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Phase II Opening The Church
Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Catholic Community
Lakewood, NJ
6/4/2020
Dear Parish Family-
Bishop David M. O’Connell issued a Decree for Phase II of the opening of our Parishes allowing Pastors, at their discretion, to open (or not to open) their Churches for Public Worship. If a Pastor chose to open the Parish Church, he must do so with restrictions contained in the Decree.
In his introductory remarks the Bishop emphasizes;
“COVID 19 is still a virulent contagious virus communicated between people. Everyone should remain conscious and alert that risks to either contract or spread the disease remain possible at any gathering of people, indoors or outdoors. The risk is considered by public health experts to be especially significant indoors at prolonged, sedentary gatherings where coughing, sneezing and even talking/singing could easily communicate the coronavirus.“
As the Pastor I have made the decision to accept the options offered in the Decree for implementation, but to be implemented on July 5th, 2020.
As many you may be aware the community of Lakewood, was one of the hardest hit communities with Covid-19, and as Bishop has stated and I as Pastor agree, we cannot ignore your physical health and well-being or put that health and common good at risk. I want to make sure I can reasonably and safely bring the community of Lakewood back into our churches.
I currently have a committee working on guidelines and procedures following the directions of the Bishop and the State of NJ, that will allow us to safely celebrate mass in person again as well as other sacraments.
The obligation to attend Mass is suspended until September 7, 2020. Therefore, there is no obligation to attend Mass in person. If you have concerns, worries or anxiety about returning, are sick, live with someone who is sick, have been exposed to Covid-19 or live with someone who has been exposed or is sick with Covid-19, are in a high risk category, have a compromised immune system or in any way do not feel well you are asked not to come in person but to make use of the Live Streaming of Masses which will continue.
As we move forward, we will continue to update you with dates of our reopening. I ask that we continue to pray for those affected and that we can soon all be joined again as one catholic community.
“Know someone needing assistance with food, housing, drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence or immigration?
Contact Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton
www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org.”
ATTENTION
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ
As you may be aware of the current situation regarding the Coronavirus, we at the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe have been following the situation closely and following all recommendations from the Diocese of Trenton, the CDC, and The State of New Jersey. As a precaution we will be following the same procedures and guidelines of the Diocese of Trenton and the New Jersey Department of Education. As of now it is announced that all activities remain suspended at all the parish locations. This effects PREP classes, meetings, retreats, cultural school activities, RCIA classes, and re-registration. This suspension is effective immediately and will last until further notice from the Diocease of Trenton.
Rev. Pedro L. Bou, SVD
Pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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