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Dear Parish Family,

Summit County, in which St. Paul Parish sits, has been recently designated as having a “Level 3”  health threat triggering an automatic mandate for the wearing of facial coverings (masks).  Apparently there is a very high level chance of exposure to COVID and the wearing of masks has been mandated to help curb the spread.

HOW WE ARRIVED AT WHAT WE ARE DOING

Immediately upon receiving this notification, which at first did not come with a lot of information, and being in contact with some of the local pastors, confirmation and directions were sought from the diocese and we received immediate advice.  The policy of St. Paul Parish is to  follow the directives of the diocese.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THIS WEEKEND:

The response from the diocese was this:  We are to follow the local mandates for our county.  (The diocese is composed of 8 counties and they are not all under the same “threat level.”)  For us, that means that masks will be required at all Masses and events at St. Paul Parish as is requested by our diocesan administrator. It is expected that one is to remove one’s mask only for the reception of Holy Communion.  

ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS?

Yes, they include those under 10 years old or a minor who cannot safely wear a mask. Also those already allowed to not wear a mask because of medical or mental health or other safety guidelines.  These are legitimate exceptions that are included within the mandate.  It is because of these exceptions the diocese said that nobody should be turned away from the sacraments because they are not wearing a mask even as we heavily emphasize the wearing of them.  

WHAT WE ANTICIPATE DOING FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T WEAR MASKS

If someone comes to Mass without a mask, our first course of action is, with kindness and compassion, to remind our brothers and sisters about masks and, as far as we are able, to make them available.  As we cannot know a person’s reasons for not wearing a mask and it not being our responsibility to police or question, please be kind and understanding in these matters.  This seems the best solution to following these tricky directives. 

CLICK HERE FOR GUIDELINES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Also remember even more important than the physical preparation, we need to be spiritually prepared to return to Mass, especially if we are planning to receive Holy Commuion.  So Fr. Pfeiffer will be offering special confession times:
All Fridays of July from  4-5pm 
      also Saturdays from 3-4pm

Even with the possibility of returning to Mass, the bishops are continuing to give the dispensation from the Sunday obligation for all the faithful. 

Even with the dispensation, I know every faithful Catholic is or should be looking forward to returning to Mass in order to give proper worship to God.  At the same time, due to the current situation not everyone is required nor should they return too quickly.  If one is sick, or shows any symptoms, obviously remain home for recuperation and to reduce the risk to others.  If one is caring for another who is sick, they should remain home as well.  If one is more susceptible or vulnerable to the virus due to age or other health issues it is recommended to remain home.  While we are taking reasonable precautions and implementing as best we can state and diocesan guidelines, we cannot guarantee absolutely that one will not contract the virus.  If one is concerned, it is all right to remain home until one is more comfortable returning to Mass.  We encourage those who are not returning yet to still keep holy the Lord's Day through prayer and penance.  To help with this we will celebrate a livestream Mass at 4:30 on May 30 (this Mass is NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC).