Please see this link for an important announcement regarding Mass Time Changes:
Here is the full text of the letter below:
Dear Parishioners,
I am so grateful to share that I have officially been named pastor of both Saint Denis and Saint Lawrence Parishes, effective this July. Having already worked alongside you in so many ways-celebrating, grieving, laughing, and collaborating- it truly feels as if I am already part of the family in both communities. This change in title now reflects more formally the responsibilities I’ve already embraced: the pastoral care of souls in both parishes. I’m honored and humbled by the Bishop’s trust, and deeply thankful for the warmth, acceptance, and support you have shown not only now, but throughout the last two assignment cycles.
Recently, the Diocese has asked all priests to take a serious look at how we’re living out our ministry-especially in regard to how we care for ourselves. In my own reflection, and with Bishop Rice’s encouragement as well as some brother priests, to ensure that I remain healthy, holy, and joyful in the long term, I’ve realized that the pace I’ve been keeping is unsustainable. It is not allowing me to serve, pray, or lead at the level I desire and that you deserve. As a result, I must make some adjustments to make this possible, particularly to the weekday Mass schedule, so that l can fulfill what the Bishop and Diocese expect of me- and, more importantly, what I hope to give to you.
Beginning August 1, 2025, out new weekday Mass schedule will be as follows (unless otherwise noted): .
- Monday: No public Mass (my personal “day off’-but please know I will always be available for emergencies) .
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM at St. Lawrence (Eucharistic Adoration at St. Denis will continue, at this time, beginning at 7:00 PM, with confessions available through 8:00pm) .
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM at St. Lawrence (also an 8:00 AM at St. Denis during the school year) .
- Thursday: 8:00 AM at St. Denis* .
- Friday: 8:00 AM at St. Denis* (Eucharistic Adoration from 8:00 AM-11:00 AM)
- On Thursdays and Fridays when Ft. Maurice is available, an additional 7:00 AM Mass may be offered at St. Lawrence, as noted in the bulletin and the calendar. There will be no adoration on Friday, even if there is Mass.
I recognize this is a notable reduction from the weekday Mass schedule we’ve grown accustomed to. However, given the close proximity of out parishes, I hope that weekday Mass remains very accessible. While it may require a bit more effort to flexibility, I encourage you to continue making weekday Mass a priority whenever possible.
As your shepherd, I cannot fully express my gratitude for your understanding and support of me as we enter this next chapter and continue to focus upon building up the kingdom of God here on earth. May God bless you abundantly, and may He continue to bless all of us as we seek to do His will and follow Him to the kingdom of Heaven.
In Christ,
Fr. Belken
