Parish Update: Masks required at all Masses
Friends,
Since Governor Dewine moved Lucas County to a Red Level 3 advisory, masks are required at all Masses beginning this weekend.
We will place signage and masks front and center at the entrance of the church to remind people of the mandate. There are exemptions to this mandate, and I invite you to read the order if you think an exemption might apply to you. I would ask for good will on both sides. I would ask that we don’t hide behind an exemption simply because we don’t want to wear a mask. On the other hand, I would ask that we assume anyone not in a mask has a legitimate reason to do so. I feel strongly about not policing mask wearing.
I realize that masks have become a divisive issue and I have heard from people in the parish with strong opinions on both sides. During the level 3 warning, we need to all be unified in complying with the mandate so long as we are not exempt. When the level 3 is lifted, I will propose a Mass schedule with mask policies that try to find some middle ground.
In the coming weeks, I will write more on my approach to student ministry in the fall and what COVID changes we will be making.
Let’s come through this time together with God’s grace,
Fr. Jeremy