May 14, 2021
4:30 p.m.

Dear Saint Paul’s Family,

May God bless you all on this beautiful May afternoon!

The warmer weather is finally hear and with it comes new information regarding COVID practices at Saint Paul’s.

At approximately 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon, the Diocese of Harrisburg provided clarity on Thursday's announcement from the CDC that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask.

“Fully vaccinated” is defined as two weeks after the reception of the second Pfizer or Moderna Vaccine or two weeks after the single Johnson and Johnson Vaccine. Those individuals who do not meet those requirements are not considered fully vaccinated, and must keep taking all precautions. The State of Pennsylvania has adopted these recommendations effective immediately. 

The Diocese of Harrisburg has notified all parishes that effective immediately, the fully vaccinated may attend Diocese of Harrisburg Masses without wearing a mask.
If you are not fully vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask.

Our parish will continue to practice social distancing until Memorial Day weekend, as instructed by Bishop Gainer. At that time, we will remove the majority of the ropes from our pews. A socially distanced section will remain for those who still prefer to remain socially distant.

I wish that I were able to provide you all with more of a transition period, and I wish that I was able to communicate this to all households prior to this weekend. Unfortunately, a Friday afternoon announcement from the diocese does not allow time for that privilege.

Please continue to keep those members of our parish family who are currently struggling with the effects of COVID, as well as those in the hospital due to COVID in your prayers. May Mary, Mother of the Church continue to watch over us.

In Christ,
Fr. Coyle