Notes from Our Pastor…

1.  In response to our parish “Fast Fund-Raising Idea” and as per the letter addressed to you as “Dear Parishioners and Friends...”, I am happy to announce that we will be reaching our goal of $51,900 by the end of this month including the matching grant of $25,600 from the anonymous donor.Thanks to all those who have already contributed to this campaign, and my deep appreciation and gratitude to Bill McCann and the present parish councils’ members and their friends for their tireless efforts. I now humbly appeal to all other parishioners to come forward with your generous donations by the end of this month to realize our goal. Let us all make this a successful campaign.  Fr. Bala, Pastor


2.  Our parish  is in need of a new Volunteer to be in-charge of the Department of Safe Environment for children and teenagers.  Interested persons please come forward and contact me for further information, either in person or through my email:  govindu77@gmail.com. Hoping to get good response soon, Fr. Bala

Beginning July 12, 2020, Sunday Mass will be broadcast live from St. Philip in Occidental using Zoom. Please use the form on the HOME page to receive login information.

UPDATE:  Due to summer heat, times for the outdoor Sunday Masses will be changed starting 7/19/20: For St. Philip’s, to 8:00 a.m., in the parking lot fronting the church; and for St. Teresa’s, to 9:30 a.m. at Bodega Calvary Cemetery.

It is important to remember that the bishop has extended the dispensation decree for attendance at Mass for those who are at high risk for infection or are fearful of catching or spreading the virus. Notwithstanding the measures taken to provide a safe environment, parishioners and visitors must understand that they attend mass at their own risk.

The following procedures, consistent with CDC, Sonoma County Health Department, and Diocesan guidelines, will be in place:

1. Do not come to Mass if you are sick, feeling unwell, or consider yourself to be at risk.
2. Participants are to bring their own chairs or ground covers, since no seating will be provided. Masks are required. Social distancing of six feet is to be maintained during the service. Please note, no bathroom services will be available.
3. Upon arrival, participants will sign in with a volunteer to record name and contact information. This information will be kept should Health Department contact tracing be necessary due to exposure to a possible new infection.
4. A second volunteer will conduct temperature screening and provide hand sanitizer. Participants can then move to the site for Mass.
5. Communion will be distributed after Mass. The celebrant will remain for twenty minutes to provide communion for those who are not prepared to join the Mass at this time.
6. Freestanding baskets will be available for the weekly donation.
7. For St. Teresa’s, parking at the Cemetery is limited, so please consider parking at the Church or in Bodega if you are able. For St. Philip’s, half of the parking lot will be used for services, so please consider parking in the lot across the street.

Please consider joining your Parish community in resuming services for our congregation. Should you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.