Epiphany Catholic

 Church

Epiphany Parish in Georgetown, Washington DC is a parish in the Archdiocese of Washington.

Today, the Archdiocese of Washington is home to 640,000 Catholics. The 95 Catholic schools educate nearly 27,000 children while service agencies, including Catholic Charities and Victory Housing, have made the Archdiocese one of the largest private social service providers in the region.

To Epiphany Catholic Church in Georgetown, Washington, DC

Canonically established: 1925

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am writing to inform you that we are planning to begin offering public Masses here at Epiphany on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Our parish staff has been working hard to establish a plan that does everything we reasonably can to make this a safe reopening for those who are able to attend. 
 
The seriousness of this pandemic dictates that we follow the guidelines and safety measures offered through the Offices of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, health officials, and the Archdiocese of Washington. Therefore, you are asked to review the logistics and schedule required to offer public Masses and other liturgical rites by observing the guidelines that are being provided for a smooth and safe reopening.
 
Mass Obligation
The dispensation from Sundays and Holy Days of obligation remains in effect and you may have to make the difficult decision to remain at home even as we offer public Masses. This would include those with COVID-19 or exposed to it, as well as those with upper respiratory or flu like symptoms or underlying medical conditions, the sick, the elderly, those who are living with or in the presence of any individual at risk, or those that still do not feel comfortable being in a public setting. When in doubt, it would be better to stay at home.
 
Weekday Masses 
Beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the weekday Mass will be offered Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. 
 
Weekend Mass Schedule
Beginning Saturday, June 27, 2020 the weekend Mass schedule will be as follows: 
•      Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
•      Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
 
Confessions
Confessions will be heard beginning on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.
 
Face Masks and Hand Sanitation Requirements
You are required to wear face masks for the entirety of Mass. If you choose to wear protective gloves, they must be removed prior to receiving Communion on the hand. Everyone is also required to use hand sanitizer prior to entering the body of the church.
 
Liturgical Ministers
At the present time, the celebrant will proclaim the Readings.  Beginning in September we will return to the practice of our lectors resuming their ministry of the Word. No altar servers will be serving Mass at this time. Congregational singing will be suspended at this time.
 
Missalettes
All Hymnals and Missalettes have been removed. Sunday Readings can be found at www.usccb.org. You may use your electronic device to access the readings during Mass.

Seating
Given the new occupancy restrictions, we are only able to accommodate 45 parishioners per Mass. You are asked to sit in those pews marked with green tape.  Please move to the ends of the pew to accommodate those who may come after you.
 
Arrival for and departure after Mass
When arriving for Mass you are asked to please use the side entrance. You are asked to keep socially distanced from other households as you enter. Sanitize your hands and use your face masks during the entire Mass.  When the dismissal has been given, you are asked to depart through the front doors. Please do not congregate in the vestibule before or after Mass.
 
Communion
All Catholics present who are properly prepared to receive communion are invited to join the communion procession to receive Communion.
 
Those who will not receive communion are asked not to come forward with hands crossed for a blessing; there is a blessing for everyone at the end of Mass.
 
When you approach for Communion, please remain six feet from others in the line and from the minister. When it is your time to receive, keep your face mask on and remain six feet away from the minister. While the minister presents the Host to you and says, “The Body of Christ”. After the presentation you respond, “Amen”, and then approach the minister. Then carefully loosen your mask, consume the Host, and replace the facial covering as you return to your pew for private prayer.
 
Those who normally receive on the tongue are respectfully asked to consider receiving in the hand as a temporary measure.
 
Collection
Collection baskets will not be passed by the ushers. You are asked to bring your gift with you at communion time and place it in the baskets that will be available on tables at the head of the first pew. Online Giving is another option available, through our website. 
 
I ask that you Please be patient as we implement this plan and understand that we will make any changes deemed necessary to assure the safety of those attending, while also recognizing the importance of making the sacraments available.
 
Grace and Peace be with you!
 
Msgr. Godfrey Mosley
Pastor
 

The Archdiocesean website in response to the coronavirus is updated regularly with information for the faithful.  Go to adw.org/coronavirus/ to find the latest resources, including a link to find a listing of live stream Masses and prayers.

Epiphany Catholic Church is now selling commemorative, laser-engraved bricks, which will form a Memorial Garden in the front yard of the rectory before the statue of the Blessed Mother.  Each 4”x8” brick can accommodate 3 lines of English, Korean, or Lithuanian text, limited to 18 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation).  BRICKS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON OUR WEBSITE.  (The purchase form is located under the "EVENTS & NEWS" tab.  Payments are by electronic check only; credit cards are not accepted.)  The prices are 1 brick for $300 or 2 bricks for $500.  Please consider making a generous donation to your church in memory of someone special in your life.