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Statement from Fr. Griffith regarding liturgies and precautions at Our Lady of Lourdes
August 7, 2021From the beginning of the pandemic, parish leaders at Our Lady of Lourdes have worked diligently to balance public health and safe access to the sacraments for parishioners and friends. I think we have threaded the needle well between safety and accessibility at Lourdes. I was heartened when we were able to return to liturgies and gatherings this spring without masks and social distancing. As we know, this pandemic has presented ongoing challenges and shifting dynamics.
In light of the spike in COVID infections in our community and throughout the country brought on by the Delta Variant, I met with parish leaders this past week to discuss how we might respond at Lourdes. As you might imagine, a variety of perspectives, concerns, and counsel were expressed to me. Of concern to a number of parish leaders is the potential effect of the variant on children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Others noted concern regarding breakthrough cases among some who have been vaccinated, including their ability to spread the virus. City leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul have strongly encouraged the use of masks indoors, including for those who have been vaccinated.
Effective this Saturday at the 5 p.m. Mass, I strongly encourage all those in attendance at Lourdes indoor liturgies and gatherings to wear masks. I will begin wearing a mask again for the distribution of the Eucharist and will ask all guest presiders to do so as well. All greeters, ushers, and Eucharistic ministers will also wear masks throughout the liturgy. I will only distribute Eucharist on the hand and will continue this practice until the pandemic substantially subsides. Music ministers will return to the choir loft beginning this weekend. I believe these actions are consistent with public health and the common good to which Catholic social teaching calls us – in word and in deed.
Minneapolis city officials have not mandated the use of masks indoors, and neither will I at this time. I leave this decision to all of you, according to a well-formed conscience, and in light of current relevant information regarding the spread of the virus. Additionally, I ask those who are sick or feeling any symptoms to stay home. We will continue to live-stream our 10 a.m. Mass via Lourdes Live. I further encourage all parishioners and friends who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
Lastly, please keep all of those affected by the pandemic in your prayers. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we together navigate these challenging times in a manner consistent with our Catholic faith.