March 20, 2020
Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Hopefully you have all heard the decree of the bishop regarding public celebrations in our parishes, including mass. In order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, all masses are suspended, and parish life is significantly changed at least until May 10. I want to follow these recent communications with this letter to better explain how I, as your priest, will try to continue serving you and caring for your spiritual needs while keeping us all as safe as possible.
First I would like to acknowledge that all this may seem unnecessary since we have not seen significant numbers of infections in our area. However, statistically speaking, the virus is already among us, we just have not tested for it. Also, the time to take drastic actions like social distancing is now, while numbers are low. If we wait for a significant number of identified infections, it is too late.
Second, I would like to acknowledge the inconvenience and yes, even suffering, that these measures will cause. However, we have a choice; we can take these measures seriously and possibly change the trajectory of this disease or we do the bare minimum possibly resulting in continued spread of the disease. If we do not take these measures seriously, we will have been inconvenienced and suffer for nothing, having made no difference in the mitigation of the virus. Some might think that this is a good time to gather together to pray the rosary at the parish - it is not. Please pray but pray in your home. Maybe you are not in one of the high risk groups but probably someone close to you is and we need to do all we can to protect them.
Considering these factors, for the next two months you may expect the following at the parishes:
There will be no masses except for funeral masses.
There will be no faith formation or youth group activities.
Previously scheduled baptisms may continue but the total number in attendance is limited to 10.
Previously scheduled quinceañeras may continue and I will celebrate a mass if the family desires. However, the total number in attendance is limited to 10. I will also work with families to reschedule the celebration if they desire. No new quinceañeras will be scheduled until further notice.
Confessions will be by appointment only. Please be well prepared before coming for confession. If you are not prepared, you will be asked to come back after you are properly prepared. Attached to this letter are some tips on making a good confession.
Anointing of the sick will be by appointment only. If you think you need the sacrament, please do not wait until you are seriously ill to contact me.
No marriages will be scheduled until further notice.
St. Joseph’s Confirmation scheduled for April 29 is cancelled and will be rescheduled. Each student and at least one parent should still make an appointment to meet with me.
St. Joseph’s First Communion will remain scheduled for May 10. Each child and at least one parent still need to make an appointment with me prior to May 10.
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s First Communion will continue to be scheduled for May 16. Each child and at least one parent still need to make an appointment with me prior to May 16.
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Confirmation will remain scheduled for May 24. Each student and at least one parent should still make an appointment to meet with me.
Individuals who have been preparing to receive sacraments at Easter will receive their sacraments. We will schedule these sacraments at a later date after May 10.
The church buildings will remain locked and parishioners are not to gather in them. Please pray in your homes with your families and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
The offices will be closed to the public but the parish staff will continue to work a limited number of hours. If you need something from the office, please call first, do not just stop by the office. Even while the parish staff is present, doors will remain locked.
Please register for Flocknotes and check the parish websites frequently. These will be used to provide updates, I will not use Facebook or other social media. If you are not comfortable using the internet or text messaging, please ask a friend or family member to keep you updated. Let’s help one another.
Also, please continue to make your weekly donation online. If you have difficulty with the website please call the office and we can help you. This is a safe and secure way to give. Our parishes have some money in savings but we cannot operate for 2 months without weekly collections. I know that we will all face financial hardships in the next months or years but please keep your parish in mind when making financial decisions.
I hope to offer more resources and activities online to help us along our faith journey in these difficult times. Let us continue to pray for each other and for the world.
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. Christopher Schwind