We are working diligently behind the scenes to get everything ready for a return to an open church. What a season this has been! We were in the midst of Lent when the journey into the desert of Coronavirus Time began. Now we are coming to the end of the Easter Season, aiming for a “rebirth” of Church together on Pentecost.
Here are a few details to keep in mind: The church will reopen for prayer during the daytime from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Monday, May18. Public daily Masses will begin Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m. For these to work well, we will have to keep social distance and wear masks and use only the pews that are marked for use. Strict adherence to these protocols will be necessary.
The first weekend Mass will be for the Pentecost Vigil at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 30. Our hope is to receive into Full Communion in the Church those whose reception was postponed at Easter. Masses of Pentecost will be Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Saturday Confessions for the time being will be held using the Teachers’ Lounge, so that proper distance can be maintained as well as privacy. These will be at the usual time, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
It is of the utmost importance that we follow all the guidelines set by the Diocese of Columbus. I personally am one of those whose health condition is “high risk” due to diabetes. This means I have to be especially careful not to catch the virus. If I become ill, all our events will have to be cancelled. There is not another extra priest waiting to fill in until the new pastor comes in July. All our parishes and priests are stretched these days and many who were able to help in the past are already compromised. So, please, plan to be prudent.
We will be publishing the protocols for what will happen at Mass soon. Watch FlockNotes for information.
Be sure that you are daily in my prayers. Please continue to remember me in your prayers as well.
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