(October 9, 2020; updated October 13)
Governor Cuomo has issued a new COVID mandate that will require us to limit attendance at our Masses this weekend to 25 people. We and the entire Diocese of Brooklyn feel that the religious freedom of our parishioners is being unfairly attacked. For this reason, the Diocese of Brooklyn filed a lawsuit to protest the mandate.
I understand that we are still required to limit attendance for the weekend of October 18. Please be aware that:
- 25 people will be admitted to each Mass in the Church.
- An additional 25 people will be admitted to Masses offered at the same time in the convent chapel.
- If you are unable to attend Mass, please participate in the videotaped Mass that will be available on the parish website (ourladyqueenofmartyrs.org) on Sunday morning.
We will be offering Mass at these times:
- Saturday: 5 pm
- Sunday: 9 am, 11:15 am, 1 pm
Call to Action
If you would like to express your displeasure with the governor’s decision, please go to Governor Cuomo’s website (governor.ny.gov), which will explain how you can call or email or write him. Your message to Governor Cuomo could be as follows:
Governor Cuomo,
I feel strongly that your recent mandate of Wednesday October 8, 2020, regarding COVID-19 unfairly attacks my religious freedom to worship in my local Catholic Church. My Church follows the safety protocols. Since my Church seats 900 people, I feel that 150 people can safely socially distance and worship together in that large a space.
I ask that you take this information into consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Signature]
May God continue to watch over you!
Bishop Paul Sanchez
Pastor