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Important Notice from the Pastor
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Over the last three weeks six (6) St Teresa of Calcutta parishioners who attended Mass at Our Lady of Ransom (OLR) in Mechanic Falls have tested positive for Covid-19. Therefore, out of caution and in accordance with Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC), there will be no Masses or other activities at OLR or at St. Catherine of Sienna church until further notice. Unfortunately, we anticipate the churches will be closed for at least two weeks. Anyone who attended Mass where an infected person was present have been or will soon be notified.
So far, those individuals in our parish who tested positive for Covid-19 are experiencing only mild symptoms. We pray for them and for others infected or worried about the coronavirus.
Epidemiologists and other medical scientists predict that this will be a “dark winter” with rising infection levels in the coming weeks. During this time we will seek to stay connected as a community of Faith even when we cannot gather. Remember to check out cluster news and happenings on Facebook, our website www.cluster30.org , weekly bulletin, and by signing up for email messages and the parish prayer line. Email or call the office (743-2606) if you have questions.
During the pandemic, Bishop Deeley has removed the obligation for Catholics in Maine to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. There is no change in the Mass schedule for St Joseph Parish. We will continue to offer live-streamed Masses.
With this news and the increased infections in Maine, it is a good time to recall the basic safety protocols:
· Practice Social Distancing, 6 feet.
· Wear a Mask in public and when with people outside your household.
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not attend Mass if you think you’ve been exposed to Covid19 or have a fever or feel ill
· At Communion it is preferred that communicants receive the Eucharist in the hand. Individuals wanting to receive on the tongue should wait at the
end of the line to avoid the priest having to sanitize his hands between communicants.
For questions, or more information please feel to contact me, or Cluster Administrative Assistant Jodi Roma via email or (207) 743-2606.
Together, with God’s help, we will get through this. May we keep our parish community n prayer that we be safe and this pandemic end soon.
Blessed Christmas to you and your family,
Fr. Ed Clifford
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Vaccine announcement from Bishop Deeley
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Nov 2020 Update Covid-19 Protocols In response to the dramatic spike in coronavirus in Maine, Bishop Deeley announced yesterday that Catholic churches will return to 50-person capacity beginning Monday. Its unlikely that this will significantly impact our Cluster as in recent weeks attendance at Mass has not exceeded 50 people. Summer visitors and snow-birds have gone south.
During the pandemic the Obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been dispensed (waived). That being said, with safety protocols being strictly followed, parishioners who do not have a significant health risk should feel safe attending Mass. Attending Mass is much safer than eating in a restaurant or other indoor gatherings. An option for anyone would like to return to the Eucharist but are uncertain and concerned about exposure to the virus might choose to come to a Weekday Mass perhaps. Generally only 10 or 20 parishioners attend Mass during the weekday.
We continue to pray for an end of the pandemic. We pray for those who are ill, for doctors and nurses and others affected by the coronavirus, those unable to be with us in church. We think of and pray for those we haven’t seen. You are missed. We will get through this and be able to gather together again without encumbrances. In the meantime, let us know if you, or someone you know, has any needs that the parish might be able to assist.
Bishop Robert Deeley has announced that effective Tuesday, October 13th, the permitted seating capacity for indoor Masses in Maine’s Catholic churches will increase to 50% of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. The limit since June 1 has been 50 while maintaining a 6 ft social distance between households. The existing Covid-19 safety precautions of wearing masks, etc. will remain in effect. Here at the Parishes of the Western Maine Lakes & Foothills we are researching how the increased limit would apply in our 5 churches. We are calculating the number that can be accommodated safely. Given the size of our churches it is anticipated that the current seating capacity will not increase drastically if at all. It will likely give us some room to fit a few more. Be assured that any decisions made in this regard will be in compliance with the Bishop’s guidelines based on Maine CDC recommendations for our safety.https://portlanddiocese.org/content/maine-churches-increase-person-capacity-daily-and-sunday-masses
Yours in Christ,Fr. Ed
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COVID 19 Parish Announcement
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Contact Tracing and Confidentiality
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