-Beginning Thursday, March 2nd, all weekday Masses will begin at one-quarter past the hour. This change is based on the vast majority of those who took the survey requesting as much. So weekday Masses, Monday-Friday, will be at 7:15, 8:15, 12:15, 1:15 and 5:15.
-The 1:15 P.M. Mass will also be offered in the Main Church beginning that day and always. People have requested the change because of difficulty with stairs due to age or leg/knee/joint issues. Attendance for that Mass has been substantially less than that of the 12:15. This is not the case at St. Andrew’s and at other similar churches. Having changed the time of the afternoon Mass at Saint Andrew's from 1:05 to 1:10 has already resulted in a 1/3 increase in attendance. It is hoped that this change will make it easier for people to attend that Mass resulting in an increase in attendance.
-Because of the change, while the Novena prayers will be prayed after both Masses and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the 12:15 Mass, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will only be at 5:05 P.M. before the 5:15 Mass.
NEW SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE
-Beginning Sunday, March 12th, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Masses will be on Saturday evening at 5:15 pm (Vigil) and on Sunday at 10:15 am, 12:15 pm and 5:15 pm. Please note:
-Having all Masses begin at a quarter past the hour will make it easier for people to remember the schedule.
-After the survey was taken the attendance at the 7:30 am. Mass remained very low (never going over 22 and at times as low as 12). Only one communication was received asking that the Mass be kept.
-After consultation with clergy and staff over adding a later morning Mass, it was decided that given the attendance at the other two Masses, an additional later morning Mass was deemed unnecessary.
-Survey results and comments received indicated that an evening Mass on Sunday would be well-received. Some workers in the area on Sunday mentioned they would try to attend as well as a number of residents who would rather “sleep in” Sunday mornings if at all possible. Also, young adults and others, returning from a weekend away would appreciate an evening Mass on Sunday. Some asked for it to be later in the evening during the summer. We will review the time for the Mass in late Spring. If after six months to a year, we find that attendance does not warrant the Mass there will be another review as well.