Holy Family Catholic Church

Wharton, Texas

Due to COVID-19 concerns, Bishop Cahill has asked that the following guidelines be observed at all public celebrations of the sacraments and social gatherings sponsored by the parishes:

• People over the age of 65 are encouraged to remain home.

• People with a heart condition or diabetes, who are overweight or have other underlying at-risk conditions, are encouraged to remain home.

• Dispensation from Sunday obligation to attend in person is extended through August 31, especially with respect to people who may be considered physically well to attend, yet believe it best to stay at home.

• Parishioners should take their temperature before coming to Mass and should not attend if exhibiting any signs of sickness.

• Except for the reception of Holy Communion, parishioners should wear masks while in church.

 

• Remain standing in your pew to receive Holy Communion; do not approach the altar.

 

• Parishioners should maintain 6' distance between themselves and all other persons (not of the same household group).

• Only every other pew will be used. Please ONLY sit in pews marked with a number.

• The day chapel pews may be used for Mass when needed to accommodate social distancing requirements. Hand sanitizer will be available at all church entrances/exits.

 

• If standing in line for confession, maintain 6' distance from other persons. Penitents should wear a mask while in the confessional.

• Collection baskets will be placed at the entrance/exits of the church so that parishioners may leave their weekly church support contributions upon entering or leaving the church. Collection baskets will not be passed from person to person.

The parish office is open to the public Tuesday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM until further notice. If you are coming into the office, we ask that you please wear a face mask. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

If a person is in immediate danger, call 911 or call the Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or report the abuse online.

Written allegations (marked "Personal and Confidential") may be sent to: Office of the Bishop, Diocese of Victoria in Texas, P.O. Box 4070, Victoria, Texas 77903-4070.

To report suspected or known abuse by church personnel, please contact ONE of the following: Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Outreach, Vicki L. Pyatt, LMSW at (361) 827-7186 or pastoralcare@victoriadiocese.org or the Chancellor of Diocese of Victoria at (361) 573-0828 or chancellor@victoriadiocese.org.

If sexual abuse by a member of clergy has occurred in another diocese, the Diocese of Victoria will help bring your concerns to church officials. For assistance, contact Vicki Pyatt at (361) 827-7186 or pastoralcare@victoriadiocese.org.

The Safe Environment Coordinator for Holy Family Church is Vicki Simper. She may be contacted at (979) 453-1331. The Safe Environment Coordinator for Saint Joseph Mission is Delores Kocian. She may be may be contacted at (979) 532-3593.