Dear Parishioners,

Here’s some updates we are making in view of our own local experience as well as a recent Oct. 19 update from the Oregon Health Authority as in regards to COVID-19.

  • Seating: This weekend you, no doubt, noticed that we reconfigured how we did our seating in the church, as we have noticed that while a vast majority of people are taking extra care not to see too close to others outside of their household, there have been still too many times when this was not followed. So, in order to make it more simple, we have blocked off eery other pew for seating.

  • Entering & Exiting: While we maintain a single entrance at this time, we hope to make it quicker for those who preregister online. Last weekend, with the approval of the Archdiocese, we increased the number of texts to four locations to reduce crowding when leaving the church building after Mass.

  • Face Shields: Directly from OHA: “In general, it is recommended that people wear a mask or face covering, with or without a face shield, whenever they are within six (6) feet of people who do not live in the same household. It is not recommended that individuals wear a face shield instead of a mask or face covering. Face shields can be very good at blocking droplets that individuals release, but they are not as effective at limiting the release of aerosols that can go around the shield.The following are not face coverings because they allow droplets to be released: a covering that incorporates a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhalation, mesh masks, lace masks or other coverings with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents.

Fortunately, while the increase in the Coronavirus has hit our country in dramatic ways, we have not experienced the same levels of virus spread. As a parish, I believe we should model, as best as we can, the guidelines that will keep people safe. The secondary effect of a safe environment is the return of many of our parishioners who have kept away out of fear of being infected. The complete new guidelines can be found on our parish website or go to this link: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K.pdf . Thank you all for your conscientious attention to these things!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor