Last night, I met with our Pastoral Council via GoToMeeting.  To our pleasant surprise, we felt that this is going to be simpler than we thought.  Even so, this is a very big change for us.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll write about various aspects of Phase Two.  For now, I'd like to address core principles.

     We're trying to minimize the transmission of germs, protect the vulnerable, and reenter full sacramental life.

     To minimize the transmission of COVID-19, we need to limit flying droplets, limit physical contact, and keep households six feet apart.

     Flying Droplets:  Masks are required for everyone over two.  If you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, then stay home for medical reasons.  Singing is discouraged because droplets fly farther with singing.  Holly will sing behind a plexiglass shield.

     Physical Contact:  We removed books, pamphlets, and tables.  The pathways have been cleared.  Ministries are being adapted for minimal physical contact with people and surfaces.

     Social Distancing:  Pews have been marked so that households sit six feet apart.  We're going to try lines for receiving Holy Communion.  Stay six feet behind the person in front of you - just like at Lowe's.

     Based on the recent survey, it seems that the vulnerable will continue to stay home.  That's great.

     If you are sick or have symptoms, stay home.

     Some who are borderline would like to receive Holy Communion in the parking lot.  So far, it seems that we'll do it after the 10 AM Mass only.  If the need is greater, we'll do so after other Masses.

     If minimizing transmission was our only goal, we'd continue to stay home.  The Eucharist is vitally important for our spiritual life.  That's why we're emphasizing access to the sacraments in Phase Two.  Meetings, sacramentals, and devotions are still restricted.  The sacraments are the most important.

     We've already had Mass outside in the parking lot since May 18th.  We're moving inside the church on June 8th.

     The need for confessions is great.  I'll be waiting for you in the rectory by the window.  Wear your mask.  I'll place cones outside so you know which window to go to.  If a line forms, stay far away from the person going to confession and at least six feet from the person in front of you.  I may place cones to help you know where to stand.  I'll start on June 8th with extra times:  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM as well as Saturday from 2-4 PM.  If you are unable to walk on grass, call the office for an appointment.  I can come outside to your car.

     Our first funeral will be on June 8th at 12 noon.  We will be livestreaming the funeral so that relatives, friends, and neighbors can watch it at home.  Funerals are restricted to about 25 people but there's some flexibility up to about 100 people.

     Baptisms and weddings are limited to 25 people.  With baptisms, it'll be one family at a time.

     Well, that's plenty for now.  Please pray for me as I continue to pray for all of you.

God love you,

Fr. Jim

frjim@stjohnlakehurst.com