Dear Parishioners,
We have received notification from the diocese that Governor DeWine has mandated that everyone attending religious services in Ohio’s hardest-hit COVID counties must wear a face mask. Licking County has been placed on this list as of 7/16/2020 so this mandate now includes us. The exception to this is the priest when he is on the altar, the lectors while reading and the cantors/musicians while singing. The silver lining is that Masses will continue. The only change is that, from today, congregants at all liturgies must wear a face mask unless exempt for medical or age reasons.
This marks a time for extreme charity. Let us do what is asked of us with a spirit of that charity and, as corporeal works of mercy, always with a concern for others. Regardless of these unsettling times, as Christian Catholics we are called to treat one another with dignity and compassion. Let us begin this task with each other within our own parish community.
Please pray for peace in the midst of all that we are facing.
STEPS WE HAVE TAKEN SINCE THE RETURN TO MASS ON 5/30
It is important that you know that we care about each and every one of you. It is our intent to proactively provide spiritual and pastoral care while remaining obedient to the Diocese, State of Ohio and CDC guidelines. These are the efforts we have made and that we will continue to make to help keep you as safe as possible:
- Hand sanitizer and masks are available at all entrances.
- Every other pew is be open for seating to maintain social distancing.
- Johnson Hall is open with additional seating.
- Extra volunteers will be on hand to help with doors and seating and for sanitizing the church and Johnson Hall after each Mass.
- Our Holy water fonts are empty and hymnals have been removed (all Mass parts are projected overhead).
- The Sign of Peace has been modified to omit physical contact with non-family members.
- Just as before COVID19, our Eucharistic Ministers sanitize their hands before and after distribution.
- All liturgical volunteers wear masks (with the exception of Fr. Dave, lectors and cantors while in the sanctuary).
- Eucharistic Ministers distribute Holy Communion in the hand only during this time. Distribution of the Precious Blood is temporarily suspended.
- We come to you for Holy Communion, to avoid Communion lines.
- No-touch offertory baskets are in use.
- Sanitize the entire church following every Mass.
- Live-stream Mass is available at our 10:45am Sunday Masses and we can bring Eucharist to you in your home (call Deb at 740.334.3147 to make arrangements).
- Daily Masses are also an alternative to larger gatherings of people. Remember, we are all dispensed from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through 9/13/20.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We all have a personal responsibility to care for ourselves and each other, and to determine what that looks like for each of us. Per Diocese, State and CDC guidelines, these are the recommendations for attending Mass:
- Check your temperature before you depart for Mass.
- Please wear a mask as required while in public in Licking County.
- Maintain 6’ social distance from non-household members.
- Help us to sanitize the church and other touchpoints following Mass.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick or have a fever, if you have a sick family member or have been exposed to someone who may be sick, if you are a primary caregiver of a vulnerable person, or you are at risk because of preexisting conditions or age.
Also please be patient and kind. Let us not contribute to fear or divisiveness, rumors or misinformation.
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
Matthew 11:28-30