St. Patrick's Plan for COVID-19

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the Bible, one of the most common commands that we find is “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a powerful emotion and one that is often difficult to manage. How do we just stop feeling something? It that even possible? Although it may not be entirely possible to simply stop being afraid, there are certainly steps we can take to help manage our fear. 
The news of the coronavirus, or COVID 19 spreading throughout our country and within our state has caused fear and anxiety for many. It is understandable why this disease may cause fear for you. However, just as those in the Biblical narrative were called to face their fears, we too must not let our fear control us. Rather, as people of faith and goodwill we must face our fear and anxiety. One of the best ways to manage our fear it to plan and prepare to deal with the things we can control.
As a way of addressing our fears and concerns, and ensuring the health and safety of the people of St. Patrick’s to the best of our ability, we are going to implement some recommended social distancing practices during the season of Lent.
Regarding Worship and Communion:

• Coming to Church – As long as you are feeling well and are not in conscious contact with persons or places of known exposure to COVID-19, then continue worshipping as usual. If you or a family member feel ill, however, please stay home and take care of yourself. During the season of Lent we will make arrangements to share our worship services using Facebook live.

 

• Passing of the Peace – Handshakes and hugs at the Peace are not mandated by the Church, so we recommend that it is best to refrain at this time. You can continue verbally offering the peace of Christ to one another, or maybe consider a friendly bow of reverence, a wave, a peace sign, etc.

 

• The Common Cup – While the common cup, properly administered, has been scientifically proven to be safer than intinction (dipping the bread in the wine), health officials are advising ceasing the use of the common cup. It is not sacramentally necessary to receive communion in both kinds (i.e. both bread and wine) to receive all the benefits of communion. With this in mind, we will only be offering communion in one kind (bread) to the congregation and altar party, though the celebrant will continue to receive the wine.

 

• The Holy Water Font – We will remove the holy water font near the entrance of the church. Scientists believe that the virus could possibly be spread in this manner, so out of an abundance of caution we will observe this guideline.

 

• The Offering Plate – Rather than passing the baskets from person-to-person at the offertory, the baskets will reside on a table in the aisle near the altar rail.  We ask that you place your offering in the plates as you come forward for communion, or at another time before or after the service. You can also give online using Realm (see the card in your pew), or on our website, StPatsLA.org.

 

• Regarding Eucharistic Visitors: Eucharistic visitation presents an opportunity for transmission of this virus, and puts those in the home, and those visiting, at risk. We will suspend visitations for the time being, but encourage our Eucharistic visitors and everyone in the parish to call, text, or email to check in with our more vulnerable and homebound members.

Non-Essential Gatherings: We will likely cancel some non-essential gatherings in the coming days and weeks. Please watch your email, our weekly worship announcements, or your Realm app for notifications.
How can you be prepared for COVID-19?
Practice good personal health habits. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your elbow. Hands should be washed often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
Educate yourself on the coronavirus:

• Episcopal Relief and Development is providing information about COVID-19.
• For more information on the coronavirus visit the CDC website.
• For local updates visit the Louisiana health department website.

We are continuing to monitor the situation, and hope to return to normal practices after Lent. We will advise of any changes to these social distancing practices as information becomes available. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me, Beth, or any of your vestry members. You can find our email addresses on our website StPatsLA.org.
Remember, above all, to hold all health care workers, public officials, and all the sick in prayer, remembering the constant counsel of scripture not to fear. As God tells us in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand” (CEB).

​God’s blessings,
Ashley+

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