St. Paul's at Home

June 1, 2020

Dear Parish Family,

I am excited to share the following announcement regarding our Parish Plan to Return to the Altar. This important message discusses the modifications that you will encounter during worship since the last time we gathered. 

Every church building and every parish community is different. Our team at St. Paul's developed a plan to return to the altar guided by diocesan, government, and public health guidelines. We examined proper hygiene and sanitation measures, the number of people able to gather, and the use of personal protective equipment during worship. We consulted with our parish council, law enforcement, professionals, and people with expertise in various areas to help us discern what is best for the faithful at St. Paul’s. I pray that all of these measures are temporary and soon just a memory.

It is important to note that our governor did not close our church. Rather, out of prudence and love for the faithful, Bishop Gainer suspended public worship in the interest of health and safety.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we take these necessary and uncomfortable steps. These measures allow us to resume the celebration of Mass publicly and safely at St. Paul’s. They also allow as many people as possible to attend. There may be a few changes after our first weekend. Please continue to be flexible.

We continue to pray for all of those members of our parish affected by this pandemic. We pray that the healing hands of the Divine Physician will help put an end to it soon. May Mary, Mother of the Church, watch over us as we gather in the name of her son, Jesus Christ. And may St. Paul intercede for us during these most unique circumstances. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. We miss you. I miss you.

In Christ,