" The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the gift of Faith that God has given us in the salvation won for us by His only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

PASTORAL LETTER To All Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Religious Men and Women, and Faithful Laity of the Diocese of Fort Worth STATEMENT OF BISHOP MICHAEL OLSON REGARDING DISRUPTION OF CERTIFICATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AT U.S. CAPITOL January 6, 2021 The disruptive and illegal actions of those who trespassed into the U.S. Capitol today during the certification process of the presidential election were outrageous and painful to witness as a bishop and as a citizen of the United States of America. A peaceful republic requires safety and security in accord with the legitimate rule of law to foster the confidence of citizens in the electoral system and process. These outrageous actions undermined that safety and security. I hope and pray that with order restored, sufficient time and resources will be afforded by Congress to address the legitimate concerns of so many Americans regarding the integrity of our nation’s electoral system within the rule of law required for right order, the common good, and peace. Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, STD, MA Bishop of Fort Worth

1. CONFESSIONS: We Begin our Return to Church with Confession. Please follow the instructions at the Church for your safety and our safety. Confessions before Mass with consideration according to social distancing norms.  St. John Parish, Strawn Saturdays 3:00 to 4:00 pm, St. Rita Parish Ranger 6:45 to 7:15PM, Our Lady of The Holy Rosary, Cisco Sundays 7:30-8:00AM , St Francis Xavier, Eastland Sundays 9:30-10:00AM.

2.  WEEKEND SCHEDULE (Effective January 2021): Our normal weekend masses will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. in St John, Strawn, then at St. Rita, Ranger at 5:45 pm. Sundays will be Holy Rosary, Cisco at 8:00 AM, and then St. Francis Xavier, Eastland 10:00AM.

3. STAY HOME IF YYOU ARE SICK:  Please stay home if you are sick or are experiencing symptoms. If you are ill, you are not bound by the obligation to attend Mass, including on Sunday. Out of charity to others, sick individuals should not attend Mass or other liturgical events. And parishioners 65 years of age and older are not obliged to attend Mass. During this Pandemic time to physically attend Mass is NOT AN OBLIGATION especially for those over the age of 60, their caretakers, the immunocompromised, those who are feeling ill, or those who may have been exposed to COVID-19. We request you NOT TO ATTEND so that we can continue to protect the vulnerable around us.

4. MUST WEAR MASKS: Everyone who comes to Church for Mass MUST WEAR MASKS and all those in your cars who wishes to receive Eucharist in the parking lot MUST WEAR A MASK. For directions on how to make a mask (even without sewing) visit the CDC website.  Please bring your own Masks and hand sanitizer. If you have extra, Masks please bring them to the Church and give it to Deacon. Before you arrive at the Church, wash your hands and sanitize your hands upon arriving at the Church.  Please DO NOT hold your hands for the “Our Father” and the Sign of Peace is suspended

5. SIX FEET DISTANCING: The space at the entrance to the church is marked at 6-foot intervals so that people do not crowd the door and break social distance. No lingering would be allowed in front of the church or in the parking lot. We will limit gatherings according to the accommodation capacity of the church and with 50% occupancy restrictions in place (per the Governor’s order) this means St. Rita Parish, Ranger 90 People, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Eastland 50 people, St. John Parish, Strawn 50 people, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Cisco, 50 people.  The first to arrive will be led by the ushers.  Please follow the instructions from Ushers. Social distancing (6 feet) is to be observed with attendees at all times. Family units may sit together but individuals MUST sit a minimum of 6ft apart coming forward for communion, and upon dismissal so that we can ensure safe distancing. DO NOT congregate will before or after Mass for Good Reasons.

6. THE HOLY COMMUNION: The Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand ONLY. When you come up, receive the host in your hand, step away from the Eucharistic Minister, then use one hand to pull your mask down, before picking up the host to consume it. Then return your mask to its proper place before walking back to your seat or car. We ask you to maintain proper social distancing.

7. THE DONATIONS: The collection baskets and the food drive baskets will be placed in the entrance of the church. Thank you for your generous contribution. (Donate Online. https://stritacatholicranger.org/donations)

8. THE SIGN OF PEACE: The Sign of Peace is temporarily suspended. After the Our Father and Prayer of Peace by the priest, the Lamb of God will follow immediately. We do not encourage the holding of hands during Mass. If applicable, please strongly consider receiving Communion in your hand rather than on the tongue.

9.  FACEBOOK LIVE STREAMING: In addition, the Masses will continues to broadcast Facebook live streaming. During the Masses, there will be an act of spiritual communion.

• https://www.facebook.com/St-Francis-Xavier-Catholic-Church-Eastland-1648267452086256/

• https://www.facebook.com/siant.rita.5. Parish Website: Please visit the parish website for the further updated information.

11. SACRAMENTS: Communion as Viaticum and Anointing of the Sick are to be given in danger of death where possible. In the event where COVID-19 is indicated, appropriate measures will be taken.  Baptisms are to be scheduled by calling the office, except in emergency situations. As a reminder, in the case of emergency, any person can perform a baptism. Quinceañeras are to be to be scheduled by calling the office. (245-210-7091). All other parish gatherings are to remain cancelled at this time. Funeral services will resume. Memorial Masses will be celebrate. It is strongly recommended that no one from a vulnerable population attend a funeral service.

12. CCD: At this moment, all onsite faith formation, religious education and ministry events continue to be suspended. 

13.  No pre- or post-service social gathering is allowed in parish buildings or on parish property.

Please remember that you are in my prayers, as we THANK GOD for opening the Church doors for you, look forward to the great day to celebrate the Liturgy as one family of God. We continue to pray for the end of Pandemic and all the Families, individuals affected by it.

God Bless you!
Fr Vijaya Raju Mareedu
St. Rita Parish, Ranger 1109, Blackwell Road, TX  76470,
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Eastland Halbryan and Foch Street TX  76448
St. John Parish, Strawn 126 Hickory Street TX  76475
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Cisco 1108 Avenue F TX  76437

COVID-19
For and donations and offering please visit online giving 
https://stritacatholicranger.org/donations

"But you are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own, so that you may announce the praises' of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."— 1 Peter 2:9