MESSAGES FROM FR JOE

Dear Friends,

This note provides an update on the masking policies during the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Church of St. Timothy. Beginning October 23, masking will be optional for all those in attendance at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. We had asked those attending this Mass to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. This was maintained over the last several months in support of those individuals who are at higher risk of a severe Covid infection.

In the intervening months, as the number of reported Covid cases and hospitalizations have declined, many parishioners have asked about discontinuing the masking policy at 8:30 a.m. Mass. I understand the frustration some have expressed about wearing a mask when they would prefer not to do so. I also understand that there are those who remain vulnerable to a severe Covid infection who need to continue to be vigilant. As our parish has throughout the pandemic, we continue to provide options for participation in communal worship, taking into consideration the diversity of preferences and needs about safety protocols.

We will continue to livestream our 5 p.m. Saturday Mass on our parish YouTube channel and Facebook page, with the worship aid available on our website and parish mobile app so parishioners can participate in songs and prayers from home. Additionally, we continue to offer communion in the circle driveway off 89^th Avenue after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday mass for those who cannot come to in-person Mass due to their health circumstances. Moreover, St. Timothy’s has installed an ultraviolet air purification system that works with the air exchange ventilation system. The purifiers help reduce any airborne viruses that may be circulating in the worship space. We also will maintain a higher level of air circulation by leaving the east and west windows partially open during weekend Masses. This, too, helps exhaust any airborne viruses out of the worship space. Please note that all are welcome to wear masks at any of our Masses or other parish gatherings or events and we will continue to make masks available at church entrances.

As the public health situation continues to evolve, we will continue to address any new outbreaks as the need should arise. If circumstances warrant, masking will be reinstituted at one or all our Masses. We hope and pray such a need will not occur, but in the event we need to change our protocols, we will communicate those changes to you as quickly as we can through the website, Church of St. Timothy Times email newsletter, bulletin, and mobile app.

As I have said before, I echo Pope Francis in calling on people to stay up to date with their vaccines, both for their own health and well-being and for that of others. Please join me in praying for all those whose lives have been lost or severely disrupted by Covid, and for those who continue to research ways to constrain the spread of this virus. May God bless their work and bless all those who have borne the burden of severe Covid infections.

God Bless all of you,
Fr. Joe