Letter From Fr. Jhon – COVID safety plan (Phase 1)

Below is an important message from Fr Jhon as a heads up for all involved in our various ministries. This announcement will be made at all Masses this weekend and will go in effect Pentecost weekend May 22-23. Please click >>here<< to view the flyer that will be included in the weekend bulletin.

My dear family,

I am writing you this time because it is my priority and duty to promote the common good by doing all we can to protect and provide safety to our Blessed Trinity families, my employees, ministries and people who come to our home to celebrate the Eucharist with us.

For this reason I want to share with you what the Diocese has in place a new Covid-19 Safety Plan with a phased approach. Based on guidelines of the CDC and FDOH, metrics for vaccinations in diocesan counties and metrics for positive case and Covid-19 deaths we are now able to move into Phase One. 

Dispensation from Sunday Mass is being lifted for all individuals, beginning Pentecost Sunday. The dispensation may still apply to those who are living with persons who are ineligible for vaccination for medical reasons, are considered to be in a high-risk category or with underlying conditions. Remember to use the dispensation if:

·         You exhibit flu-like symptoms

·         You have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, and you are asymptomatic.

·         You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed

·         You are unable to get to Mass through no fault of your own

For Blessed Trinity, we will gradually begin decreasing the space for physical distancing. Rest assured that we will still maintain sections for those who are not comfortable with decreased distancing. We will continue with sanitizing the Church and Hand Sanitizer will be available. 

I do realize that City and State Officials have lifted mask mandates, but please understand that we are following the guidelines set forth by the Diocese and I am being obedient to my Bishop. Therefore, all mask requirements remain intact.  

Blessings,

Fr Jhon

UPDATED EMAIL FROM THE BISHOP’S OFFICE
AS OF 1:45PM on 5/14/2021

Hello everyone

I just received this information from our chancellor. Please share with everyone of the members of your ministries. They are good news.

Reverend Fathers and Deacons:

As has been our policy throughout the pandemic, we continue to follow the guidance of the CDC.  In light of the new CDC guidance released late yesterday, we are adjusting diocesan guidance regarding the wearing of masks.  Please share this with your pastoral staff as appropriate. 

As you may be aware, CDC changed their guidance on the wearing of masks, stating that

•             Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. 

•             For now, the following measures are strongly encouraged: 

–              For those who have been hesitant in getting vaccinated should do so at their earlier convenience. Children 12 years of age and older are now eligible.

–              Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms

–              Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

Given this new guidance from CDC, effective immediately, Bishop Estevez has approved that at Masses in our parishes and missions we will no longer require the wearing of masks for fully vaccinated persons, nor will we require proof of vaccination or ask if persons are vaccinated.  All other diocesan guidance remains in place. 

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 data and report our findings weekly via Pastoral Briefing every Monday morning. 

V/R

Blessed Easter Season,

Deacon Mike

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