The Pastoral Council and parish staff discussed the current Mass schedule as we see people starting to come back to Mass. In particular they have considered the possibility of moving the 5:30 pm Mass a half hour earlier.
Approximately 10-15% of those attending the 5:30 pm Mass are Cathedral parishioners while the rest are not, it is a service to the tri-state community. In considering the change, it was noted that it is a challenge to find liturgical ministers given the late hour and the possibility of additional minister interest could increase if the Mass were to be held earlier.
Some additional advantages include our ability to accommodate for evening events. Currently they can’t begin before 7:30 pm because Mass must be over, the parking lot cleared, while allowing for enough set-up time for the next event to follow. Afternoon parish events have often considered concluding with Mass and this would offer greater possibility to incorporate into a schedule. In winter months, there would be later light.
The 5:00 pm time falls between afternoon and evening events, allowing attendance at either more easily. The change still provides an opportunity for visitors while fitting better into the parish schedule and planning.
There is no 5:30 pm Mass on Easter Sunday (April 04) and the time change begins on Sunday, April 11.