This past week we have heard from both Gov. Hogan and Dr. Alan McCarthy, our county executive, on the guidelines for Maryland and Cecil County to reopen. The diocese is also actively working on plans for preparation to reopen our churches. The Bishop’s approach is a concern for parishioner safety as we make this journey together. While there is no set date yet, I want to share with you that we are moving toward reopening, sooner rather than later. We need a little more time to put concrete plans in place that focus on safety and health concerns.
I participated in a Zoom meeting with the bishop and pastors from the parishes in Maryland. We covered a range of topics and details needing to be addressed before we can open the churches for Sunday Mass. Our diocese is working in concert with the dioceses of Baltimore, Washington, Arlington, Richmond, and Wheeling. As you can imagine there is great variety among those locations which needs to be given consideration. Our Bishop is in phone contact with both Gov. Carney and Gov. Hogan. All the pastors in the meeting were supportive of taking time to develop and implement specific details for parish openings. We are also aware of the diversity of health needs among our faithful.
I spoke with Mr. Mark Guns, Parish Council President, today about taking time at our next meeting, Wednesday (May 20), to develop guidelines that might work best for our parish community. The Maryland pastors are going to meet with the Bishop again next Wednesday and by then we hope to have specific safety plans to implement. Among the specifics, I hope to be able to share with you a target date for our church to open.
Thanks again for your concern, your patience, and your continued prayers. May the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us through this pandemic and bring us together as a renewed faith community.
Fr. Jim Yeakel, OSFS
May 15, 2020