Fr. Bob CHOREY

Fr. Bob here, I am proud to announce our New Parochial Vicar, Fr. Chris Kanowitz. Fr. Chris is a native Nevadan. He has served at St. Galls and St. Francis of Assisi. He will officially start on Sept 1.

July 5, 2020

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of the Snows,

Working with the Parish Pastoral Council to develop the direction of our parish has been a focus this past year. Despite COVID restrictions, we progress forward to become even more active in the community, active in our faith and even more welcoming. One part of that progress is to continue Sr. Carmen's ministry, but grow it into a more involved Snows Parish Ministry. In July, working with Catholic Charities we will begin to offer outreach to those in need in our parish neighborhood along with those Sr. Carmen had served so well. The hope is that more people can be directly involved with distributing resources and connecting people to CCNN to help them work free of poverty. So stay tuned to all our communications and be open to an exciting new phase in our parish!

Fr. Bob Chorey
Pastor

 

June, 2020

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of the Snows,

On June 30, Fr. Mike originally planned to formally retire from active ministry. COVID caused some changes. So he will begin semi-retirement instead, and then formally retire on September 1, when a new parochial vicar (no I don't know who) takes over. Fr. Mike and I go way back to 1990 when he was pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and I was an unemployed geologist. He was the first priest I ever knew on a personal level. He showed me the humanity of priesthood which opened my eyes to the possibility that I could also be a priest. He welcomed me and has always been a part of my life ever since. So I had to laugh when I was named as Pastor. I joke that I am his boss, and he reminds me that he is senior priest. I will always be grateful for his support and love these past 20 years. It really made a difference, and he has supported me especially these past two years. I will love him dearly.

Fr. Bob Chorey
Pastor

 

April, 2020

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of the Snows,

I hope that this letter finds you all well and enjoying the crazy Nevada weather. I know these over 70 days of “Stay at Home” have been frustrating for many, including me. Yet, I also witnessed some wonderful acts of kindness and love throughout this ordeal.

At last! On June 6/7 we can begin to gather again as a community and celebrate the Mass. This is part of the next phase of the reopening plan. This plan will mean that we all must still make adjustments in order to protect the health of others as well as ourselves until we can completely open without any restrictions. We keep the Gospel message of “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself” in our minds and hearts. Therefore for the safety of all the following is Our Lady of Snows plan for the reopening and for all gatherings in the next phase.

Gathering at the Church for Weekend Mass

Bishop Calvo has still dispensed the obligation to attend. Based on CDC guidelines about who is vulnerable, the Diocese and the Parish ask that any person remain home if he or she belongs to one of the following categories.

Have underlying health concerns (compromised) Anyone else in the household is vulnerable or compromised Cares for someone who is vulnerable or compromised Anyone in the household is ill 65 years of age and above.

If anyone considers themselves healthy and insists on coming, please know that you accept the risk and the liability. As well, if any person does not feel safe, there is no obligation to come.

All people (this includes children 2 years of age and above) need to wear a face mask throughout; no exceptions. If someone forgets, a face mask will be provided.

Again, to protect the health of others: If anyone refuses to wear a face mask and refuses to leave, that mass will be canceled.

Please enter into the Church through the east side main doors (those closest to the school.) Arrive early because we will need to check people in and keep safe distances.

To keep safe distances and to follow Nevada protocols, no more than 50 persons (48 +1 priest+ 1 musician) will be permitted at one mass. This means seating will be only in the designated spaces; Ushers will seat all persons.

We do not initially anticipate large crowds; and to allow for cleaning, the weekend mass schedule will be:
Saturday 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am & 10:00am (we will livestream the 10:00am mass)
Wednesday 8:30am mass will be designated a Sunday Mass; we encourage those retired persons to attend this mass, leaving space for those who work and can only attend Sunday.

We need your help to plan for attendance and to provide for “Contact Tracing,” so we ask that all parishioners make “mass reservations.” Contact the office by phone (323-6894) or email liturgy@olsparish.com the week prior to the mass.

During all Masses
No hand-holding or physical contact, unless with household members. No collection will be taken; rather baskets will be provided in which any donation may be placed prior to or at the end of the mass.

Communion: Communion will only be distributed onto the hand. Communion lines will be explained at the mass.

End of Mass
Both doors will be used for exiting. To make sure we keep the safe distance, pews will be dismissed one at a time by the Ushers. The church will be closed after every mass to be disinfected.

Daily Mass Resumes June 8
Face masks will be required, and all will need to sign in (contact tracing); no “Reservations” will be needed. 6 feet spacing will also be required except for household members; sit in designated areas. We ask that those vulnerable and/or compromised (see above) to stay at home for your safety and that of others. Wednesday mass will be a Sunday mass.
Starting June 30, the Tuesday daily mass will be at 6:30pm.

Adoration
All the same protocols apply. No gathering in the cry room.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Saturdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm or by appointment)
No one will be allowed to sit in the church before or after. Persons will need to line up 6 feet apart and follow the black tape on the floors. Entry through the East Doors only, exit through the West Doors. The Cry room will be used No privacy screen can be offered at this time; Person will need to stand behind the tape to keep 6’ away from the priest.

Please have patience with all of this. We will adapt the plan as we need to. All are being asked to give of ourselves for the good of all (just as Jesus did for us.) We place a core principle of Love first and foremost. As well, we soon hope to have plans and dates in place for First Communion, Confirmation, those adults who are in the RCIA, and parents wanting to baptize their infants. I am grateful for all the kindness shown to staff and myself these past months and we all look forward when we can worship and gather without restraint! Fr. Mike and myself continue to hold all in prayer. There will be brighter days ahead for this parish!