St. Francis Xavier

The vaccination of Hoosiers against COVID-19 has begun. Any Hoosier age 70 and older is now eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment, as are long-term care residents, first responders, and healthcare workers. The eligibility for those age 60-69 will open next.  Information about the vaccine and eligible populations can be found at ourshot.in.gov 

There are currently 3 different ways to register for the vaccine: 

• Go to ourshot.in.gov and click on the red bar link
• Call 2-1-1
• Call the Knox County Health Department at 812-882-8700 and provide name, age and phone number. They will either register or place you on a waitlist, depending on eligibility and vaccine availability.   

If you would like assistance registering for the vaccine, call the parish office at 812-882-5638. A volunteer will call you back and assist with the process.   
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PUBLIC MASSES RETURN TO SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH
 
Please plan to arrive fifteen minutes prior to Mass to allow for everyone to be seated properly.  Do not arrive any earlier than thirty minutes prior to Mass, allowing for the required cleaning/disinfection process between Masses.
 
Bishop Siegel has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days until further notice.  As a result, people should not return to Mass if they are not comfortable doing so.  We strongly encourage individuals age sixty-five and over, as well as those of any age in high-risk categories, to stay home. (Per the CDC, “at-risk” health conditions include but are not limited to: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, asthma, those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy.)
 
* Mass will continue to be live-streamed on our Facebook page on a daily basis. MASSES FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTER MAY BE SHOWN AS A REBROADCAST DEPENDING ON THE CELL SIGNALS AT THAT LOCATION.
 
A MASK IS RECOMMENDED AT MASS: Please wear your mask from the time you exit your vehicle until you return. (Mask is to be removed only for the reception of Holy Communion)
 
ENTRANCE: You should enter the building/church at the main doors.  All side doors will be locked.  Please maintain a six-foot distance from individuals/couples in front of you.  Families living in the same home are exempt from the six-foot distance requirement.  Families/individuals will be greeted at the door and directed to a specific seat until capacity has been met.  We will not be able to admit you for scheduled Masses if we have reached capacity.
 
PERSONAL SANITIZER: We will have hand sanitizer available, but you are encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer.  We suggest you use it once seated, prior to receiving Holy Communion, immediately after Holy Communion and once you return to your vehicle.
 
HOLY COMMUNION: While in line, please maintain six feet distance between yourself and others who are not part of your family.  Leave your mask in place until you approach the minister.  We recommend all distributions be in your hand.  To receive, you should make a cup with your hands.  The minister will then gently place the sacred host into your cupped hand.  Please consume the sacred host and raise your mask before returning to your seat. 
 
COLLECTION/TITHE: Your support of our parish is greatly needed and appreciated. There will be a basket at the entry/exit, and you should drop your contribution/envelope in the basket.  There will be no collection or offertory procession.  If recent conditions have made it impossible to contribute, we understand.  If you have been blessed with consistent income, we ask that you consider increasing your usual gift to help offset the deficit.
 
DISMISSAL: Out of respect and courtesy for all in attendance, you are not to leave Mass prior to the final blessing and dismissal.  The ushers will assist in this process.  Bulletins will be available at the door upon exiting.  At all times during exiting and going to vehicles we ask you (and your family) to maintain a minimum of six feet distance from other persons.  
 
 

Jesus, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
I love You above all things and I desire to possess
You within my soul. Since I am unable at this moment to receive
You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as being already there, and  myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.         Amen.