8 February 2021
Here is something I wanted to share with you:
On 5 February 2021, the Governor decreed that the State of Iowa is still in a public health disaster emergency, to continue at least until 7 March 2021.
The same decree recognizes that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is substantially reduced by taking appropriate public health safety measures.
In fact, the Governor still strongly encourages that these reasonable measures be taken throughout the State of Iowa, even though there is no mandate.
Moreover, in some places, in spite of the Governor’s decree, these public health safety measures are still mandated by City or County ordinance.
With regard to Church-sponsored activities (Mass and meetings, school and RE, just to name a few), the public health safety measures will continue to be observed until the COVID-19 vaccine is available to all who are able to receive it, and the CDC announces that the pandemic is under control:
· Stay home if you are sick, frail from age or illness, or vulnerable.
· Wash your hands.
· Wear a mask.
· Avoid physical contact as much as possible.
· Keep a safe (social) distance from people outside your household.
· Sanitize commonly-touched surfaces.
· in church, holy water fonts should be emptied,
· And reusable materials should be removed from pews.
· At Holy Mass, singing should be kept to a minimum,
· Liturgical ministers should be kept to a few, or none,
· And only the Host is distributed for Communion, and in the hand.
The COVID is a very contagious and life-threatening virus. For the love of God and neighbor, wear a mask even if it isn’t mandated, and get vaccinated when it becomes available to you.
The Archdiocese of Dubuque is permitting public Masses to begin May 30-31, the Feast of Pentecost. Fr. Phil, along with the liturgical staff, has determined that it is best to ease back into public Mass. After this long period of forced slumber or sleep from public Mass, we need time to establish and understand proper procedures and to gather and train ministers to serve you safely. We want to get you accustomed to a few changes, before we return to our full schedule of Masses. The celebration of the liturgy will look and feel differently. Please know that these changes are because we take your physical health and spiritual well-being very seriously.
All Masses and adoration times have resumed under these new guidelines. Confession will be offered before the 4pm and 6pm Masses on Saturday in the Bride's RoomWe will continue to record Sunday Mass for our parishioners to pray with at home.
You can find the recorded Mass on the website's home page, You tube channel and Facebook page.
The parish office is open! Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Summer hours are:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Saturday 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM