Pentecost Sunday
Dear Parishioners,
We received directives from the Arch Diocese of Chicago, from our diocese, from the Federal Government and from the Centers for Disease control last week about how to reopen for worship. Does this sound confusing? Well it is.
Over the next days I will be sorting through all these edicts to try to figure out what it is that we need to do to worship safely together. I am consulting with parish staff. I hope to also be talking to health care professionals and other experts about what we should do. Every parish has its own space which requires a unique plan for reopening.
My assumption is that we will have to keep physical distancing in mind as we move forward. We will also have to try to sanitize surfaces often.
Three key things must be kept in mind:
1. If you do not feel well do not come to church.
2. If you are part of vulnerable population do not attend.
3. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass will not be in force for a long time.
We will continue to live stream some Masses even when we can get back in church for the foreseeable future. Because of that, we will be installing equipment in church so that we may do that efficiently. Many people have taken advantage of this new option over these past weeks. We need to make sure that they can continue to do so.
Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we work through the logistics that are necessary.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. I emailed Fr. Louis Tylka last week and congratulated him in the name of our parish and told him we were praying for him as he begins his ministry as our Coadjutor Bishop. To my surprise he emailed back thanking me for the greeting. He signed his note simply “Lou+” which was a good touch. His ordination as Bishop will be July 23rd. Pray for him.
P.P.S. Thanks to all who offered me good wishes on my birthday on Memorial Day.