As I mentioned a few weeks ago, our parish grouping would be on a different, slower schedule due to our high number of cases of COVID-19 and significant community spread. I wish that we were completely out of the woods, but we are not. We know cases are increasing once again around the country and even in our own region. The good news is that number of new positive cases in Buena Vista County each day has slowed, and I hope that this a trend that will continue. We are going to slowly ease back into things. Beginning on July 7th we will be offering two limited times each week at Saint Mary’s for private prayer in the church. We are going to begin a gradual resumption of public Masses on the weekend of July 18-19 and slowly return to “normal” in the following weeks. Remember, the protocols for public liturgies will be in place from the Diocese of Sioux City.   CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROTOCOLS

We encourage all of those at-risk individuals to remain home and safe. The dispensation from the Sunday obligation remains through the end of the year. If you are ill or have any symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home! We will offer you more detailed information about the first weekend of Masses as the time gets closer. Due to restrictions, there are only 18 pews available at Saint Mary’s and so attendance will be limited and once we have reached capacity, no one else will be allowed to enter. Everyone’s patience and understanding will be needed.

Remember, we are not returning to normal. The times for Masses will be different. Please see the schedule in the graphic included in this message. We are also asking everyone to use our digital sign-up option for prayer times and Mass times to assist everyone in the planning process. More information about that will be made available to you soon.

I am glad to be able to offer you some hope about returning to the public celebration of Mass. At the same time, I am extremely nervous because I know of the significant risk that exists when larger groups gather. There are many stories of places that have resumed public Masses where there have been outbreaks and priests and people have been infected. I ask you to exercise all precautions and use good judgment so as not to risk your health or that of someone else. We will not be out of danger until there is a reliable vaccine. I am particularly grateful to the Knights of Columbus who have stepped forward and will assist in serving as ushers for our Masses and helping to sanitize the church after Masses. This would not be possible without their generous assistance.