Dear Parishioners,

During the ongoing pandemic, our parish has strived to keep the wellbeing of our parish community at the center of all our planning and decisions. As challenging as these times are, we are committed to proper safety measures, transparent communication, and responsibly adapting to emerging circumstances.

It has come to our attention that an individual in attendance at the 9:30 am Mass in the church at St. Mary, Pylesville on November 8^th has since tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our parish has reached out to this individual and understands that they are currently in a non-critical condition and are quarantining. In accordance with the safety precautions required by the parish, the individual remained socially distanced from other parishioners and was wearing a facemask while in attendance at the 9:30 am mass. Our parish leadership has been in communication with Archdiocesan officials to ensure that all necessary follow-up procedures are undertaken in an efficient manner. The church space on has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to best-practice standards, and we will continue to adhere to effective sanitizing.  

We encourage those who attended the 9:30 am Mass in the church on November 8^th at St. Mary, Pylesville, especially those who fall into a vulnerable category and are at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19, to actively monitor your health and be alert to any of the major symptoms of the virus, including, but not limited to, fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Should any concerning symptoms appear, please do not hesitate to contact your medical professional or, if severe, call 911. Should you or a member of your household who were at the 9:30 am mass in the church on November 8^th receive a positive coronavirus test, please alert the parish office at 410-838-7471, Extension 22 so that appropriate action can be taken.

We recognize that this news may generate concern, anxiety, and hesitation for our parishioners, even those who may not have attended the Mass in question. We encourage everyone to wisely assess their own personal situation and to make decisions that will protect the health of all involved. The coronavirus remains a significant public health risk, and each of us has a responsibility to act safely based upon the most current information on hand. Once more, please recall that the Archbishop has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. We ask that our parish community continue to hold in prayer and solidarity all those suffering with COVID-19, most particularly those within our community.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Henry Kunkel

Pastor

Cc: Archdiocese of Baltimore Office of Risk Management