Pastoral update:  May 21, 2020 Letter was sent via email to parshioners

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord!!! I want to share some updates with you since my last communication on May 13.

Mass attendance did increase last weekend with a total of 519 people participating: Saturday 5pm:  94 people; Sunday 8am:  95 people; Sunday 10am: 103 people; Sunday 12pm (Spanish): 86 people; and Sunday 5pm (Latin): 141 people.  I also want to clarify that the Sunday 5pm
Traditional Latin Mass is a temporary schedule and not a permanent replacement of the regular English Mass.

Volunteers:  I still need volunteers to help at each Mass.  It requires very limited contact with people.  The duties include: counting the number of people as they enter, guiding and ensuring people sit in the proper places, and securing the offertory collection after Mass.

Catechumens and Candidates:  Following the Diocese of Austin's guidelines, I am excited to inform you that all Catechumens (non-baptized) and Candidates (baptized non-Catholics) will be fully received into the Catholic Church during the Pentecost Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 29th.  We have five Catechumens and two Candidates.  This Pentecost Vigil will be similar to an Easter Vigil with RCIA's Baptism and reception into the Church.  It is so wonderful for the presence of the congregation to witness this special and beautiful event.

Confirmation:  The office of the Bishop has not given us any date for confirmation as of yet.

First Communion:  Due to the restrictions and limitations social distancing places on us, our worship space cannot accommodate having one First Communion Mass for all students, nor during a regular Sunday Mass. After prayerfully considering all the options, I have secured dates for the celebration of First Communion.  Knowing this is a big sacramental celebration that your extended family participates in, we will have a limit of 25 students (and their families) per Mass on a first come, first serve basis.  As of today, only 25 out of 59 students have celebrated their First Confession. Just a reminder, this is required before receiving the sacrament of First Communion.

Please sign up for one of the following dates via link to our website:
http://www.stmartindp.org/fc
  -     Saturday June 20th at 10am.  Rehearsal Friday June 19th at 6pm
  -     Saturday July 11th at 10am.  Rehearsal Friday July 10th at 6pm
  -     Saturday August 15th at 10am.  Rehearsal Friday August 14th at 6pm
There will be no receptions at this point.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and most of all, your prayers during this difficult time.  I will continue to inform you of updates and new information as I receive it.  May the Lord bless us and give us grace of healing.

Sincerely in Christ
Rev. Fr. Justin Nguyen, Pastor

Update on May 12, 2020 - Letter was sent via email to parshioners

Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ!

I was so excited to see many of you at Mass last weekend!  We had a total of 460 people: Saturday 5pm (60 and older): 110; Saturday Latin Mass: 92; Sunday 8am: 83; Sunday 10am: 100; Sunday 12pm (Spanish): 75.

For those of you who have not returned to Mass, I just want to reiterate the precautions we are taking to help promote safety and make you to feel more comfortable in returning. We have organized and marked chairs for individuals and/or families to sit least a 6-foot distance from each other.  While this past weekend we had sufficient room with social distancing in the main area of the St. Dymphna Center, the classrooms are also set up for family units with distancing. Seven out of twelve classrooms have TV viewing available. None of the classrooms were occupied last weekend, so there is plenty of capacity to spread out.

This coming Sunday's Mass schedule is as follow:  Saturday 5pm (ages 60 and older and/or underlying health issues) Sunday:  8am, 10am(livestream), 12pm (Spanish), and 5pm (Latin Mass).  The bulletins are being printed and available at Sunday services, as well as our parish website.

The Governor and Bishop are not requiring masks to be worn.  I have received some feedback concerning the requirement to wear a mask for Mass. This has weighed heavily on my heart and in my prayer. While I understand other Parishes in the Diocese are requiring masks, I choose not to mandate the wearing of masks or prohibit people to attend Mass.  I simply ask that you consider your own safety and help ensure the safety of your Parish community.  I strongly recommend that you to wear a mask while attending Mass.  We will have some extra masks for you this weekend at the entrance if you do not have one. Only a few of us are distributing Holy Communion. We wear masks and bring the Communion to you at your seats.  We will also disinfect the seats after each Mass.  We will begin to take temperatures
before entering the St. Dymphna Center.

To carry out these additional procedures and precautions, I need volunteers to help me. Last week I had only one or 2 ushers at each Mass.
You don't need to be an usher.  Just come to Mass 30 minutes early to volunteer and receive special instructions.

Confession for Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Communion: as of May 9, there has been only 1 out of 31 Confirmation
candidates that has come for confession; and 18 out of 49 First Communion students.  I hope to be able to celebrate the Sacrament sometime in June or July so please take your child/children to celebrate the sacrament of Confession by the end of May.  The schedule for Confession is posted on our website.

Faith Formation Registration:  All Faith Formation forms will be online by May 24.  You can register your child/children online or download the form and drop it off in the drop box in front of the office.  You can pay for the registration online as well.

Thank you for your patience, perseverance, and understanding.  With limited resources, we are trying our very best to accommodate all
parishioner needs on weekdays and weekends.  Please always check the website for parish updates.  Thank you for your generous support of the Church at this time of uncertainty.

Sincerely in Christ
Rev. Fr. Justin Nguyen
Pastor

​​​​​​Update on May 7, 2020 - Letter was sent via email to parshioners 

PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant hardship to the nation, our diocese and our own community.  In order to provide the pastoral needs and weekly operation of the church, we have to make some changes to how we operate under the health protocol guidelines.  In light of Governor’s Report to Open Texas and Bishop Vasquez’ decree and guidelines announcing the resumption of the public celebration of the sacraments and office, the following protocols will be temporarily enforced until further notice. 
Office Hours

• The Parish Office will be opened on a reduced schedule starting Tuesday, May 12^th. 
• The hours of operation for the public will be 9:30 am to 4:30 pm – Tuesday through Friday. 
• Please wear a mask and use sanitizer before you enter and leave the office.
• You can still reach the staff directly by phone or email. The contact information is in the bulletin and further listed in this communication. 
• Use the drop box at the office entrance for dropping off a document or contribution. 

 
Staffing Updates

• Mary Gomez is temporarily unable to work in the office as she falls into the “at risk” population.  We have seminarians volunteering at our front desk.
• In December, when we received Michele Van Nostrand’s resignation as Associate Director of Faith Formation, I had asked Deacon Rositas to focus his attention only on Faith Formation as Director and set aside his duty as Pastoral Associate through the end of the term. I’ve been communicating with the diocese and assessing all staffing needs and positions these past months since becoming the Pastor at St Martins.  After review, Deacon’s job description was revised to reflect the position of Director of Faith Formation, only.  Deacon Rositas made the decision to not accept this role and hence resigned his position on staff the first part of April.  He is taking some time off to discern his ministry and deacon role in the parish.  
• The Diocese has placed a hiring freeze on all Parishes due to future financial uncertainty, but we will be posting and accepting applications for review for the Director of Faith Formation position during the freeze period.   In the meantime, I have volunteers who have stepped up to help me prepare for the upcoming year of Faith Formation in anticipation that classes may be able to resume in the Fall. All registration forms will be available on our parish website at the end of this month. 
• Again, thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact me personally.  All ministry and pastoral needs should also be directed to me. 

 
Parish Bulletins and Parish App

• Parish Bulletins will resume the weekend of May 9^th and 10^th.  The bulletins will also be on the parish web page for your reference.  
• The Parish App: The usage reports show that this app is being utilized by a very small percentage of our Parish.  Because of the financial uncertainty, we have been reviewing a number of expenses for the parish that need to be reduced or cut.   The Parish App is one that will end in May.  There are other free Catholics apps available to you that are equally, if not better, alternatives to the myParish app such as: IBreviary, or Laudate. 

 
Communication:

• Our primary communication channels include our parish website, parish Facebook page, and our email database.  Please check our website frequently for communication updates.  Having accurate contact information for our parishioners is critical, especially at this time. If you have discontinued or changed a phone number, email, and/or home address, please let us know.  It is important to us that you are able to receive direct and current information/communication from the Church. Please contact Laura Zordilla at Communications@stmartindp.org. to register with the Parish or to update your contact information.
• We have experienced an increase in computer trolls hacking into ours and other parishes’ webpages to obtain email addresses and send out emails using an address similar to what we have so it appears to be coming from the office.  Please be careful and verify with us by phone if you receive or see anything suspicious.  We have removed all contact email addresses and phone numbers from our parish website. 
• Below is our Staff Contact information for your reference:
  • Fr. Justin, (512) 858-5667 x203, frjustin@stmartindp.org 
  • Judy Tixier, (512) 858-5667 x202, businessmgr@stmartindp.org 
  • Laura Zordilla, 512-858-5667 x205, communications@stmartindp.org 
  • Kevin Kapchinski, (512)858-5667 x204, worship@stmartindp.org 
  • Stephanie Mire 512-858-5667 x207, music@stmartindp.org 
  • Mary Gomez, (512) 858-5667 x201, office@stmartindp.org 

 
Resumption of Ministries : 

• We are working on the safety guidelines/protocol for resumption of ministries to use our campus facilities.  At this time, we don’t have a specific date for resuming ministry meetings.  We will communicate directly to the ministry heads once information is available.
• All of our summer programs are under review based on the guidelines of the diocese.  These programs we know have been canceled:  Steubenville, VBS, Teen ACTS, senior retreat.  Youth Mission is under review now.   

 
Offering/Giving Methods

• WeShare online giving is the best, most cost effective and safe method of contributing to the church, at this time.  WeShare is certified with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards as a Level 1 Service Provider.   Please use our secure online giving portal, either through our website or stmartindp.weshareonline.org.  All of our collections are listed on the site including special 2^nd collections and our Society of St. Vincent de Paul (which continues to remain open to serve the needs in our community).  Visit www.stmartindp.org – to find our online giving portal. The following payment methods are accepted: contributions from checking and savings account, debit cards, and/or major credit cards. If you have any questions on WeShare OnLine Giving, please contact our Business Manager, Judy Tixier, at businessmgr@stmartindp.org.
• Printed Envelopes: the printing of offertory envelopes is an added expense to the Parish. Our preference is that you convert to WeShare online giving.  If you plan to do this, please send Laura Zordilla a note at communications@stmartindp.org and ask that we discontinue the printing of your envelopes. We are grateful for this additional savings to the Parish. Offertory envelopes will continue to be an accepted method to contribute to our Parish, if you choose to do so.

We realize that you may be overwhelmed with information from many resources.  We simply ask that you visit our website often and rely on the information located there as your source for accurate updates from the Parish. Please know that our staff has been working in every possible way to provide up to date news related to our parish, the diocese and continue to respond fervently to the needs of the Church. 
 
Let us continue praying for the complete healing of the virus so that we can experience and enjoy a normal life again. 
 
Sincerely in Christ
 
Rev. Fr. Justin Nguyen
Pastor

Update on May 1, 2020 - Letter was sent via email to parshioners 

WELCOME BACK TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
“ You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
 
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Welcome back to the house of the Lord that has been empty for a while.  I am so excited that we can adore and worship the Lord together again at our holy ground.  In order to keep the standard health protocols (6-foot social distance) and accommodation of possible Mass attendants, please follow these guidelines of our St. Martin de Porres Church.
 
Following Governor Abbott’s recommendation, Bishop Vásquez issued a decree that public Masses will resume effectively May 5, 2020.  “The following members of the faithful are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation (Canon 1247) during the time that the Temporary COVID-19 Protocols for Celebration of the Sacraments for the Diocese of Austin remain in Effect:  (i) those who are sick; (ii) those who are 65 or older; (iii) those who have been advised by health care workers or caregivers to not attend Mass; (iv) those who sincerely believe that attending Mass will jeopardize their health or the health of a person with whom they reside; and (v) those who sincerely believe that because of the limitations imposed by the temporary protocols attending Mass is not reasonable.”   

Blessing of the church’s facilities

• Saturday May 2 at 7pm:  Please join me on our parish Facebook Livestream for Holy Hour, Solemn Vesper, Eucharistic Procession for the end of Pandemic, and blessing/exorcising of all buildings before you return back to Church. 

 
Mass, Confession, Morning and Evening Prayer schedule:

• Daily Mass beginning May 5: in the Church (NO livestream to home)
  • Tuesday: 5:30pm Thursday:  5:30pm (English) and 7pm (Spanish)
  • Wednesday and Friday:  12pm
• Weekend Mass beginning May 9/10: only at St. Dymphna Center
  • Saturday 5pm:  only for 60 and older and underlying health condition
  • Sunday 8am, 10am (Livestream Mass to home), and 12pm (Spanish)
• Confession: in the Church
  • Tuesday and Thursday:  6pm – 7pm
  • Wednesday and Friday:  11am – 12pm
  • Saturday: 4pm – 4:45pm
• Communal Prayer:  parish Facebook livestream
  • Morning Prayer:  Tuesday – Friday:  7am
  • Evening Prayer:  Tuesday and Thursday: 5pm; Wednesday and Friday: 7pm

 
What to bring with you: 

• Masks are not required by the governor’s order but are recommended, bring your own masks and your personal hand sanitizer if you have it.
• Please dress appropriately for Sunday Mass, even if you happen to sit outside. 
• At 10am Livestream Mass:
  • Bring your smartphone so you can watch the livestream Mass if you happen to sit outside or in one of the classrooms without TV.
  • Picnic chairs if you want to or happen to sit outside.

 
What to expect when you arrive?  

• Location:  we will worship inside the St. Dymphna Center as we continue to livestream to homebound and to those who will be outside of the building. Follow the signs and the direction of the ushers to the designated reserved areas.  
• Offering: 
  • Please drop your donation/offering/envelopes in the baskets at the entrance doors, or in the baskets outside near you.  The best way to avoid spreading the virus is online giving through WESHARE, please contact Judy Tixier at businessmgr@stmartindp.org if you need help with signing up for online giving. 
  • SVDP Food donation: please drop them in the box in the narthex area as you enter.
• Receiving Holy Communion: Please remain at your location.  The Holy Communion will be brought to you.  It is strongly recommended that you receive the Body of Christ by hand, but will not be denied by tongue in accordance with canon law.

 
Serving at Holy Mass: (please understand that we must limit the number of people from touching all related objects for the well-being of all parishioners).

• Ushers:  We will need as many Usher as we can to direct people inside and outside of the building. Please check your temperature prior to coming to Mass if you want to serve and wear your masks.  Contact Rick Strahan if you can serve. (naharts123@aol.com)
• Sacristan, Altar Servers, Lectors: Three seminarians will take care of all these tasks.
• Singing at Mass: One Cantor will lead the congregation in song and response during Mass for now, no choir at this time. Kevin and Stephanie will take care of it. 
• Extraordinary Ministers: Priest, deacon, 2 seminarians, and 2- 4 EMs if needed.  Please check your temperature, wear your masks and arrive at least 30 mins for direction.  Please contact Myron with your Mass date(s) and time preference.  (mlutz11241@gmail.com)

 
Holy Communion for the homebound:

• If you want to bring Holy Communion for your loved ones after Mass, please write your name and the number of host at the entrance, we will prepare the host in the pyx and instruction for you.  Please return the pyx by placing it in the drop box in front of the office for us to disinfect for next Sunday. 

 
First Communion, Confirmation, RCIA

• Confirmation:  No date is given from the Office of Bishop yet
• First Communion and receiving/baptism candidates into the Church:  By adhering to the 6-foot distancing, the main area of the Church/SDC can only accommodate around 25% of the capacity.  We will probably have a specific date after stage 2 on May 18.  Please bring your child/children to confession during above schedule to prepare for them to receive the Sacraments. 

 

Thank you for your continuous support of our community during this difficult time. Let us continue praying for complete healing grace for this pandemic so that the nation, church community, families, and each one of us will have a normal life again.  May the Risen Christ bless us with his love and mercy so that we all can be raised spiritually with him. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Fr. Justin Nguyen
Pastor

Update on April 30, 2020
Update from the Diocese of Austin
Beginning May 5, the Diocese of Austin will, in phases, allow for the public celebration of Mass in its 127 parishes in 25 central Texas counties. The Diocese of Austin released a decree permitting the public celebration of Masses. The diocese has also established protocols as to how parishes will offer Masses and the sacraments. Parishioners will need to abide by social distancing guidelines while attending Mass and receiving other sacraments. Bishop Vasquez also released a letter to the faithful with the decree. To view the Decree and Letter click here

Update on April 27, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas’ next steps for reopening businesses and an end to the Stay-At-Home Order which is set to expire on April 30th.

For more information on Govenor Abbott Open Texas Report go to https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas

Updated March 18, 2020 at 12:16pm
Dear brothers and sisters of St. Martin de Porres, 

Do you remember these words? "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (Jn 6:68) This is St. Peter’s confession to the Lord, during Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse.  He said this without knowing that Jesus was preparing for him, and for the whole church, His Body and Blood at His Last Supper.  During this moment of our life, let us be reminded of this important period of waiting for the Lord. 
 
We will continue to monitor the situation of the virus, according to the instructions of the CDC and our Diocese, and inform you of the updates.  Please visit our website regularly.  Here are important things for you to know:
 
Hays County:  The order of Hays county judge prohibits Community Gatherings of ten (10) persons or more of all activities in the county including religious gatherings, weddings, and funerals, from March 18th to May 14th, 2020.
 
Order of Bishop of Austin Diocese: www.austindiocese.org

1. Bishop Jose Vasquez has decreed that all public Masses within the Diocese are suspended until Wednesday of Holy Week (April 8, 2020), unless revoked or extended by subsequent decree.  The faithful are DISPENSED FROM THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS ON SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION.
2. All Confirmation Masses will be rescheduled at a later time
3. Funerals and weddings will be celebrated privately with only close family and friends in attendance no more than 10 people
4. Priests should remain available for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, observing public health advisories regarding social distancing
5. Because public Masses are being suspended, homebound ministry with Holy Communion is also suspended. Clergy should use prudential judgment in bringing Holy Communion to those who are gravely ill.

 
Direction from St. Martin de Porres

1. All child faith formation classes will be canceled. Parents, please stop by the St. Dymphna Center Room 3 to pick up the text books (1^st – 8th grades) for your children to learn at home.  Starting Thursday, March 19^th from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
2. First Confession and First Communion: will be rescheduled at a later time.  We will inform you later. 
3. Sacramental needs:  All funerals, scheduled weddings and baptismal celebrations cannot be more than 10 people including a minister. 
4. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 
   1. The Adoration chapel will still be available for you to visit the Lord 24 hours.  We will limit to 4 people only.  Please sanitize your hand before you enter and leave the chapel, and also use the paper to handle the door’s knob.
   2. The Church is also opened for you to visit the Lord Monday - Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.  We will limit to 10 people at a time. Please use the side door to enter and please use the hand sanitizer before you enter and leave the church.
5. Confession: There will be no communal confession on March 31st. We will limit to 10 people at a time. Our weekly confession schedule is as follows: Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00am-12:00pm.  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm.  Please try to sit at a distance of at least 6 feet from each other in the main Church area.  During this time of confession, we will also have the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar as well. 
6. Virtual Mass:  We are currently working to set up Mass at our parish.  Please check in later. In the meantime, you can watch the Mass on TV on EWTN, or the Relevant Radio app, or other sources. It is not a sacramental Mass, but it is for spiritual nourishment.  Here is how to receive the Spiritual communion when you watch a TV or online Mass: 
   1. Make a perfect Act of Contrition with the prayer: “I confess to almighty God….” 
   2. During the Holy Communion say this prayer “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.  I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.  Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen”
7. Live-stream teaching and communal prayer: After I have this set up, I will inform you of the day, time, and topic. 
8. All ministries/groups:  At this point, if meeting/gathering is 10 people or more it should be canceled.  If a small group is still meeting/gathering/class, will only meet at the Ed Center and please observe social distancing 6 feet apart and disinfect all surfaces after your gathering.  All food serving/fundraising needs to be discontinued, except for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry-they will evaluate week by week. 
9. Importantly:  Please persevere in prayers.  Let us pray for our country’s leaders, healthcare workers and all those who are working tirelessly to resolve this critical issue we are facing.  Here are the Biblical verses we should remember: 

-  “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.  This is good and pleasing to God our Savior”  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
-  “Let not your hearts be troubled.  Have faith in God and also in me.” (John14: 1)
-  “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

May the Lord bless us and have mercy on us,
 Fr. Justin Nguyen