they are able to do so during this phase. The same applies to other ministers, e.g., deacons, lectors, ushers, etc.”
 
     Also, for those who rely on handicapped seating, there is a very limited number of chairs available to allow for proper social distancing.  Remember, all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass through Sunday, September 6, 2020.  St. Ephrem will continue to share the Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays at Noon on our Facebook page.
 
     Please read the letter from Archbishop Vigneron along with the liturgical directives by clicking on the links above. They do a great job explaining what this first phase of returning to Mass will look like.  Thank you in advance for your patience as we discover the safest way to celebrate Mass.  I will keep everyone informed as new information comes forth. Please know of my continued prayers for all of you.  May the Blessed Mother be our constant guide and protection!  
 

Click Here
for resources and online Mass times
in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Click Here
for recorded devotions and links on our
Facebook page.