Community Corner
Letter from Pastor Regarding Collaborative Church Re-Openings
Fr. Steve Zukas, pastor of the Collaborative St Edward, Medfield and St Jude, Norfolk, letter detailing timing and process for re-openings.
Letter from Fr. Steve Regarding Church Re-Openings
May 19, 2020
Dear Parishioners and Extended Family Members,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
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I usually write to you in this fashion for my letter in the collaborative’s bulletin, but, because of yesterday’s announcement by the Archdiocese, I am presenting you with a letter today. The recent
Archdiocese announcement came as a surprise to me since I didn’t expect that we would be able to resume Mass (with up to 40% capacity) so soon within the Four-Phase opening plan.
The Archdiocese has suggested May 31 as the reopening date for all parishes. I feel this is an unrealistic date given the list of preparations necessary to reopen. Both parishes need to form reopening committees, draft a corps of volunteers, and formulate a reopening plan that cannot take place until after a deep cleaning is performed and safety requirements are met. I am still awaiting guidance regarding these. Some changes that you can expect to see when we reopen:
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- Advanced “sign-up” before Mass to limit capacity
- Arrows designating flow of traffic within the church
- Social Distancing for seating at all times
- Facemask requirement
- Thorough cleaning between Masses
I ask that you be patient as I navigate my way through all of this during a time that is interrupted by a holiday weekend thereby limiting the opportunity to do business with suppliers and our cleaning service.
Please know that while I terribly miss the parishioners of our collaborative, I will not risk your health for the sake of a date that has been suggested by the Archdiocese. You have my word that I will keep your personal safety as my top priority as we prepare to reopen. I promise that Masses will resume as soon as possible. I will certainly keep you posted as to our progress, however as of this moment, I cannot promise reopening on May 31.
Please keep me in your prayers during this process. Please know that you remain in mine.
Gratefully yours in the Risen Christ,
Fr. Steve Zukas
