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In recent days and weeks our area has seen a significant increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Local public health officials are asking all of us to be particularly vigilant at this time to help stem the tide of virus transmission and to take the pressure off our local healthcare workers and facilities. Just this past week Governor Reynolds signed a new proclamation imposing a number of additional measures designed to help keep Iowans safe and healthy. For those who are wondering how that will affect us here at Saints Mary and Mathias, I wanted to share the following with you:
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Our current COVID-19 Safety Protocols already exceed the measures called for at the State level.
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As a reminder, our Protocols include:
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Attendance at public Masses is limited to less than 30% of our regular capacity
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Those who are ill or who have reason to suspect that they have recently been exposed to the coronavirus are asked to stay home
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All those attending Mass are required to wear a facemask (with the exception of children two years of age or younger)
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Those not attending from the same household are required to maintain appropriate social distance (this includes using only every third pew, and spacing chairs in Gannon Hall)
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Those receiving Holy Communion are asked to sanitize their hands prior to receiving the Host
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No congregational signing is allowed at Mass
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Efforts are being made to conduct the Mass efficiently and expeditiously, while maintaining appropriate reverence
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The entire facility is sanitized after every Mass
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At this time we do not have any plans to suspend public Masses. While this may change in the future, we feel confident that we are taking every possible step to make attendance at Mass as safe as possible.
In the meantime, remember that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be suspended, indefinitely. If, because of age or other pre-existing condition, you are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, we ask that you please refrain from attending Mass. Masses will continue to be live-streamed online, and we are making every effort to provide opportunities for those who are not able to attend Mass to receive the Blessed Sacrament, both through our monthly “parking-lot Masses,” and through home visits. If you have been unable to receive Holy Communion and would like to receive a visit, please contact the parish office.
All of us need to continue to be vigilant in our efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. Our healthcare workers and first responders are counting on us to help make their jobs easier. As we enter into the traditional cold and flu season, please remember to do the basic things – wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and maintain social distancing when you’re in public, and stay home if you feel sick (even if you think it’s not COVID related symptoms).
And please continue to pray! Pray for the sick, the suffering, the lonely. Pray for our healthcare workers and first responders. And pray for a speedy end to this global pandemic. May the Blessed Mother intercede for us and St. Michael and our Guardian Angels watch over us.
Every Blessing,
Fr. Chris
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