As of this writing on Wednesday July 28th, I am aware of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Delta variant, as well as the updated guidance from the CDC from Monday July 26th, that strongly recommends indoor masking of those vaccinated against COVID-19 in "certain" situations. This strong recommendation has been echoed by the leadership of the State of NJ, along with a continued advisory that those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, over the age of 2, continue masking. These strong recommendations as well as the increase in cases, should give us pause, as we recognize that the pandemic has not ended. After a message to all priests from Bishop O'Connell, who has remained in contact with State leadership, at this time, the message is that this strong recommendation is something that we should all pay attention to, but as a diocese and a parish, we are not currently mandating masks indoors. I urge you to keep abreast of the situation in our local area, to continue to take precautions which include wearing masks when necessary, and continue to pray that this increase in COVID cases, especially serious illnesses, will be short-lived. Please continue to be patient with one another as we navigate the pandemic, and realize that if a State of NJ mandate requires masks and face-coverings in indoor public spaces, we will have no choice but to follow it. Let us hope that we do not return to a situation where that becomes necessary.As of this writing on Wednesday July 28th, I am aware of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Delta variant, as well as the updated guidance from the CDC from Monday July 26th, that strongly recommends indoor masking of those vaccinated against COVID-19 in "certain" situations. This strong recommendation has been echoed by the leadership of the State of NJ, along with a continued advisory that those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, over the age of 2, continue masking. These strong recommendations as well as the increase in cases, should give us pause, as we recognize that the pandemic has not ended. After a message to all priests from Bishop O'Connell, who has remained in contact with State leadership, at this time, the message is that this strong recommendation is something that we should all pay attention to, but as a diocese and a parish, we are not currently mandating masks indoors. I urge you to keep abreast of the situation in our local area, to continue to take precautions which include wearing masks when necessary, and continue to pray that this increase in COVID cases, especially serious illnesses, will be short-lived. Please continue to be patient with one another as we navigate the pandemic, and realize that if a State of NJ mandate requires masks and face-coverings in indoor public spaces, we will have no choice but to follow it. Let us hope that we do not return to a situation where that becomes necessary.