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April 17, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I stated to you in my last pastoral letter, it was my sincere hope that we could return to some form of public masses and regularly scheduled confessions by April 19, 2020, the Second Sunday of Easter, Mercy Sunday. It is my ardent desire and that of each of our priests serving in the Diocese of Fort Worth to celebrate Mass with a full assembly of the faithful gathered to worship God in sacrifice and sacrament as Christ intends. It is an authentic desire of mine and that of our priests to celebrate the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in accord with a regular schedule. While civic officials have told us that staying at home and social distancing are having a positive effect on slowing the virus and preventing its spread, serious health threats still exist. After consultation with civic officials and our pastors I have judged that this weekend is premature for us to return to the public celebration of Sunday Mass and regularly scheduled confessions.
Now is the time for us to prepare more intentionally for our return to the public celebration of Mass with distribution of Holy Communion in various parts of the Diocese of Fort Worth throughout the month of May. Please know that this will require preparation and patience...