Happy New Year and I hope you had a wonderful Octave of Christmas. Over the last 10-14 days, I am sure that you are aware that there has been a significant increase of COVID-19 cases globally and in our immediate area. After nearly two years of pandemic, it is understandable that we are all weary of dealing with its effects, but unfortunately it is not gone. We all hope that the news of the more mild effects of the very contagious Omicron variant will make this wave far less destructive than previous ones have been, and might possibly lead to a significant improvement in our situation in a very short time. However, we can only deal with what is right in front of us. I am writing to say just a few things as we deal with this, hopefully, short-lived wave:
At this time we do not plan to change anything in our parish operations…Masses, Confessions, and all other in Church activities will continue as they have been scheduled.
The Rectory Office will continue to be open, although if you can conduct your business with the parish over the phone or by email, it would be prudent to do so.
Organizations may still use indoor space they have booked for events or meetings, but should strongly consider virtual options or postponements.
All those who are inside parish buildings, regardless of vaccination status are, strongly encouraged to wear masks/face-coverings.
If you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have extended close contact with someone who is infected, please stay home. The live-stream Mass will continue at 10:30AM every Sunday for the foreseeable future, and while there is no dispensation in place from the Sunday obligation, personal and public health are always legitimate reasons to stay home from Church.
Please be aware that our intention is to continue to conduct ourselves as normally as possible through this wave, but that could change at a moment’s notice: either through a mandate from the State or local government, or in the event that members of the clergy or parish staff are exposed to, or infected by COVID-19. Please bear with us in those possible events over the next few weeks. The wave is having a significant effect on the operation of St. Gregory the Great Academy at this time and will continue to do so until it subsides, so please pray for our students, teachers, staff, and administration. Myself and the Religious Education staff will look at our options for our RE classes as we move into January. My personal belief is that we will have a challenging few weeks, but that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope and pray that the light comes quickly. We will keep you updated as things progress and if there are any changes/adjustments that must be made. Please be patient with one another through this spike, and pray for those who this wave effects most directly. God Bless you.