St. Clare Church is excited to return to 100% capacity for Masses. Reservations will no longer be required. For those attending Mass, masks will still be strongly encouraged.

The Bishop has rescinded the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. We will continue to livestream the Saturday 5:00pm Vigil Mass on our YouTube channel, but we will no longer offer Holy Communion at the church after this Mass. Parishioners who stay home from Mass for health reasons can arrange for Holy Communion to be brought to them through our Homebound Ministry by calling the Parish Office at (916) 772-4717.

In compliance with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that indoor church services can be held with a peak of 25% capacity, we will be  resuming indoor Masses starting this Wednesday, February 10th.  The Sign-up Genius will be available for signups starting at 10am on Monday and you will be able to reserve seats for Masses this coming week.  We will have a limit of 250 people at each Mass.  The new Mass schedule will be as follows:

• Daily Masses at 8:30AM Wednesday through Saturday

• Saturday Vigil Mass at 5PM.  This Mass will be livestreamed as well and Holy Communion will be distributed after Mass in front of the Morris Center.

• Sunday Masses at 7:30 AM, 9:30AM and 11:30AM.  The 9:30 Mass will be livestreamed as well, and communion will be distributed after that Mass in front of the Morris Center.

We are still requiring reservations for contact tracing purposes, and will check you in when you arrive.  We ask that you check for Covid symptoms and take your temperature before coming to church as we will not be doing temperature checks at the church.  Masks are mandatory and you will be asked to seat yourself observing physical distancing guidelines. 

You can refer to our parish website and Facebook page for more information.
To read Bishop Soto's Letter to the Faithful on the Supreme Court decision, click HERE.

As of Tuesday, January 26, Placer County is back in the “purple tier” of the California Covid Blueprint plan. St. Clare Parish will not have in person Masses at this time. We will have the following available for you and your family:

Weekday Masses - Livestreamed on our St. Clare Facebook Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30am. Holy Communion will be distributed at 9:00am after the Mass outside of the church in the front doors. Social distancing and face masks will be required.

Weekend Masses - Livestreamed on our St. Clare YouTube Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday at 9:00am followed by distribution of Holy Communion outside of the church in the front doors - 6:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am on Sunday. Social distancing and face masks will be required. 
     
Our church will remain open for individual private prayer Monday-Saturday from 8:00am- 4:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm.

Confessions Times - Tuesdays at 4:00pm and Saturday at 9:15am. 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Every Friday in the church from 12:00pm-5:30pm for private individual prayer only.
    
St. Clare Parish still relies upon your generosity of monetary donations. A collection basket will be available during all the weekend Masses during Holy Communion distribution. You may also give online from our parish website through the donate button at the top of the page, mailing to the Parish Office or dropping in the safe slot in the narthex. We are extremely thankful for the support and generosity of our parish. 
 
We will continue to have our staff working from home; please feel free to contact them with any need you may have. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at (916) 772-4717.

You can view the most recent communication on the pandemic from Bishop Jaime Soto and the Diocese of Sacramento, HERE.
     
Rest assured of our prayers for you and your family. 

- Fr. George, Fr. Innocent, and Paula

For other resources during this time of pandemic, click HERE.

As of November 10, Placer County is back in the “red tier” of the California Covid Blueprint plan. This means that St. Clare is allowed to have 100 people, socially distanced with masks, at each Mass. As the COVID-19 reports for California are updated every Tuesday, we will continue to open 100 seats per Mass on Monday mornings as usual, and then wait for the Tuesday report to, hopefully, return to "orange tier" or better and be able to release an additional 100 seats. 

1. Advance reservations will be required. With 100 socially distanced reservations, we are unable to take drop-ins for Mass.
2. Temperature checks will continue to be taken at the door.
3. Masks are required.
4. Assigned seating will take place at the Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday morning Masses as well as weekdays (Wednesday- Saturday 8:30am) as needed.
5. We will continue to take contact information of all attendees for contact tracing.

If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at (916) 772-4717.

As of October 13th, Placer County is now in the “orange tier” of the California Covid Blueprint plan. This will enable St. Clare to have 200 people, socially distanced with masks, at each Mass. We have increased this week’s sign-ups for Masses starting Wednesday, October 14th- Sunday, October 18th (sign-ups for Masses after October 18th will start Monday, October 19th). The following details will apply to all Masses starting tomorrow, October 14th:

1. Advance reservations will be required. Those without reservations may not be admitted at Masses when spaces are not available.
2. Temperature checks will continue to be taken at the door.
3. Masks will be required.
4. Assigned seating will take place at the Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday morning Masses as well as weekdays (Wednesday- Saturday 8:30am) as needed.
5. We will continue to take contact information of all attendees for contact tracing.

We are excited to be able to have additional parishioners joining us for Mass. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at (916) 772-4717.

A message from Our Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you in Christ’s love, holding each of you in my thoughts and prayers as we face the uncertain times in which we find ourselves. In St. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he reminded those facing stress and persecution to “take our lead from Christ” such that “his very breath and blood flow through us.” That is our challenge in fearful times – not to act out of fear but out of peace and love through the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. I pray that this letter finds you well and enriched with our Lord’s many blessings!

I write to offer you words of hope, as well as important information about our beloved Parish, St. Clare. We are very happy to announce that Fr. Innocent Subiza has arrived to be part of our parish family. He will be saying daily and weekend Masses, hearing confessions, and ministering to our parishioners. Please introduce yourself and make him feel at home. We are thankful for Fr. Ramos’ time with us and wish him well in Grass Valley.

Despite of many restrictions we are currently following, for the safety our parishioners, we are blessed to have accomplished the conferral of the Sacraments to our twenty seven catechumens/candidates for the Rite of Christian Initiation for adults, youth, and children. They had patiently prepared and waited for a long time. Kindly remember them in your prayers as they begin their new journey of faith with us.

Our First Communion class (one hundred sixty six children) have finally been welcomed to the table of the Lord. Please join me in congratulating them and their families. After the last First Communion Mass next weekend, we will begin to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to one hundred thirty five of our youth in September and October. I am very grateful for all the generous catechists and volunteers that have prepared our adults, youth and children to receive the Sacraments and for the service of our liturgy volunteers at these Masses.

During this challenging time, we continue to pray for God’s healing for all of the sick members of our parish family and friends and those who care for them. If you or a family member are in need of any pastoral care or are interested in having communion brought to someone who is homebound, please call the main parish office at (916) 772-4717. We are always happy to help you.

My sincere thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers and staff that have gone above and beyond livestreaming, setting up, sanitizing/cleaning up and most recently creating a liturgical space outdoors. I cannot say how much I appreciate the dedication, love, and commitment to ministering to our parish community.

Once we are caught up on the Sacraments that were postponed due to the pandemic, our parish council, finance council, parish staff and clergy will be looking at ways to provide additional opportunities for faith enhancement and prayer. We will be developing opportunities that follow all of the guidelines given to us by the Diocese of Sacramento.

Saint Paul reminds us not to "receive the grace of God in vain." God will bring about some good through this experience. Hopefully, we will come through the crisis with a renewed faith in Jesus, who taught us to "fear is useless; what is needed is trust." I encourage everyone to pray the Holy Rosary daily for peace, healing, and for an end of this pandemic.

Thank you for all of your support and patience with the challenges we are facing. Rest assured you are remembered in my daily prayers.
St. Clare, our dear Patroness, pray for us!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. George T. Snyder, Jr.
Pastor

Given the new directives from the Diocese, we will begin offering outdoor Masses, starting on Wednesday, July 22nd.
The new schedule for Masses will be as follows:

• Wednesday- Friday, July 22 at 8:30AM – Outdoors with Advanced Reservations
• Saturday, July 25 at 5:00PM – Livestream Only
• Sunday, July 26 at 7:30AM, 9:00AM and 11:00 AM – Outdoors with Advanced Reservations

We will continue to use Sign-up Genius for Mass reservations. It will open on Monday, July 20th at 10:00AM and you can sign up for the outdoor Masses scheduled for July 22 through 26.

If you plan to attend one of the outdoor Masses, please note the following:
• Masses will held in front of the church and will be limited to 92 reservations.
• Chairs will be provided.
• You are required to wear a mask throughout the Mass.
• You will still need to go through the check-in process where your temperature will be checked and you will be given your seat assignment.
• We ask that you bring all necessary protective gear- hats, umbrellas, water, etc...

Unfortunately, we cannot admit anyone to Mass without a reservation due to limited space and contact tracing. Per Diocesan directives, Drive-in-style Masses are not permitted, so we cannot allow people to gather in the parking lot or other areas on the campus to attend Mass.

No indoor Masses will be held at this time until further notice. Bishop Jaime Soto granted a continued dispensation from your obligation to attend mass during this pandemic.

We are thankful to have the opportunity to continue celebrating Masses, even with the changes in the way we gather together.

Good Evening Everyone,

We pray that you are all doing well. We received this message from Bishop Jaime Soto, Diocese of Sacramento:

"The rising number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 is alarming. Even as we exercise all the necessary precautions in our churches, the risk of infection is greater. Governor Gavin Newsom announced today, July 13, 2020, the suspension of most indoor activities, including church services, in thirty counties in the State of California. We must continue to be good neighbors, especially for the sake of the most vulnerable. I direct you to cooperate with state and local public health officials. The counties affected in our diocese are: Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba, effective immediately."

Effective immediately, all Masses in person at St. Clare are cancelled. Due to limited time constraints, we are currently evaluating all of our options. Look for new announcements about outdoor Masses that will start July 22.

Confessions remain on Tuesdays at 4:00pm and Saturdays at 9:15am.

The church will still be open for private, individual prayer.

Please continue to refer to the St. Clare website, Facebook, or Instagram for the updated information. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of limitations from our diocese and state. This is only temporary, so please know we hope changes will come soon.

God Bless you all.

Fr. George T. Snyder, Jr., Pastor
Fr. German Ramos, Parochial Vicar
Paula Staszkow, Parish Directortor

Hello Fellow Parishioners-
 
We pray this email finds you all well. Here is our weekly update:

1.    Masses continue LIVESTREAM this weekend on Saturday Vigil at 5:30pm, Sunday at 9:30am, and Wednesday-Friday at 6:00pm via Facebook or Parish website livestream.
 
2.    Confessions and imminent sick calls are available; please call parish office at (916) 772-4717 for our staff to connect with the priests.
 
3.    Our church will be open Saturday, June 6^th from 2:00-5:00pm only. Please note the time change.
The church remains open Monday- Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm and Sunday from 11:30am-5:00pm for private individual prayer. 
 
Here are details for the first week of in-person Masses for 100 people starting on Saturday, June 13^th:
 

1. Masses for the week of June 13^th-June 19^th will be our normal St. Clare schedule: Saturday, June 13^th at 8:30am and 5:00pm; Sunday, June 14^th at 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, and 5:00pm; weekdays (starting on Monday, June 15^th) at 8:30am. Our Masses will be livestreamed on Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am starting June 13^th.  

2. Due to the 100 person limitations, sign-ups will be required. On Monday, June 8^th at 10:00am the SignUp Genius will be open on our St. Clare website, Facebook, or, if you do not have internet access, by calling the main Parish Office at (916) 772-4717. Due to the large size of our parish, please sign up online and call only if you do not have internet access or have technical issues. 
   Below you will find information on how to sign up: 
   Proceed to the signup at: https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13573dd0eaec3e5ce8-massjune
   • Select a Mass date and time, check the signup check box and submit.
   • Enter all of the required information: Name, Email and Phone number.
   • Enter your family name and select the quantity of seats you need for your family.
   • Select the “Sign Up Now” button at the bottom left.
   • You should receive a confirmation email.

3. We ask that each individual or family sign up for only one Mass per week in order to accommodate more families to attend a Mass. Remember this is only temporary.

4. It is strongly encouraged that those with sensitive health issues, or over 65 years old, not attend Mass at this time. We will not be checking, and will leave the decision up to the individuals to decide for themselves. We will continue to livestream Masses. The dispensation for the Sunday obligation of Mass for all has been extended by Bishop Soto. 

5. Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow anyone in the church without a reservation.

6. For those who receive a reservation, we ask you to come 15 minutes early for temperature checks, mask checks (Due to limited supply, we ask you to bring a mask or one will be provided) and seat assignments. We also ask, before you come to St. Clare, that you do a home wellness screening. 

7. Our church will continue to be open for private individual prayer for the following hours after the Masses starting June 15th: Monday-Friday at 9:30am until 5:00pm, Saturdays at 9:30am until 4:00pm, and Sundays at 1:00pm until 5:00pm

8. If you have any questions about this process please do not hesitate to call our Parish Office for additional details and questions.  

 We are always available if you need anything. Please feel free to call or email our staff who are available for all of your needs.
 
Our continued prayers are with you all. May you continue to be safe.
 
-Fr. George, Fr. Ramos and Paula

To to Our Beloved Parishioners,

We wanted to give you a weekly update and send some additional information on our first Mass for 100 on Saturday, June 13.  
 
1. Masses will continue LIVESTREAM on Saturday Vigil at 5:30pm, Sunday at 9:30am; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 6:00pm via Facebook or parish website.
 
2. Confessions and imminent sick calls are available; please call parish office at (916) 772-4717 for our staff to connect with the priests and deacons.
 
3. Our daily Praying Together for the month of May was wonderful and we thank everyone who joined us. 
 
4. The church remains open Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-5:00pm and Sunday from 11:30am-5:00pm for private prayer. 
 
5. We are continuing to prepare for opening the church for public Masses on Saturday, June 13^th at 8:30am and 5:00pm. We realize the limitation we have received, to only allow 100 people to attend Mass at a time in a parish as large as St. Clare, is difficult and challenging. We are aware it will be only 21 days until we have further guidelines. We will continue to follow all of the State and Diocese directives. We are hoping and praying for the time we can all come together again in our church. Here is some information to prepare for public Masses:
 
        a) In order to be fair and just to all, we plan to start taking reservations for Mass attendance on
         Monday, June 8th at 10:00am. You will be able to make a reservation by visiting our St. Clare website,
         Facebook page, or by calling the Parish Office at (916) 772-4717. We use SignUp Genius to take
         your reservation for the available Masses. The SignUp Genius will be on our website or Facebook. 
         If you cannot access it online you can call the Parish Office to sign up. 
 
        b) We are asked to remind everyone that those with health issues or over 65 years of age are advised
        to not attend. We will still offer livestream Masses and the Dispensation from the Sacrament provided
        by the Bishop will continue. Due to the number and volume of those who would like to attend Mass,
        we ask that parishioners only sign up for and attend ONE mass per week.
 
        c) When making your reservation you will be asked to provide your name, address, email, and phone
        number and the number of family members attending. This information will help us communicate any
        important information for your safety and to update our parish database.
 
        d) Everyone who has a reservation will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass time to have
        your temperature taken, be checked for a face mask and be seated in your designated spot, which will
        be social distanced from others. 
 
        e) Unfortunately, only those with reservations will be allowed in the church. We ask for your patience,
        and understanding as we comply with state guidelines in order to protect everyone from the spread of
        the virus. 
 
        f) Our church will continue to be open for private prayer after we resume public Masses; please check
        schedule of hours on our website.
 
        g) We pray you will continue your loving support in knowing we are all doing the best we can during
        this time of pandemic.  Thank you for your understanding and patience with these temporary
        guidelines. Please know all your intentions are remembered and let us know if we can do anything for
        you.   
 
We are always available if you need anything, please feel free to call or email our staff who are available for all of your needs.
 
Our continued prayers are with you all and may you continue to be safe.
 
Fr. George, Fr. Ramos and Paula
 

Hello, Our Beloved Parishioners:
 
May the grace of our Lord be with you on this beautiful Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.
 
I wanted to give you a weekly update and send some information from the Diocese to prepare us for WHEN we will be coming back to the Table of the Lord  (a date is still pending, we will update as soon as we know):
 

1. Masses will continue LIVESTREAM on Saturday Vigil at 5:30pm, Sunday at 9:30am, and Wednesday-Friday’s at 6:00pm via Facebook or parish website.

2. Confessions and imminent sick calls are available; please call the parish office at (916) 772-4717 for our staff to connect you with the priests and deacons.

3. Our church remains open Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-5:00pm and Sunday from 11:30am-5:00pm for individual private prayer. 

4. Our staff continues to lead prayer this week via Zoom: No Monday (due to holiday), Wednesday and Friday at 1:00pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30am. Check the “Praying Together” post for zoom meeting numbers.

5. As we await the time for us to announce the opening of Masses, please continue to check the website, Facebook, and now Instagram as we do not know the timing for the announcement to come. 

6. Our staff continues to work remotely and are available for all of your needs; please do not hesitate to continue contacting them.

7. If you are able to continue supporting our Sunday collections, we ask you to prayerfully consider mailing a check, dropping a check off to narthex wall safe, or making an online donation through our website or through your own bank. This will allow us to continue to stay on track for our yearly budget. Thank you for your generosity.

 
Rest assured we are working on plans for when this time comes. We will continue to give updates as we have additional information from our Diocese, Bishop Soto, county and state. Thank you again for your dedication, patience and love of our church. 
 
We are always available if you need anything, please feel free to call or email our staff who are available for all of your needs.
 
Our continued prayers are with you all. May you continue to be safe.
 
Fr. George, Fr. Ramos and Paula

Dear Friends in Christ,

We have received a new letter from Bishop Soto today (see link below). The Bishop has suspended the public celebration of Masses throughout the Sacramento Diocese, in cooperation with public health directives. We realize that canceling of daily and Sunday Masses is not easy for any of us. Our staff will be working to provide resources and updates as we have them available. St. Clare Church will remain open during the day from 8:30am-5:00pm, Sunday-Saturday for parishioners to come and pray. All prayer groups, events and meetings canceled. The following are what will continue for now:

1.    The church will remain open 8:30am-5:00pm, Sunday through Saturday for personal prayer.
2.    The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be offered upon request for emergencies only.
3.    Adoration is suspended at this time; this may change as our Pastor/Parochial Vicar sees fit.
4.    Individual confessions are available upon request. Contact the Parish Office.
5.    Funerals and weddings can take place with immediate family only.

We suggest that you follow the Mass at EWTN or with Bishop Barron (see links below). 
 
These changes take effect immediately and will continue until further notice. We will send out additional resources for prayer, Lent, Mass, enrichment, etc. in the coming days.

If you have any questions please contact the parish office at (916) 772-4717. Our staff is working remotely and are available by phone or email during normal business hours. We are here for you. Please let us know how we can support you and your family during this time. 

God Bless,

Fr. George Snyder, Jr.
Fr. German Ramos
Paula Staszkow

To view the latest Decrees and messages from our Bishop, visit scd.org.