Health and Safety

Saint William is closely following information and directives from the Diocese of Austin and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please view below for the latest updates.

If you have been impacted by the Texas Winter Storm, call the Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX) Disaster Hotline at (512) 766-7111. Call volume is high so if they are unable to answer your call, please leave a message with your name, contact information, and assistance needed.

• Find updates on these services and ways you can help on their webpage: https://www.ccctx.org/disaster-response/
• Assistance Currently Available:
  • SHORT-TERM: ▶️ Hotel assistance for families displaced by the winter storm (those with children under the age of 3 and/or an immediate family member over the age of 65). ▶️ Financial assistance for rent and utility bills due to loss of income resulting from the Texas Winter Storm. ▶️ Basic needs materials such as baby formula and diapers.
  • LONG-TERM: ▶️ Help with major home repairs caused by the Texas Winter Storm in coordination with long-term recovery committees formed by local governments.

• Today, the campus will reopen for confessions at 3:00 pm and the 5:00 pm Vigil Mass. The Sacred Heart Chapel will remain closed. On Sunday, February 21, the campus will return to normal hours and operations.

Thursday, January 14

A Letter from Saint William | Parish Life

Friday, December 11

Your Health at Mass

As we continue on in the Advent season, we wish to remind you of some important information from a previously released decree from Bishop Vásquez. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and holy day Masses is still in effect only to those who fall into one of the five categories listed below:

1. Those who are sick
2. Those who are 65 or older
3. Those who have been advised by health care workers or caregivers not to attend Mass
4. Those who sincerely believe that attending mass will jeopardize their health or the health of a person with whom they reside
5. Those who sincerely believe that because of the limitations imposed by the temporary protocols attending Mass is not reasonable

If you do fall into one of the five categories, we invite you to "make other acts of spiritual devotion" (decree) by joining us for one of our live streamed Masses.

For those who will be joining us for Mass, our priority continues to be your health and safety.


Friday, October 2

Mass Schedule

The full Sunday mass schedule is back. Please know that all safety procedures, including the wearing of face masks and the maintaining of social distance, are still in effect. 

Reminder: The weekday Spanish Masses will resume this week with the return of the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 pm Masses.

Live Stream

Per the Bishop's request, our live streamed Masses will no longer be recorded or archived to Facebook or our website. We encourage you to gather with us virtually at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm as to bring the communal nature of the Mass and the Eucharist to its full potential.

Parish Office Hours

Friday, September 25

Updated Mass Schedule Next Weekend

Beginning next weekend, October 4, the full Sunday Mass schedule will resume (return of the 7:30 am and 11:30 am Masses) and the weekday Spanish Masses will resume (return of the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 pm Masses). Please know that all safety procedures, including the wearing of face masks and the maintaining of social distance, will still be in effect. The Church doors will be open 30 minutes before Mass begins to allow our ushers to escort you to your seat. 

Live Stream

The Bishop has requested that we discontinue the recording and archiving of our live streamed Masses. The intention of this change is to bring the whole community together (in-person or live stream) around the altar. We encourage you to gather with us virtually at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm as to bring the communal nature of the Mass and the Eucharist to its full potential. This decision will go into effect next weekend, October 4.

Updated Parish Office Hours

Beginning next weekend, the parish office will be open from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm on Sundays. The current weekday schedule is 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Friday, September 18

Updated Mass Schedule in October

Beginning on October 4th, the full Sunday Mass schedule will resume with the return of the 7:30 am (Spanish) and the 11:30 am (English) Masses. Beginning on October 6th, the weekday Spanish Masses will resume with the return of the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 pm Masses. Please note: The Wednesday 12:15 pm Mass will return to English and continue to be live streamed.


Friday, September 11

Your Health at Mass

Returning to Mass in person? Our 9:30 and 1:30 times are most popular. Consider joining us for our Saturday evening (5:00 pm) or Sunday evening (5:00 pm) Masses.


Friday, September 4

Your Health at Mass

If you will be joining us for Mass, please arrive early for both weekend and weekday Masses. The safety procedures in place do slow down the entrance process but we wish to keep our community healthy and start Mass on time. Thank you for your continued cooperation in this.


Friday, August 28

Your Health at Mass

Thank you for your efforts in keeping our community healthy. Your preventative actions do make a difference. 

Eucharistic Adoration

Resuming each Wednesday from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm in the Sacred Heart Chapel.


Friday, August 14

A Letter from Fr. Dean

My Dear Parishioners,

I write to bring you encouragement and news. It is the weekend of August 16, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary time. Our lives have been upended and filled with uncertainty since mid-March; some 21 weeks ago. I have felt the discouragement that many of you are encountering. This is not easy, but I write to you with hope.

For the past months we have been bringing the Mass to you either virtually or in-person. We have been conducting Baptisms, Confirmations, Confessions, Marriages, and Funerals. I have seen your incredible generosity in your financial gifts to our parish. Most importantly, I have witnessed the continuation of the mission of Saint William. I share this with you so that you, too, might be encouraged by what has transpired in our parish community over these months. “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matt 14:27).

After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided that all non-liturgical meetings and events will not take place on campus until 2021. The catalyst for this decision has been your family’s health and well-being. I implore your understanding and support in this difficult decision.

Our Faith Formation team is preparing for a semester of new and creative religious education. Our ministries are being encouraged to continue their fellowship and service in innovative ways as well. Saint William has powered through this time of pandemic and we will continue to do so. By way of closing, I wish to express my profound gratitude to each and every one of you.

Grace and Peace,
Fr. Dean


Friday, August 7

Your Health at Mass

If you will be joining us for Mass, please arrive early as our safety procedures have lengthened your entrance into the Church. Your early arrival will allow for our ushers to seat you safely before Mass begins. Thank you for doing your part in keeping everyone healthy and safe.


Friday, July 24

Your Health at Mass

If you will be joining us for Mass, please remember to keep your mask over your nose and mouth throughout the entire Mass. Thank you for doing your part in keeping everyone healthy and safe.

Fr. Henry has returned to ministry after being symptom-free since July 13 and testing negative for COVID-19. Thank you for your prayers!


Friday, July 3

A Letter from Fr. Dean | Fr. Henry

My dear parishioners,

I come to you today with news that Fr. Henry has tested positive for COVID-19. He has safely quarantined himself away from the parish and is being cared for by family members. I have also been tested and it came back negative. We have closed the offices down to do a deep clean this whole weekend. If you are unable to reach someone in the office, please know we will respond as soon as possible. 
 
Saint William has gone above and beyond with our safety protocols inside and outside of Mass. We continue to enforce the use of masks and social distancing because it is so important in keeping everyone safe. We are diligent about sanitizing before and after each Mass. Public Masses will continue this weekend and you will see some visiting priests. To get the most up-to-date information please continue to visit our website and Facebook page. If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, please see below for free testing sites. 
 
Please keep Fr. Henry in your prayers. Please stay safe this holiday weekend and continue to do your part to keep those around you safe. 

Grace and Peace,
Fr. Dean

Free Testing Sites

• Williamson County and Cities Health District - www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/testing
• Austin, Texas - https://www.austintexas.gov/covid19

Friday, June 26

Your Health at Mass

Your health is our priority as we continue to do our part in creating a safe and healthy place of worship. As reports continue to show rising cases of COVID-19, please continue to wear your mask and maintain a social distance throughout the entirety of the Mass. If you are sick or concerned about your health, please stay home and join us on our live stream. Remember, your preventative actions keep the community safe (including Fr. Dean and Fr. Henry).

Parish Office Health

The parish office is now open for limited hours (weekdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm). Please view the video to learn the new safety precautions and procedures that are being enforced. Thank you for keeping our staff safe and healthy!


Tuesday, June 23

Confession update: Confession will be held in the cry rooms.

• Enter through the Narthex doors.
• Please wear your mask and maintain social distance.

Friday, June 19

As we enter the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, let us remember that the fight against the Coronavirus is still very much alive. Your health is our priority as we continue to do our part in creating a safe and healthy place of worship. Please continue to wear your mask and maintain a social distance throughout the entirety of the Mass. The precautions we as a community take to prevent COVID-19 are an act of charity: Your actions to prevent the virus keep your neighbor healthy while your neighbor's actions to prevent the virus keep you healthy. And remember, if you are sick or concerned about your health, please stay home and join us on our live stream.


Friday, June 12

The parish office will be opening for limited hours starting Monday. 

The hours are 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Masks will be required when entering the office. Please pay attention to new office protocols as you enter the building. Thank you for your continued support to keep our priests, staff, and each other healthy!


Friday, May 29

Come, Holy Spirit! Please view the video above for a check-in from Father Dean and Father Henry. The video includes the current state of Saint William (what is open and what is not), safety reminders, and a look into Pentecost, the birth of the Church. 


Thursday, May 21

What to expect on Sunday | Mass Behavior and Expectations:

This past week our total public Mass attendance increased from 519 to 800 people! Because of this, we want to be sure everyone understands our new Mass expectations. The behaviors and expectations allow Saint William to safely direct you and your family before, during, and after each of our Mass times. Please view the video above to learn all you need to come prepared. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe Mass experience for everyone.

Please note: We encourage all who are ill, at-risk, or worried to stay home. The dispensation for the Sunday Obligation remains in effect. Join us virtually here.


Friday, May 8

Updated Weekend Mass Schedule | Email sent to Parishioners:

"Fr. Dean desires to turn no individual away from Mass this weekend due to lack of space. It is because of this that we have updated our Mass schedule. Please see below for more information.

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am 
Domingo: 1:30 pm – Español
Sunday: 5:00 pm

Please click on the video above to hear more.

In addition to the precautions and procedures, here is what you need to know:

• We encourage all who are ill, at-risk, or worried to stay home. The dispensation for the Sunday Obligation remains in effect.
• Arrive early and enter with your complete party to allow for an efficient and safe entrance into the Church.
• All must wear a mask, with the exception of children 2 years and younger.
• Please minimize movement from your pew during the Mass.
• The cry rooms will not be available during this time.
• There will be no congregating in the narthex before, during, or after Mass.

And remember, leaving home during this pandemic is a risk. If you are not comfortable with that risk, please stay home and join us virtually ."


Monday, May 4

Public Mass Update:

Please remember that safety is our top priority during this time at Saint William. All new procedures are being integrated to provide the safest and healthiest environment for our parish. We ask for your cooperation, patience, and understanding while we maneuver through this time. 

• Updated Schedule
• Precautions and Procedures

Friday, May 1

Public Mass Update | Email sent to parishioners:

"Dear Saint William Parishioners,
 
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez released a Decree Thursday, April 30, announcing that parishes may resume public Masses beginning on Tuesday, May 5^th. Please watch the video above in which Fr. Dean and Fr. Henry begin to communicate with you the steps that Saint William is taking regarding this Decree.
 
Please understand that Saint William is taking full precautions to keep our community safe and healthy as we move to our first public daily Mass this coming Tuesday at 12:15 pm. Tune in to the live stream of Mass this Sunday to learn more about the safety precautions that will be taking place. We ask for your patience as we begin to plan for our public Mass and confession schedules. We want to ensure a safe and sacred space for you and your family. 
 
Blessings,
Saint William Catholic Church"


Monday, April 20

Fr. Dean and Fr. Henry wish to remind you of their ability to connect safely during this Pandemic. To set up an appointment or a time for confession, please email or call the front office.

• office@st-william.org
• (512) 255-4473

• Counseling Services
• Disaster Response
• Financial Stability
• Gabriel Project Life Center
• Immigration Legal Services
• St. Michael's Veteran Services
• Free Crisis Counseling
• CCCTX Diaper and Hygiene Drive-Thru

Saturday, April 4

Sacred Heart Chapel: Due to the superseding order of the governor, we are permitted to keep the chapel open if we can maintain the safe conditions for gathering with less than ten (10) people. Please help us maintain a safe environment with attention to the following:

We will open the Sacred Heart Chapel for private prayer from:

Sunday, April 5: Noon - 7:00 pm
Monday, April 6 and on: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

• People over the age of 60 and those with chronic conditions that compromise immunity are reminded that they are STRONGLY advised to stay home because of their vulnerability to contagion.
• Those who come to pray are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before and after entering and to space with great distance throughout the chapel.
• Please be attentive to those wanting the time to pray and our limitations in creating a safe environment. If there are ten people, you may be asked to leave until a person leaves and you are able to fill their spot.

Thank you for your patience as we adjust to the new order from the Governor.


Friday, April 3

Matching Gift Sunday(s)

• Watch the video above and learn more here -- https://www.st-william.org/matching-gifts

Friday, March 27

Lazarus -- Pray | Give | Stay Connected -- Facebook and Website

Tuesday, March 24

Williamson County issued a Stay Home Stay Safe Order “in a proactive effort to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases.” This order goes into effect tonight, Tuesday, at 11:59 pm. Starting tomorrow, the parish office will be closed and access to the main Church, perpetual adoration, and Confession will cease. Saint William will continue to monitor phone calls/emails and live-stream Mass on Sunday.
 
We understand the sorrow that these changes bring to you but we also understand the importance of ensuring the health and safety of our community. We will continue to do our part in bringing the Love of God to you while practicing these safety prevention measures against COVID-19.  


Monday, March 23

• Office hours are now 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The office will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Faith Formation classes for children and adults on campus have been canceled for this trimester.

Thursday, March 19

• Live-streamed English Mass on Sunday, March 22, at 8:30 am. Stream on our website or on Facebook. 
• Live-streamed Spanish Mass on Sunday, March 22, at 10:00 am. Stream on our website or on Facebook. 

Wednesday, March 18

• The main Church will be open from 6:30 am – 7:00 pm.
• The main Church will only be accessible through the two center doors in the front.
• The Sacred Heart Chapel has now become the adoration chapel so we are able to better practice social distancing.
• Reconciliation will continue to occur during regularly scheduled times but moved to the cry room, again to help us practice social distancing.
• We will be live-streaming two masses on Sunday. One in English and one in Spanish…more information to come on that.

Tuesday, March 17

This evening the Diocese of Austin released a Decree stating that all public Masses within the Diocese of Austin are suspended until Wednesday of Holy Week. Please see here for the Decree.

Saint William is currently assessing the situation. Please be patient with us as we adjust to this new information.


Monday, March 16

This afternoon Williamson County issued an order stating community gatherings of 50 people or more are prohibited (Link). As of right now, all ministry meetings and events are postponed until further notice.  Our focus right now is on fulfilling the needs for the Mass and Reconciliation. We will update you with our plans and preparations as soon as we have more information. Please continue to pray for your parish and all those affected by this order.