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405 S. Church St., Wentzville, MO 63385 | 636-332-9225

COVID-19 Updates

UPDATE MARCH 17, 2023

It's been 3 years since the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID-19 emergency a pandemic. Now, with health systems no longer overwhelmed and more than a year of no surprise variants, many infectious disease experts are declaring a shift in the crisis from pandemic to endemic.

UPDATE JUNE 9, 2021

On July 1, 2021, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski will lift the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all of the faithful in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Safety protocols and other liturgical directives at St. Patrick were updated and include the following:
  • Attendance capacity limits have been lifted
  • Holy water fonts will be filled and changed daily
  • Missals are available in the pews (please return your Missal if you took one home); the online Sunday Missalette is still available on our website
  • Offertory baskets will be passed
  • The Sign of Peace is reinstated, but with no physical contact
  • Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended until further notice
  • Livestream of Masses will continue on the same schedule
  • Social hall will remain available for those that wish to social distance
  • Parishioners who are sick, homebound, immunocompromised and gravely concerned for their health retain the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, which has always been the case in normal times. Though we should take the obligation to attend Mass seriously, no one is ever morally obligated to do something that would jeopardize their health or the health of other people.

Find more resources, including a video message from Archbishop Rozanski, at archstl.org/together.

UPDATE MAY 18, 2021

Mask Update

Dear St. Patrick Parish family,

The Archdiocese of St. Louis announced changes to our Covid-19 policy on Friday, May 14, 2021. The following is the statement regarding parishes:

"The mask mandate now only applies to all parish faithful who have not received a vaccination against the COVID-19 virus.

Following the CDC guidance issued yesterday, capacity restrictions and social-distancing measures at archdiocesan parishes will be determined by the parish pastor based on the size and construct of the parish, and what he deems is needed to provide for the safest possible environment. These changes in guidance are effective immediately; however, the timeline for implementation in each parish will be determined by the pastor based on specific needs to make a safe and appropriate transition. Changes should be implemented at all parishes no later than Sunday, May 23.

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski leaves in place the dispensation for Sunday Mass at this time, but will be re-evaluating the need for the dispensation in the coming weeks."

Accordingly, at St. Patrick Parish, as of this weekend (May 22-23), we will open the left half of the Church for open seating. The right side will still have the rope in place for those that choose to social distance. Mask wearing is required for unvaccinated individuals. Mask wearing is optional for those that are fully vaccinated. I am asking everyone to be mindful that there are many who are apprehensive of returning to Mass or participating with lessened restrictions. Therefore, please be respectful of anyone who chooses to wear a mask and give them some space. 

Washing and sanitizing of hands will continue to be strongly encouraged. Priests, deacons, and ministers will be wearing masks for the distribution of Holy Communion for the time being. If you are ill, please refrain from coming to Church.

The dispensation from the requirement to attend Mass has not been lifted. Therefore, if you are not comfortable attending Mass, you still have the option to virtually attend Mass via our parish livestream on Facebook Live or YouTube. You may access those from our parish website.

I look forward to welcoming more people back to Church and gathering as the family of St. Patrick Parish. Please continue to care for one another and respect the comfort level of others with regard to distance, mask usage, etc. Thank you for your support. Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Brian Fischer
Pastor

UPDATE MARCH 1, 2021

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski has mandated that masks are required for entry into archdiocesan parishes and must be worn during the entirety of the Mass except at the moment of receiving Holy Communion.

UPDATE FOR TUE, DECEMBER 15, 2020

COVID-19 Updates & Reminders

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SYMPTOMS (COUGH, SORE THROAT, HEADACHE, FEVER, AMONG OTHERS), EVEN IF ONLY SLIGHT, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND MASS IN CHURCH

In light of an increasing number of COVID-19 related cases worldwide, nationally, and locally, we would like to reiterate the following directives previously communicated and set in place by the Archdiocese of St. Louis:

  • At a minimum, the archdiocese requires that masks be worn when entering the church, proceeding for Holy Communion, and leaving the church. PLEASE NOTE: FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES, Everyone above the age of 3 must wear a mask the entire Mass, and social distancing between members of different households will be enforced.
  • Singing is only allowed by the faithful if masks are worn while in the pews. The CDC has acknowledged (October 2020) that COVID-19 can sometimes be spread through small particles that can linger in the air and infect people who are more than six feet away from an infectious person.
  • Family units that live together may occupy the same pew; otherwise, only two/three per pew and every other pew closed.
  • The Sign of Peace may ONLY be given with a bow or wave and NOT by any means of physical contact (handshakes, elbow or wrist bumps, etc.).
  • Holy Communion may be received either on the hand or on the tongue. Those receiving on the tongue should receive from the Mass celebrant only.
  • If masks are worn by all people in attendance, congregating before and after Mass in the church vestibule and common areas is permitted.
  • It is important that the six feet social distancing requirement be followed at all times.

UPDATE FOR WED, JUNE 17, 2020

Guidelines for Phase II starting MON, JUNE 22

  • All parishes should adhere to the capacity restrictions mandated by the city or county officials where they reside, but also be mindful of the six-feet social distancing requirements recommended by health officials. 
  • Masks will still be required to enter a parish within the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  While the archdiocese still strongly recommends the use of masks throughout Mass with the exception of receiving Holy Communion, parishioners at St. Patrick are not required to wear masks while seated in the pews.
  • Holy Communion can now be offered in the hand or on the tongue. Holy Communion distributed by extraordinary ministers will be administered in the hand only. We strongly recommend that parishioners receive Holy Communion in the hand, however, as this is a celebration of God’s love for us and the most important part of our Mass, parishioners who still wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue must receive from the Mass celebrant only.
  • Continue the suspension of the distribution of Holy Communion via the chalice.
  • Parishes will now only be required to clean pews once a day unless otherwise stated by city or county health officials.

UPDATE FOR WED, MAY 20, 2020

UPDATE FOR SUN, MAY 17, 2020

  • Happy Birthday to Fr. Brian! May the Lord’s blessings continue to be with you, and may His words continue to move you from strength to strength. Thank you for your continued guidance and for sharing His grace in so many wonderful ways.

UPDATE FOR MON, MAY 12, 2020

  • Archdiocesan Guidelines for Observing Social Distancing and other Health Requirements for the Celebration of Mass are found here.
  • SPANISH Archdiocesan Guidelines for Observing Social Distancing and other Health Requirements for the Celebration of Mass are found here.
  • All public Masses, starting Mon, May 18, will be held in the Church. The Chapel is open for private prayer only.
  • Our parish coordinator will be contacting our Lectors to schedule for Mass. We are not asking for Servers at this time.
  • Daily and Weekend Masses will continue to be posted to our YouTube channel.
  • Prayer Warriors for Priests, our monthly Rosary for our priests, has been canceled till this fall. Let us continue to pray to our Blessed Mother asking her to guide, comfort, and protect our priests.
  • The Knights Annual Golf Outing is scheduled to proceed on June 22. Visit www.stpatrickwentzville.org/kcgolf for the registration form and details.
  • Online parish programs will continue. Visit www.stpatrickwentzville.org/online-programs

UPDATE FOR MON, MAY 11, 2020

  • We're getting ready for public Masses to start. Volunteers are needed to help sanitize the pews, door handles, and restrooms following each Mass starting the weekend of May 23/24. Sign up online at https://bit.ly/2A5ZzQv. Thank you!

UPDATE FOR FRI, MAY 8, 2020

  • Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Grants General Permission to Resume Public Masses Beginning May 18. The general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation will remain in place for all Catholics of the archdiocese until further notice. The detailed policy will be provided to parishes early next week, and will include directives and guidelines that must be followed carefully by each parish in order to resume public Masses. We will still be recording Mass and posting it to our YouTube channel and sharing on our Facebook page as strict social distancing guidelines will be followed.
  • Drive Up Confessions will still take place on Thursdays from 4-6 PM.
    Now at only one location: Pull in the church parking lot, look for the cones and follow the directions. Weather permitting.

UPDATE FOR SUN, APRIL 29, 2020

  • Archbishop Robert J. Carlson has extended the suspension of public Mass through May 8. Archbishop Carlson is working with the priest council, other Missouri bishops, and government and health officials on a policy for the return to public Mass and expects to be able to share more with the faithful soon. In the meantime, public Mass is not to be offered at any parish within the Archdiocese of St. Louis until a general permission is given to all parishes. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as decisions that are made with the best interest and health of all the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis are taken carefully into consideration. 

UPDATE FOR SUN, APRIL 19, 2020

  • Women's White House Retreat scheduled for May 4-7 has been canceled.
  • Totus Tuus and Vacation Bible School for this summer have been canceled.

UPDATE FOR TUE, APRIL 14, 2020

  • St. Joseph's Hospital hopes to support their SSM team members at St. Joseph St. Charles, Wentzville, and Lake St. Louis. They write that "our team members would greatly appreciate the support, especially from our Catholic community." For more information how you can show support, look here.
  • The Paper Shredding event scheduled for May 9 has been canceled.
  • Drive Up Confessions take place on Thursdays from 4-6 PM.
    Two One Location: Pull in the church OR school parking lot, look for the cones and follow the directions. Weather permitting.
  • Connected with Divine Mercy Sunday is a plenary indulgence. Please check here for more information about it. 

UPDATE FOR THU, APRIL 9, 2020

  • Music programs have been added to our Holy Week at Home resource page! Scroll down to HOLY WEEK LITURGY & MUSIC. 
  • Last chance for Drive Up Confession before Easter is Fri, April 10, 10 AM-12 PM
    Two Locations: Pull in the church OR school parking lot, look for the cones and follow the directions. Weather permitting.
    Reconciliation also by appointment. No Drive Up Confessions on Holy Thursday.
  • Archdiocesan elementary, high school buildings to remain closed through the end of school year. St. Louis Review article.

UPDATE FOR TUE, APRIL 7, 2020

  • Holy Week from HomeVisit for Holy Week Mass Schedule, News, and Resources!
  • Our Blood Drive is FULL - Thank you! If you can't attend our drive, find a location near you.
  • Archbishop Robert J. Carlson extends the suspension of all public Masses through April 30.

UPDATE FOR FRI, APRIL 3, 2020

UPDATE FOR WED, APRIL 1, 2020

  • Encounter will be posted to YouTube on Thu, April 2, 7 PM. Join us from home for Encounter at St. Patrick with adoration, music, and prayer on our YouTube channel!
  • Drive Up Confessions are Wed, April 8, 4-6 PM and Fri, April 10, 10 AM-12 PM
    Two Locations: Pull in the church OR school parking lot, look for the cones and follow the directions. Weather permitting.
    Reconciliation also by appointment. 
  • UPDATE: FULL! NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE! Blood Drive is still on for April 8, 3-7 PM, NEW LOCATION School Cafeteria. To donate you need an appointment. See March 24 info below for more details.
  • Scrip orders are taken by email only. Send the order by Thursday evening, payment & pickup is in the parish office between 9-12 this Friday, April 3.
  • We invite you to join us on our Zoom Link with Fr. Gerson for Coffee & Catholicism, our informal group chat about topics relating to our faith. Our next meeting is Mon, April 13 at 10 AM.
  • Our annual Junktique fundraiser has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date this year.

UPDATE FOR THU, MARCH 26, 2020

  • Happy 7th Birthday to Stella!
  • Drive Up Confessions are today from 4-6 PM. Just pull in the parking lot and follow the directions. Canceled if raining.
  • Blessed palms will be available in the church gathering area from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM starting Sunday, April 5.
  • 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal is postponed.

UPDATE FOR TUE, MARCH 24, 2020

  • UPDATE: FULL! NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE! Blood Drive is still on for April 8, 3-7 PM, Social Hall NEW LOCATION School Cafeteria. To donate you need an appointment. Social distancing practices will be enforced at the blood drive. If you are healthy and feeling good, the Community needs your blood donation. Many local blood drives have canceled due to schools and businesses closing. A strong blood supply is needed every day in order for the Medical Community to operate as needed. To schedule an appointment, call 314-291-4741 or go to www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org & click “Donor Login”. Use sponsor code 10741.
  • Confirmation and First Communion Sacraments have been postponed until a future date.
  • Annual Priests Appreciation Dinner scheduled for April 27 has been postponed until some time this fall.
  • Project Rachel Day of Reflection (St. Charles), Saturday, April 23 has been postponed to be rescheduled this summer.

UPDATE FOR MON, MARCH 23, 2020

  • Archbishop Carlson has extended the date of school closures through April 22, 2020.  Per a letter received from the Office of Education and Faith Formation, "Pending continuing updates and guidance from local and state government and health officials, we have preliminary plans to allow teachers to return on Thursday, April 23, and students to return on Monday, April 27. Please extend your distance-learning plans for continuation through Friday, April 24."
  • Eucharist will not be provided for those that visit the homebound. Please share the Spiritual Communion Prayer that has been provided below. Pastoral visits by priests should only include Holy Communion as Viaticum for the dying.
  • Since communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are suspended, try to make a Prayer of Contrition part of your daily prayer life.
  • Men's White House Retreat scheduled for April 13-16 has been canceled. A decision regarding retreats and events scheduled after April 22nd will be made on April 20th (Women's White House Retreat is currently scheduled for May 4-7). For the latest information on closures, you can visit www.whretreat.org
  • Pope Francis has asked us to recite the Our Father prayer on Wed, March 25 at noon. "We want to respond to the virus pandemic with the universality of prayer, compassion, and tenderness. Let us stay united. I invite all Christians to direct their voices together toward Heaven, reciting the Our Father on Wednesday, 25 March, at noon." 
  • We are so close to being able to live stream on mobile! We have 946 subscribers (as of 9:00 am) on our YouTube channel and need at least 1,000. Please visit and click the red SUBSCRIBE button. Thank you and please share! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTK1Q9v8pVbAINnkeJtVeBg/videos
  • CONTINUE TO EARN SCRIP PROFIT towards your choice of school (full-time, PSR, Catholic high school), parish fund, or building fund. Email your orders to scrip@stpatsch.orgOrder forms can be downloaded from our website. Pickup times at the Scrip room are Fridays 11-12 and Saturday 9-10. Contact Tina for other pickup options.

UPDATE FOR SAT, MARCH 21, 2020

  • Archbishop Carlson has suspended all public liturgies for Holy Week and beyond. This announcement extends the previous mandate which suspended all public liturgies up until Holy Week.
  • Effective immediately 40 Days for Life on-site vigils will be suspended in St. Louis, Fairview Heights, and Granite City (no prayer vigil for St. Patrick on Mon, March 23). Updated Statement from Brian Westbrook.
  • To be able to live stream on mobile, our YouTube channel will need to have at least 1,000 subscribers. Please visit and click the red SUBSCRIBE button. We currently have 300 486 692 subscribers. Thank you and please share! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTK1Q9v8pVbAINnkeJtVeBg/videos

UPDATE FOR FRI, MARCH 20, 2020

  • Sacrament of Reconciliation is by appointment only. Please call the parish office to set up an appointment. 636-332-9225. Fr. Brian Ext. 226; Fr. Gerson Ext. 282
  • A limited number of parish bulletins have been printed for this weekend and are available in the parish office or chapel vestibule. You may also view online at ParishesOnline or myParish app.
  • SVDP is setting up food distribution by appointment only. Please call 636-327-8787, leave a name and phone number. We will return your call.
  • Catholic Brain is granting free access to thousands of Catholic games and activities for children from now through April 19.

UPDATE FOR THU, MARCH 19, 2020

  • Pope Francis endorses Italian bishops’ call to pray The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary Thursday, March 19, 9 PM Rome time, 3 PM CST.
  • School is open today until 5 PM and Fri, March 20, 7 AM-5 PM for item pickup. Parents should have received an email with details.
  • School requests that people utilize email to communicate with any faculty or staff members.  Voice mails will be checked daily; however, we prefer email correspondence at this time. 
  • School & Church YouTube channel
  • The Coronavirus Novena from Pray More Novenas will start on Friday, March 20

UPDATE FOR WED, MARCH 18, 2020

  • Masses are now online.
  • 40 Days for Life, scheduled for Mon, March 23, from 7 AM - 7 PM will NOT be canceled. There is enough outdoor space to continue with the vigil. Read the guidelines.
  • Martha Martha Volunteer Luncheon scheduled for April 15 is postponed
  • Church cleaning scheduled for April 17 at St. Patrick is postponed

UPDATE FOR TUE, MARCH 17, 2020

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Read St. Patrick's biography and Lorica. Visit stpatrick.formed.org for many wonderful stories and videos about our Patron Saint! The service is FREE for St. Patrick parishioners!

  • ALL REMAINING FISH FRYS HAVE BEEN CANCELED FOR 2020.
  • Mary Martha Thrift Shop is closed until further notice.
  • SCRIP ROOM HOURS - Friday, March 20, 11 AM-12 PM. You can purchase at the door or email Tina with your order by Thursday evening and pick up and pay at the Scrip room.
  • UPDATE: SOLD OUT! THANK YOU! We have kettle-cooked corned beef and ham available for $5 a pound. We also have potato, carrots and cabbage for $5 a bag. Rita will be at St. Patrick school cafeteria today (March 17) from 10:00 till 2:00.
  • Visit ParishesOnline.com and sign up for automatic notifications sent straight to your inbox whenever a new bulletin is uploaded. This way you’ll stay informed no matter where you are each week. Enter St. Patrick Church 63385 and click the SUBSCRIBE button near the cover photos.
  • Bishop Robert Barron with Word on Fire will be offering daily Mass for the foreseeable future.
  • Conception Abbey Live Streams of daily Mass and the Morning and Evening Prayers.

UPDATE FOR MON, MARCH 16, 2020
In response to growing concerns regarding the spread of the Coronavirus and following the closure of Missouri public and private schools in our area, Archbishop of St. Louis Robert J. Carlson announced today the temporary suspension of publicly celebrated Masses. archstl.org/coronavirus

What This Means for St. Patrick Parish
The following has been decided:

  • All public Masses have been suspended. We are working on a way to live-stream Masses on our website.
  • Reconciliation will still be offered at our regularly scheduled times.
  • Eucharistic Adoration has been suspended. The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed in the chapel tabernacle.
  • Adoration Chapel will remain open 24/7 (use code 9876).
  • All formal prayer gatherings (Mother of Perpetual Help, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc) have been suspended.
  • School and PSR will not meet at least through April 5. Parents and students will be contacted with more information.
  • UPDATE: ALL FISH FRYS CANCELED - March 20 Fish Fry is canceled. Subsequent fish frys we be decided on a week-by-week basis (no dine-in allowed).
  • 40 Days for Life, scheduled for Mon, March 23, from 7 AM - 7 PM has NOT been canceled as of today.
  • All parish activities through April 5, including Lenten Reflections, Stations of the Cross, Encounter, Ministry Meet, and Donut Sunday have been canceled.
  • All parish group meetings including Knights, bible studies, prayer groups, grief support group, exercise classes, youth groups, Scouts, sewing/knitting groups, etc, have been canceled through April 5.
  • White House Retreat will make an announcement on April 6 regarding retreats following April 12 (Men are currently scheduled April 13-16). 

Offertory
Essential to the continued operation of our parish and our mission, please use online giving or drop-off or mail-in your weekly contribution to the parish office. When parishioners are prevented from attending weekend Masses, our Offertory suffers. This has a direct impact on the funds we have available each week to pay our bills and meet our payroll. The problem becomes even more complicated when we are forced to cancel fundraising events such as our Fish Frys.

Any extra help that you can give is greatly appreciated.

Sign Up for Online Giving


We are Here to Help!
We realize we have many parishioners who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus and have difficulty leaving the house during this time. If you are in this situation, or if you are willing to go to the store or cook meals for those who are in need, please contact the parish office at 636-332-9225.

Other Resources
St. Vincent de Paul: dial (636) 327-8787
United Way: dial 211
Catholic Charities of St. Louis: dial (314) 367-5500 or email info@ccstl.org


What Should I Do if I Can't Go To Mass?
Catholics are encouraged to make a ‘spiritual communion’. St. John Paul II writes that “it is good to cultivate in our hearts a constant desire for the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of ‘spiritual communion’, which has happily been established in the Church for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. Saint Teresa of Jesus wrote: ‘When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.’” (Ecclesia Eucharistia, no. 34)

Catholics in the archdiocese are also encouraged to watch our local TV Sunday Mass. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis offers live-streamed and televised options for Holy Mass. http://cathedralstl.org/live/

Catholic Radio is on AM1460 or 102.9FM or download the free Covenant Network App or listen on OurCatholicRadio.org and view the schedule


How Do I Make a Spiritual Communion?
Below are recommendations for how to make a ‘spiritual communion’ when unable to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The recommendations can be adapted based upon personal and family needs.

  • Gather with others in your household and begin a time of prayer with the sign of the cross.
  • Take time to read and reflect upon the readings from Sunday Mass. The readings are available at usccb.org and myParish app.
  • Share prayer intentions quietly or aloud.
  • Pray the Lord’s Prayer.
  • Pray one of the following prayers of spiritual communion (see below).
  • Close with the sign of the cross.

Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer (Anima Christi)
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, embolden me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within thy wounds hide me.
Never permit me to be parted from you.
From the evil Enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
and bid me come to thee,
that with your saints I may praise thee
for age upon age.
Amen.

Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified
Behold, O good and loving Jesus, that I cast myself on my knees before you and, with the greatest fervor of spirit, I pray and beseech you to instill into my heart ardent sentiments of faith, hope and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a most firm purpose of amendment. With deep affection and sorrow I ponder intimately and contemplate in my mind your five wounds, having before my eyes what the prophet David had already put in your mouth about yourself, O good Jesus: They have
pierced my hands and my feet; they have numbered all my bones (Ps. 21: 17-18).

An Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori
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.