Adjusting procedures as weather cools off
11-02-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. Will SchmidDear Parishioners,
As time moves on and restrictions implemented to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus are still in place, we find ourselves in a dilemma. While it is advantageous to keep the church doors, windows, and air intake system open during Mass to allow for increased ventilation, the colder weather, wind, and upcoming snow will make it more difficult to maintain the church temperature at a healthy level.
We hope to be able to strike a balance between these two conditions. You may have noticed that the ushers have begun to close the doors after Mass has begun. The reason for keeping doors open has a two-fold purpose; increased ventilation in the church and eliminating the need for many people to touch the door handles to enter. Thus, if the doors are opened prior to the beginning of Mass, and are left open between Masses, it is not necessary for people to touch the door handles and it provides for fresh air in the church. Closing the exterior doors after Mass begins allows for a healthier interior temperature. It is also our objective to keep Mass shorter in duration to limit the amount of time persons are gathered together indoors, while still respecting the dignity of the Mass.
As the weather turns even colder, we may need to modify our procedures further. While we may not be able to leave the exterior doors open as long prior to or in between Masses (or maybe not at all if it is snowing or windy), we may be able to utilize open windows along with the church’s external air intake system. Again, this system pulls fresh air from the outside (cold in the winter, hot in the summer) into the interior of the church and we will attempt to strike a balance between increased ventilation and temperature control. Please keep this in mind and be prepared when attending Mass in person by dressing in warmer layers over the next several months. Our staff members will continue to work with our ushers to assess the weather conditions from one Mass to the next and adjust as necessary.
We recognize that this in an imperfect solution as we will not be able to satisfy all parishioner concerns simultaneously. Increased ventilation in our church is only one aspect of decreasing the risk of spreading the virus. Parishioners must continue to stay home if they are immune compromised or feeling ill, wash/sanitize hands, wear face coverings, physically distance, etc.; and, through all these combined efforts, it is our hope that you feel safe when attending Mass in person and are able to be attentive to the liturgy and receiving our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. However, if it becomes untenable for you to attend Mass in person, keep in mind that Bishop Olmsted’s dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation is still in effect and SFDA parish continues to offer live streaming of all Sunday Masses on our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/
Above all, it is important to remember that Bishop Olmsted has asked that Christian charity prevail in these difficult circumstances. Please treat our clergy, staff members, ushers, and other volunteers who have dedicated themselves to serving the church during this time with kindness and respect as we endeavor to foster an atmosphere that provides hope, healing, and hospitality while we stay safe, healthy, and holy.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Will Schmid