Dear Parishioners,
Protecting the safety and security of each precious life is our primary responsibility in these times of the terrible pandemic that afflicts us. At this moment, we are seeing a dramatic increase in reported cases that have tested positive to COVID-19 in the state of Florida, as well as other states across the country. Scientific evidence and health and civic authorities have warned us that this trend is highly likely to continue and increase.
As the Pastor of Holy Faith, I want to take further steps, to reduce any opportunity that places our community at additional risk. To this effect,
beginning this Saturday, we will not have any singing at our liturgical celebrations
. Our worship space is relatively small and enclosed, and we cannot ensure the appropriate social distancing necessary to sing safely. This measure is only temporary, and we will remain attentive to the level of risk in the state and adjust and change this decision accordingly.
This has been a challenging decision because singing at Mass is an integral part of our participation and is at the heart of the nature of the liturgy. It is our prayer! Sadly, we know from scientific evidence that gathering people to worship with singing presents one of the highest risks of contamination. Until we can be in a safer place, we cannot take this risk.
We will continue to observe the measures we have been taking since resuming Masses: Masks required during the entire liturgy and sanitation before, during, and after all Masses. Social distancing of at least 6-ft is challenging to maintain in a liturgical context. The rites consist of movements and processions at different times during the liturgy. We will continue to do our best with your cooperation.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your sacrifice and cooperation. We are doing this for our love for one another and witnessing the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ that redeemed and saved us. Remember that our joyful worship to our mighty and loving God, through Christ, by the Holy Spirit's power, continues to strengthen us every moment of the day.
Let the praise of God continue to sound in our hearts and in our homes until our voices can safely sing his praises at our gatherings!
