We have returned to the public celebration of Mass! Praise God!
Though it caught us completely by surprise, we were delighted last week when Governor Inslee announced that Phase 1 counties could hold outdoor religious services with up to 100 people, while Phase 2 counties could hold indoor religious services with up to 50 people. Much credit needs to be given to our Washington State bishops for all of their behind-the-scenes activism, alternately collaborating with, and then keeping the pressure on, the governor’s office. Had it not been for our bishops, religious services would not have been given these additional accommodations in the early phases and we might still be stuck with unhelpful drive-in services.
Much credit also goes to our parish staff for the fact that we have been able to hold a public Mass already. Assumption was only one of a handful of parishes in the entire archdiocese offering Masses last weekend, and that is because our staff were so motivated, connected, and on top of things that we managed to submit a full plan of action to the archdiocese by Thursday evening. And we have only been able to retain such a competent parish staff because you, our parishioners, continue to support your parish generously, even amid economic uncertainties.
This is, unfortunately, a longer letter than usual. The complexities of beginning to open the parish again require a lot of space, and some important announcements have come up that we felt could not wait. Thank you for wading through the entire thing!
May the Lord, who has never abandoned his people, continue to guide each of us in this crazy time!
Fr. Moore 