St. Anthony’s new parochial vicar, the Rev. Peter Pedrasa, starts his service at the parish just as the diocese ends in-person Mass and returns to parking-lot services.

Bishop Edward Weisenburger of the Diocese of Tucson suspended all public Masses beginning July 1, “due to the alarming COVID-19 contagion in Arizona,” St. Anthony of Padua reported on its website.

Pedrasa had his ordination on June 6 at St. Augustine’s Cathedral in Tuscon. His first Mass of Thanksgiving followed at St. Anthony in Casa Grande on June 20. He began serving the parish as its parochial vicar on July 1.

“Let us show our support and welcome to Father Peter as we thank the Lord for sharing with him the gift of vocation, which, in itself by a sacred commitment, he will share with the church through a life of prayer and priestly ministry,” the parish said on the website.

The Rev. Mike Bucciarelli, who recently celebrated his 45th ordination anniversary followed by retirement, will serve as a mentor to Pedrasa with Weisenburger through the Newly Ordained Priests’ Mentoring Program, Our Lady of the Mountains reported on its website.

As Pedrasa began his service, St. Anthony returned to parking-lot Masses on July 4 and 5. Confessions will be Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and Communion will be Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. for those parishioners who attend Mass via TV or online.