5 Things to Expect Moving Forward
-
April 23, 2020Hi everyone! I want to share with you an update about a conversation all the priests had yesterday with Bishop John.
Things Won't Be Normal Immediately
I think it's important to remember that when health restrictions are eased and we're able to start gathering together again, things won’t immediately go back to normal.
New Regulations
Bishop John is meeting with health experts in Marquette county today, and he and the other bishops of Michigan have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with Governor Whitmer, to determine what kind of guidelines we’ll need to have in place for the next weeks and months. And we’re trying to plan for how public Masses will be celebrated with any new regulations.
Patience and Charity
We know that your desire to return to your parishes, be present for Mass, and receive the Eucharist is incredibly strong, and I’m asking everyone to approach this next phase with a patient, loving and charitable mindset. The specific details of when public Mass will resume and how it will look are still being determined, but I think there’s five things everyone needs to be prepared for.
1. Attendance will be limited. We know restrictions will remain on holding large gatherings, and there will likely be limits on the number of people allowed to gather in one place. We’re looking at some way maybe to have assigned days to come to Mass according to last names, or something like that. At any rate, we shouldn’t expect we’re just going to be able to go back to regularity all at once.
2. Physical distancing will still need to be practiced. Everyone should expect that our parishes will have some pews that are taped off, probably every other row. And whatever we end up doing, families are going to have to keep six feet of separation from other families. If you haven’t already been wearing a mask, it may be a protocol that you do wear one to guard against germ spread. So if you don’t yet have a mask, now’s the time to get one. And, of course, if you’re showing any symptoms of sickness, we’ll ask you to please stay home.
3. Liturgical changes will be in place. Extra precautions will be taken, like suspending the distribution of the Precious Blood and receiving Holy Communion only on the hand, no sign of peace, possibly no holy water out in the fonts, though I’ll be happy to bless water you bring in your own bottle.
4. A general dispensation from the Sunday obligation will probably remain. For at-risk groups, those who have symptoms, and anyone who feels safer staying at home, it’s likely that no one will be obliged to physically attend Mass. Because we'll likely have some kind of rotation in place, your family might only be able to attend on an irregular basis, and not necessarily on Sunday. Plan for now to continue to keep the Sabbath holy by participating in Mass via the livestream broadcasts on our website.
5. There still will be a risk for anyone who attends a public Mass. Even with best health practices and physical distancing, anyone who enters a public space should recognize there’s always going to be a risk. We’ll have improved cleaning in place at our parishes, but no one should expect they’ll necessarily be safer in the church than other public places.
Making Progress
I think it's important to strive for progress and not perfection. There will no doubt be challenges and frustrations. Everything might not go according to plan. But we believe following these guidelines is a reasonable sacrifice, and we’re doing it out of love for those who are vulnerable. It seems the situation is improving, but we don’t want to contribute to a rebound effect that would actually push restrictions even farther into the future. If we look for ways to get around the regulations, we’ll likely create situations that force us to take steps back, which none of us want.
God is Present and Working
I know God’s grace has been active in your lives during this time.- One mother told me she's spent more time with her teenage daughter, and how her daughter's opened up and bonded in ways she never has before. Praise God!
- Another mom said praying the Rosary was always important to her, but now her whole family is praying the Rosary each evening after dinner. Awesome!
- A father said he's grateful to be re-establishing a relationship with his college-age son since he's back home during this time. Thank the Lord!
I think it's more important than ever to share stories to encourage one another right now. I'm wondering if you can share with me one way you've experienced God's presence or seen Him at work in your life these past weeks? If you're willing, please share with me one way you've seen God working in your life or the life of your family during this time. Or one way you or your family have loved others. Have you been creative in meeting the needs of others, or has someone met your needs?
You can email me at [email protected] or just write something in the comments below, and I’ll write up some stories to share. Thanks so much, and God bless!
Father Ryan
