St. Mary's Parish, we have some important information to share with you regarding Masses this Labor Day weekend.
Please be sure to read the attached message.
Dear Parishioners of the Muncie Pastorate:
We have a brief update for you regarding COVID-19 as well as the upcoming Labor Day weekend Mass schedule at all three parishes.
We have learned that a few individuals that attended weekend Masses (Aug 29-30) have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. All three parishes are impacted. Due to exposure to COVID-19, all three priests are presently in quarantine and unable to celebrate public liturgies or attend parish activities.
Masses and confessions for the weekend of September 5-6 will take place as scheduled at each parish, with the assistance of priests from our Diocese of Lafayette.
On Labor Day, Monday September 7th, there will only be ONE Mass at 9am at St. Lawrence Parish. The Mass at St. Lawrence will be livestreamed and can be accessed through this link, https://www.facebook.com/stlawrencechurchmuncie/live
Masses and confessions are cancelled the rest of this week, from Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11.
The parishes of the Muncie Pastorate (St. Francis, St. Lawrence, St. Mary) are taking all of the required and some additional precautions to protect parishioners attending Mass from the COVID-19 virus, however, there is still some possibility for exposure if an infected worshipper is asymptomatic.
At this time, attendees of Mass do not need to self-isolate but should self-monitor for symptoms and continue to practice the CDC's recommended safety protocol, such as wearing a mask and maintaining a six-foot physical distance when in public and practicing thorough hand-washing.
Due to HIPPA regulations, the individuals will not be identified. Please pray for these members of our community.
At this time, we are not aware of other COVID-19 cases in the Muncie Pastorate. For the safety of our community and parish, please report to us if at any point you do test positive for COVID-19 AND have been physically present in one of our parish churches (or other parish buildings).
As an added precaution, parish offices will be temporarily closed and staff will be working remotely. We will be sure to update you as to when the parish offices will reopen.
In addition to the CDC links in this email, below are a couple of additional resources for state-related COVID-19 information.
COVID-19 Resources:
- Indiana State Department of Health Hotline - 877-826-0011 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily)
- COVID testing sites, consult the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 website locator map
Please know of our prayers for each of you in this challenging time!
The Priests and Staff of the Muncie Pastorate