Dear Parishioners,
Bishop O'Connell just issued updated directives. The old diocesan directives were from May 29th. A few updates have been made as of today. I imagine that the updated directives will be published at https://dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus
Changes
Here are the new changes that affect us:
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Group devotions in church are permitted provided they are limited to one third capacity, masks are worn, social distancing is observed and sanitation protocols are followed.
Parish Meetings held in a location other than church are permitted provided they are limited to 25 percent capacity, masks are worn, social distancing is observed and sanitation protocols are followed. Refreshments may not be served. Attendance at meetings should be taken in the event tracing is necessary.
Distribution of flyers, the selling of raffle tickets, signing of petitions, and sale of religious articles inside or outside of church is prohibited until further notice.
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In addition to Nuptial ceremonies, Nuptial Masses and may now be celebrated in church, as determined by the pastor in light of the particular parish’s circumstances.
Group Devotions
Devotions include the rosary, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Stations of the Cross. What should we start with?
Is anyone interested in a holy hour? We could try Friday(s) at 3 PM. We would need a couple volunteers to disinfect the church.
Parish Meetings
The church + parish hall could be used for prayer plus announcements. We can fit about 70 individuals.
The parish hall is our biggest space for regular parish meetings. We can fit 28 individuals. A few more could fit around the edges.
We already converted the Parish Center chapel into a meeting room. It can fit about 26 individuals.
Live Streaming
Our best camera is in the church. It can be pointed toward the parish hall. Our second best camera could be connected to a computer in the chapel. People who would like to attend but don't want to take the risk could participate via computer or phone. We could use GoToMeeting for meetings and YouTube for broadcasts.
RCIA
I haven't checked with Joe yet, but I know he very much wants to meet in person. So, RCIA can meet in the chapel starting this Sunday.
Rosary Altar Society
I talked with Angela about next month's virtual meeting. Depending on what kind of meeting you would like, you could meet in the church + parish hall or just the parish hall. We can use GoToMeeting so that members can participate via computer or phone.
You could have your board meetings in the chapel.
Knights of Columbus
I also talked with Jim Zielinski. Our council usually meets the first Tuesday of the month in the parish hall. As long as we stay under 28 people, we can have a meeting. We can use GoToMeeting with a password so that members could participate from home via their computer or telephone.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Before the lockdown, you met in the parish hall. As long as you stay under 28 people, you can meet. Let me know if you want to offer a virtual component.
Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and Staff
We can meet inside the chapel wearing our masks or outside without masks.
Signing Class
The chapel could work.
Ultreya
The chapel is the new conference room.
Thursday AA
They already plan to meet outside. A backup plan could be the parish hall as long as the number is kept to 28.
Other Meetings
I covered all the meetings currently on the calendar. If I missed something, please let us know.
Strategies
Before a group meets, we need to make sure that we have a plan for masks, social distancing, disinfecting, and attendance tracking. If you'd prefer to meet outside by the picnic tables, that can work too while the weather is cooperative. Members can bring their own beach chairs. The parish hall or chapel could be backups in case of inclement weather.
Feedback
To provide public feedback, please click on the Reply button. For private feedback, e-mail me at frjim@stjohnlakehurst.com.
Please be patient and prudent. This is brand new. While we made preparations for this day, there are details to work out.
God love you,
Fr. Jim