Trying to Remain Healthy in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

      It is no small matter to remain healthy in the midst of a global pandemic.  We are all so very grateful that extreme measures in the Unites States are being lifted as more and more of us become vaccinated.  At the same time, we see the suffering of so many people worldwide who do not have access to a vaccine.

      A few weeks ago, the Archdiocese of St. Louis issued an update regarding COVID-19 Guidelines, following the news from St. Louis City and St. Louis County officials, and the announcement from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  Wearing a mask throughout the entirety of Mass, except for when receiving Communion, now applies only to the parish faithful who have not received a vaccination against the COVID-19 virus.

  • I realize that some are not yet confident or comfortable to remove their mask when in public,  outside their family unit.  You know the challenges you face to remain healthy, and/or the recommendations from your doctors.  If you feel the need, by all means continue to wear a mask.

  • In order to be respectful of our parishioners whose health conditions require an abundance of caution, we will still have sections on both sides of Church corded off to provide greater social distancing.  As of the writing of this article, following local health department guidelines, we are still restricted to 50% occupancy.  With fewer pews corded off however, we now can accommodate about 225 people per Mass, with additional seating in our Chapel.  That is just about our Mass attendance numbers prior to the pandemic.

  • With these relaxed measures, we will resume our Procession for Holy Communion down the center aisle…asking all to maintain a respectful distance from those walking in front of you.

  • Because we do not know the health conditions / requirements of each person coming to receive Holy Communion, our Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers will be wearing masks when they distribute the Eucharist.

  • Being mindful of our need to limit physical contact because of health concerns, we will once again be invited to “offer each other a sign of peace;” asking you to do so with a few words, a nod, or a wave.

  • Parishioners are welcome to enter and exit through any of the Church doors.

  • We will continue to make available face masks and hand sanitizer at Church.

      I know that everything is not back like it was before the pandemic.  I am heartened, however, to announce these relaxed measures; and, look forward to a time in the not too distant future when we will be permitted access to Holy Water, music books, entrance and exit processions, procession of the gifts, and…oh yes…passing the basket.  Please note:  Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski leaves in place the dispensation for Sunday Mass at this time, but will be re-evaluating the need for the dispensation in the coming weeks.

Sincerely yours in Jesus,

Father John Seper