When will we reopen? We wait…

05-13-2020Pastor's LetterRev. Richard W. Fitzgerald, V. F.

We all have been taught that patience is a virtue. During these times we certainly need to pray for that virtue. Right now we do not know for sure when we will be able to reopen for Sunday Masses. It could be in a few weeks, or it could be a number of months from now. We have a sense of expectation that it is coming, but we must do our best to temper that expectation with a strong dose of patience and acceptance of the difficulties of this current time. We will reopen someday, but we do not know when. However, I have been asked by the Cardinal to be one of two pastors among other people to serve on a restart committee to work on preliminary plans for reopening the churches.

How will it happen? What are the social distancing requirements? How many parishioners will be allowed in the church at one time? How will the Mass be conducted in a dignified way given the many constraints needed and mandated for our safety? These are some among many of the details that the committee is working on. When the time comes for us to be able to gather again in church for the celebration of Mass, we want to be ready and have plans in place so that parishes will not be scrambling at the last minute to reopen. The committee has met remotely several times and has been in communication by email over the past week. So, let's all be hopeful and patient! Please pray for the good work of the committee so that when the time comes to reopen, we can come together in an orderly and dignified and safe way to worship our God.