Pastor's Letter-- May 10, 2020

Bishop has just written a letter to the faithful of our diocese that gives us a plan for liturgies reopening this spring / summer. I highly encourage you to read this in its entirety. It will take under ten minutes and our evenings are not overbooked. A more in-depth letter for pastors, and I’m sure follow up communications, outlines things more clearly for the parishes. Here are some of the things that are worth knowing.
 
First and foremost, because all the faithful are encouraged to observe and be mindful of all state and local government mandates and recommendations, the Bishop will continue to dispense us from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays until August 15th, at least. So you are not forced by religious obligation to come to Mass on Sundays, and should certainly stay home if you are experiencing symptoms, and be more cautious if you are at higher health risk.
 
The official start date for public Masses is May 23-24 (the vigil of Ascension). After this date, weekday Masses can    resume also, and Confessions and Adoration can be carried out. So our parish will be on its regular schedule. We may even add another Mass on Sundays or Saturday   evenings temporarily, but that is yet to be determined based on the numbers of people in attendance.
 
One thing that has been on my mind and heart for weeks is RCIA, 1st Communion, and Confirmation. We have not set dates as of this bulletin’s deadline, but we will be doing so quickly and will work with those families / individuals directly. Please keep them in your prayers as they are finally soon able to receive the Sacraments of Initiation!
 
The governor says he expects us to be responsible, and he spoke to us pastors directly: be sure your people are safe. We are a sort of trial group for the state, as we are one of the few places without specific restriction on numbers. We need to be very attentive to the expectations and guidelines so that we can really do our best to take care of each other and yet still move towards a more full practice of our faith. In order to get close to the Eucharist, we need to follow these directives well. Some of them are from the government, and some are from the diocese. We will observe them with the utmost diligence for your safety and to help us pray together for the months ahead.
 
What is expected of those coming to Mass?
1. They are not manifesting any symptoms of COVID. 2. They wear a mask or some covering over their mouth and nose for the entire time they are in the church (except under 2rys or those whose health cannot sustain wearing a mask). 3. They use hand  sanitizer. 4. They observe physical distance of 6-feet from anyone not in their household, including in      communion lines. 5. If they choose to receive Holy Communion, they are not wearing gloves for that act.
 
What can you expect from your parish?
1. We will clean surfaces between liturgies and provide hand sanitizer. 2. If we are reaching capacity and cannot remain distant, we will stop people from entering the church. One thing we will consider is setting up overflow seating in the parish center or Payne Hall. 3. No hymnals and no chalices for communion (if you have celiac disease, let me know). 4. We will still livestream Masses for the many of our congregation who still cannot or choose not to come to Mass on Sundays.
 
This is my tentative plan. I hope it clarifies some things. More things will be clarified later I am sure.
 
God bless you and yours, and continue to pray for our state, our country, our world, especially the souls who have gone to God, those who are in danger of death, and all those who are working to care for those affected. May the risen Lord reveal Himself to us once again in the midst of our trials.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,