September 8 – Letter from Fr. Peter

Dear St. Edward Parishioners,

As you know, the COVID-19 concerns have resulted in changes to everyone’s normal schedule and activities. Currently we are under a “State of Emergency” and the Governor of Oregon has extended the “State of Emergency” until November 3, 2020. Archbishop Sample has promulgated a dispensation (permission) to not attend Mass until conditions are deemed safe by public officials. We are not obligated to attend Mass at this time however, many of us have been glad to be able to come to Mass for worship.

The current government restrictions limit us to having no more than 100 people at Mass at one time, provided safe distance of 6 feet of separation is available. In reviewing our worship space at St. Edward, we can accommodate around 75 people with safe distance, hence the sign-up sheets by the front door. The restrictions also make wearing masks mandatory for people age 5 and up while inside the building. Outside gatherings require masks only when 6 feet distance cannot be maintained.

As the Pastor, I have listened to a variety of perspectives on what should or should not be done. From those vehemently opposed to having the Church open at all to those who believe this whole thing is a sham and we shouldn’t wear masks anywhere at all. After conducting a survey with many of the parents of our students, 100% of them expressed that students in preparation for sacraments or applying for a scholarship should meet Mass attendance requirements. As a result, this is the plan that I have come up with under the present restrictions and concerns:

Children’s Liturgy of the Word and Religious Education begins Saturday, October 4 at the regular time. These activities will take place on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Students preparing for First Penance and First Communion are required to be at Mass on the days of class (2 times a month). More frequent attendance is up to them. Parents of students preparing for the sacraments are required to attend class once a month. Parents who do not feel comfortable with having their children in a classroom or attending Mass are free to defer until the following year. All classroom settings include wearing masks, safe distancing and sanitation. We need additional teachers for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Please contact the office if you would like to help. Thank you.

S.E.T. classes begin Saturday, October 10 at 3:30 pm. S.E.T. will meet the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 3:30 to 4:45 pm. All classroom and small group settings require masks, safe distance and sanitation. As of yet, I cannot be certain of a Confirmation class this year due to community service and retreat requirements.

As you look at the schedule of classes, it is obvious that parents with children in religious education should have first preference to sign up for Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Please keep them in mind as you schedule yourself for Mass. The schedule of S.E.T. classes on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month provides an option for those families and students to attend Mass on Saturday night at 5:15 pm which, hopefully reduces pressure on the Sunday 10:30 am Mass.

You are already aware of the recommendations by public health offices and the Bishop. People who are experiencing symptoms or do not fell well should remain at home. You should also know that you do have the option to get tested. If you have had contact with someone who tested positive you are required to self-quarantine for 2 weeks. You may wish to get tested if that occurs too. If you have tested positive and recovered, you must be released by a doctor’s permission to resume your activities. I believe you should test negative before returning to public activity to ensure the safety of others.

In the event that you test positive and you have been to Mass, you need to obtain a copy of the list of those in attendance and report it to the County Health Department who trace, contact, and follow up with the people concerned and keep statistics.

It is important to remember that we are all in this together. The entire world and every level of society is still being impacted by illness and the restrictions associated with the virus. The poor are especially impacted. Many of us have come to realize how essential it is for us to gather, worship God, connect and experience freedom from forces of darkness. Parents have emphasized the necessity of faith formation for their children. We all miss being able to come together in safety and freedom. People who have not been able to attend Mass are missed by the community and those who are at greater risk have expressed their longing to feel safe and be with the community for worship. Several who have been viewing the Mass livestream have expressed that there is no substitute for being there in person.

There is hope and light on the horizon. In time, this will pass and we will emerge more firm and confident in God’s love and care. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other.

God bless and protect you always! +++ Fr. Peter