Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

I write you in the spirit of the quarantine. Our time away from each other has been way too long. I have missed seeing you in person.

About a month ago we announced a self-quarantine to last until the end of April. We took this action with the encouragement of the governor and the mayor of New Orleans. Since that announcement the mayor has extended the quarantine until the middle of May. The governor has yet to announce any change in his original declaration, although that may change. The quarantine seems to be working, this is, the curve is flattening but not completely. We still have work to do for the safety of the whole community. I am, therefore, extending our virtual church gatherings until the 15th of May at which time I will reexamine the progress and listen to the health care advocates as to when we might be able to reengage our church activities and what that might look like. In the meantime, our office staff is working on guidelines that will help us when the restrictions are eased. We should have these available in the next 10 days.

I realize this news may not be what you were hoping to hear. The stress of staying home with limited communal engagement has not been easy, but we have endured and for that I am grateful. Let's continue to pray for one another and the world.

 

May God grant us the strength and wisdom to live the Way in Love.

 

I am as always,

Your servant in Christ,