COVID-19 Pandemic Response

May 31, 2020

We are working at opening Immaculate Heart of Mary Church the weekend of June 6 and 7. The Mass schedule will be a 5:00pm English and a 7:00pm Spanish on Saturday. Sunday’s schedule will be a 9:00am English, 11:00am Spanish and 1:00pm Latin. Live-streaming will be on Sunday Masses only. • We will follow the guidelines for attendance allowing 100 people in Church, 100 people in the hall and also others who are in the plaza and garden. • Anyone showing any symptoms of sickness, or anyone who has a household member who is sick should not come to church. • The church will be thoroughly sanitized/cleaned before and after each service, including all entryways and doors. Holy water fonts will be empty, and hymnals removed. • Hand sanitizer will be available in church, but please bring your own as well. • All local safety orders specifically relating to proper face coverings will be followed. • People will be instructed to not engage in any physical touch, such as greeting each other. We are asking that everyone be patient as we need to remember this is following the current guidelines. +++++ Estamos trabajando en la apertura de la Iglesia del Inmaculado Corazón de María el fin de semana del 6 y 7 de junio. El horario de la misas será a las 5:00pm en inglés y a las 7:00pm en español el sábado. El horario del domingo será a las 9:00am en inglés, 11:00am en español y 1:00pm en latín. La transmisión en vivo será sólo para las misas del domingo. • Seguiremos las pautas de asistencia permitiendo 100 personas en la Iglesia, 100 personas en el salón y también otras que estén en la plaza y el jardín. • Cualquiera que muestre algún síntoma de enfermedad, o cualquiera que tenga un miembro de la casa que esté enfermo no debe venir a la iglesia. • La iglesia será completamente desinfectada/limpiada antes y después de cada servicio, incluyendo todas las entradas y puertas. Las fuentes de agua bendita estarán vacías y los himnos serán retirados. • El desinfectante de manos estará disponible en la iglesia, pero por favor traiga el suyo propio. Se seguirán todas las órdenes de seguridad locales relacionadas con el cubrimiento adecuado de la cara. • Se instruirá a la gente para que no hagan ningún tipo de contacto físico, como saludarse. Les pedimos a todos que tengan paciencia, ya que debemos recordar que estos puntos siguen las directivas actuales.

March 29

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM IHM

• All Masses have been cancelled until further notice; however, the church is open from 9am to 4pm for private prayer but the Chapel will be closed. • All baptisms, Quinceaneras, weddings have been cancelled until further notice. • Funerals—no Masses at IHM; however, committal service at the cemetery will be performed by the clergy. • No vigil services will be performed. • RCIA class is cancelled until further notice. • The fish fry has been cancelled. • St. Vincent de Paul will still have food provided with a drive through service only. • The office will be closed until April 7, 2020. • We will be using FLOCKNOTES to inform our parishioners. If you don’t receive them yet, please email crojo@ihmbrentwood.com to be added. • All Penance Services in the deanery have been cancelled. • The Stations of the Cross have been cancelled. • Adoration has been cancelled until further notice. • IHM is working on live stream Mass which will be announced soon. • Anointing of the sick, Viaticum and Absolution only to those in danger of death. All other visits, including visits to the homebound by our ministers, are to be postponed for the time being. To schedule a visit call the office at 925-634-4154 and dial 6 for English and 7 for Spanish.

March 24, 2020

(English) (Mensaje en español abajo) As a community of love in Christ, we encourage you to make proper use of the limited resources available to protect yourself from the corona- virus. For this same reason, we encourage you to share with those in our community who need them the most. There is an increasing need of disposable face masks. Please, if you have extra, donate to our elderly, and the home-bound. You can bring them to the Church and we will properly distribute them. Thank you. May God bless you and reward you for your kindness. Como comunidad de amor en Cristo, los animamos a hacer un uso adecuado de los recursos limitados disponibles para protegerse del coronavirus. Por esta misma razón, les animamos a compartir con aquellos en nuestra comunidad que más los necesitan. Hay una creciente necesidad de máscaras desechables. Por favor, si tienes extra, dona a nuestros ancianos y a los que están recluidos en su hogar. Si gustan, pueden llevarlos a la Iglesia y nosotros los distribuiremos adecuadamente. Gracias. Que Dios los bendiga y los recompense por su bondad.

March 16, 2020

PARA ESPAÑOL, VER MÁS ABAJO In accordance with the most recent memo from the Office of the Bishop (herein attached), celebration of public Masses are suspended within the Diocese, until further notice. Private Masses continue to be celebrated around the world and your intentions are remembered in prayers. We at IHM commit to keep the church doors open for private prayer from 9AM to 4PM; and individual confession as normally scheduled on Tuesdays (6PM) and Saturdays (3:30PM). We are doing our best to set-up live streaming for the weekend Masses. (A link will be sent out through Flocknote, text and email, hence it is imperative that all parishioners sign-up.) For this end, we encourage recitation of the Act of Spiritual Communion (herein attached). As a necessary precaution, your priests will be ready to visit for Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum and Absolution only to those in danger of death. All other visits, including visits to the homebound by our ministers, are to be postponed for the time being. Finally, we highly encourage rescheduling or cancelation of all ministry meetings and events so as to avoid gathering people in number which could expose them to the virus. This is indeed a challenging time, but we need to be vigilant and faithful so we can overcome this trial in our life of faith as a parish community and as a nation, under the mantle of protection of the Blessed Mother. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! ***** De acuerdo con el comunicado más reciente de la Oficina del Obispo (aquí adjunta), la celebración de las Misas Públicas se suspende dentro de la Diócesis, hasta nuevo aviso. Las misas privadas siguen celebrándose en todo el mundo y sus intenciones se recuerdan en las oraciones. En IHM nos comprometemos a mantener las puertas de la iglesia abiertas para la oración privada de 9:00am a 4:00pm; y para confesión individual en los horarios ordinarios: Martes 6pm, Sábados 3:30pm. Estamos haciendo todo lo posible para disponer la transmisión en vivo de las Misas de fin de semana a través del internet. (Se enviará un enlace a través de Flocknote, texto y correo electrónico, por lo tanto, es imperativo que todos los feligreses se inscriban.) Con este fin, fomentamos la recitación del Acto de Comunión Espiritual. (Adjunta en enlace). Como precaución necesaria, los sacerdotes estarán listos para dispensar la Unción de los Enfermos, Viatico y Absolución sólo a las personas que estén en extremo peligro de muerte. Todas las demás visitas, incluidas las visitas a los que nuestros ministros acostumbran ordinariamente, se pospondrán por el momento. Por último, fomentamos la cancelación o reprogramación de todas las reuniones y eventos de ministerios para evitar exponerlas al virus. En efecto, este es un momento difícil, pero debemos estar atentos y fieles para poder superar esta prueba en nuestra vida de fe como comunidad parroquial y como nación, bajo el manto de protección de nuestra Santísima Madre María. Inmaculado Corazón de María, ruega por nosotros. Recommendations During Coronavirus Outbreak (UPDATE #5) Act of Spiritual Communion

March 16, 2020

Cognizant of the most recent Order released by the Contra Costa Health Services directing all individuals in the county to "shelter at home", we at IHM church commit to keep our doors open for individual Confessions, celebration of Masses with under 100 people in attendance, and for private time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament chapel everyday from 9AM to 4PM. Our clergy and office staff stand ready to assist, particularly during this most challenging time. Request for anointing of the sick or visit to the homebound can be made by calling the Office at 925-634-4154. As the current situation is very fluid, we ask for your patience and understanding. We ask you, too, to share this information to your contact list, particularly to those who might not have access to Flocknote, email or text message. We will send updates as they are made available. Continued prayers for everyone's health and safety. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

March 16, 2020

Please consider signing up for Faith-Direct online-giving to continue helping the church, particularly during this time. With your gift, we can continue with our ministries and services, reaching more people and touching more lives - all in our desire to make present Christ Jesus to all. Visit www.faithdirect.net and use our church code: CA752. Thank you for your continued support.

March 14, 2020

My dear IHM Family, In light of the most recent letters from the Office of the Bishop pertaining to COVID-19, we wish to assure you that our Church will remain open tomorrow and in the days ahead. However, to ensure that we follow the guidelines of the Contra Costa County limiting gatherings to 100 people, instead of the usual Sunday Masses, we will instead have simplified Communion Services tomorrow, March 15: (English) 7:30AM, 9AM, 12:30PM and 5PM; (Spanish) 10:45AM and 2PM. Our liturgy coordinators, communion ministers and ushers will stand ready to assist you as you arrive for the Communion Services, and we request that we all employ reverence and patience as we navigate through this abrupt but necessary change in how we worship as a community. For those who would like to proceed to Adoration, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed tomorrow for extended hours. Rest assured that the Jesus we receive and adore in the Eucharist is the same Jesus who accompanies us in this most trying time. - Father Quang, Father Erick and Father Arturo Bishop Barber’s Memorandum on: Liturgy During Coronavirus Outbreak (Update 4) Liturgy During Coronavirus Outbreak (Update 3)

March 14, 2020

Dear IHM family, We hope you have had an opportunity to read the Message from the Pastor (COVID-19 Virus). As stated in the previous email, the health and safety of you and the family of IHM, is our highest priority. One of the steps we have taken is to suspend all church social events which involve the serving of food as well as gatherings with more than 50 people until further notice. The exception to this is the Friday Fish Fry , during Lent, which has adapted their distribution of meals to Drive Through and Take Out only. We pray that things will be better in the days ahead, and our life of faith is strengthened as we experience this challenging time. Should you have questions, please call the office. - Father Quang, Father Erick, and Father Arturo

March 14, 2020

PARA ESPAÑOL, VER MÁS ABAJO Dear IHM family, The health and safety of you and the family of IHM, is our highest priority. As the concerns for COVID-19 virus continue to grow, we wanted to share some of the actions that IHM is taking to help protect you and your family. 1. The Masses and Sacraments will continue, however, we encourage you to consider the following when making the choice to participate: • Check with any activities to ensure you are comfortable with the level of accommodations being made to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. • Do not participate if you are in a high-risk. • Do not participate if you feel any symptoms. • Should you choose to participate, follow CDC guide lines: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth (with unwashed hands) • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash (wash hands) • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (such as hand doors or cell phone) • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 2. In this time of need, we invite all the faithful to pray the Pope's prayer for Healing: + O Mary, you shine always on our way as a sign and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the foot of the Cross bound yourself to the suffering of Jesus, keeping strong in your faith. O Salvation of God's people, you know what we need and we are sure you will provide it for us just as in Cana of Galilee the joy and feasting returned after this moment of trial. Mother of Divine Love, help us to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took upon Himself our sufferings, and is marked by our sorrows; who led us from the Cross to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. + Also the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Angels, and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding at Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and the world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy Angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful. Wipe away their tears and help them to trust in your Son. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick, and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the center of your arms, and help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. Querida familia IHM, La salud y la seguridad de usted y de la familia de IHM, es nuestra máxima prioridad. A medida que las preocupaciones del virus COVID-19 siguen creciendo, queremos compartir algunas de las acciones que IHM está tomando para ayudar a protegerlo a usted y a su familia. 1. Las Misas y Los Sacramentos continuarán celebrándose, sin embargo, le animamos a considerar lo siguiente al tomar la decisión de participar: • Consulte cualquier actividad para asegurarse de que se siente cómodo con el nivel de adaptaciones que se están realizando para minimizar el riesgo de propagación del virus. • No participe si usted está en un alto riesgo de contagio. • No participe si siente algún síntoma. • Si decide participar, siga las líneas guía de los CDC: • Evite el contacto cercano con personas enfermas. • Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca con las manos sucias. • Cubra su boca al toser o al estornudar con un pañuelo, luego tire el pañuelo a la basura (lávese las manos). • Limpie y desinfecte objetos y superficies frecuentemente utilizados (como manijas puertas o teléfono celular, etc.) • Lávese las manos a menudo con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos, especialmente después de ir al baño; antes de comer; y después de sonarse la nariz, toser o estornudar. 2. En este momento de necesidad, invitamos a todos los fieles a rezar la oración del Papa por la sanación: + Oh María, que brillas siempre en nuestro camino como señal y esperanza. Nos encomendamos a ti, Salud de los Enfermos, quién al pie de la Cruz unida al sufrimiento de Jesús, mantuviste fuerte en tu fe. Oh Salvación del pueblo de Dios, tu sabes lo que necesitamos y estamos seguros de que nos lo proporcionarás al igual que en Caná de Galilea la alegría festiva regresó después de un momento de prueba. Madre del Amor Divino, ayúdanos, para conformarnos a la voluntad del Padre y hacer lo que Jesús nos dice, El que tomó sobre Sí mismo nuestros sufrimientos, y está marcado por nuestras penas y así nos guía de la Cruz. a la alegría de la Resurrección. Amén. + Intercesión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: Santa Virgen de Guadalupe, Reina de los ángeles y Madre de América. Hoy acudimos a ti como tus amados hijos. Te pedimos que intercedas por nosotros ante tu Hijo, como lo hiciste en la boda en Cana. Ora por nosotros, Madre amorosa, y obtén para nuestra nación, nuestro mundo; y para todas nuestras familias y seres queridos, la protección de tus santos ángeles, que podamos ser salvados de esta horrenda enfermedad. Para los ya afligidos, te pedimos que obtengas la gracia de la curación y la liberación. Escucha los clamores de los que son vulnerables y temerosos, limpia sus lágrimas y ayúdales a confiar en tu Hijo. En este tiempo de prueba, enséñanos a todos en la Iglesia a amarnos los unos a los otros y a ser pacientes y amables. Ayúdanos a llevar la paz de Jesús a nuestra tierra y a nuestros corazones. Venimos a ti con confianza, sabiendo que realmente eres nuestra madre compasiva, salud de los enfermos y causa de nuestra alegría. Refúgianos bajo el manto de tu protección, mantennos en el centro de tus brazos, y ayúdanos a conocer siempre el amor de tu Hijo, Jesús. Amen.

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