“You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor.” (
Ordination of a Priest
, Book of Common Prayer, page 531)
March 12, 2020
Dear friends in Christ,
As your Cathedral Dean, I believe it is my responsibility to write to you about the cathedral’s initiatives to safeguard your health and well-being in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has declared a State of Emergency, and in his proclamation he strongly requests that organizations make every effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). He writes, “Arizonans should not panic -- our approach will be calm and steady.” The people of Trinity Cathedral also plan to take a calm and steady approach towards the prevention of the spread of the virus.
We can learn from scripture in times like these. In John’s gospel, Jesus tells his followers, “I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Our gathering together in worship should always be life-giving, spiritually enriching, and calling us to a closer walk with God. Your cathedral staff and clergy are closely monitoring the situation in our city and state, and we promise to update you regularly. At this time, we can announce the following changes:
Worship at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. will continue this Sunday as
normal
. During our time together, we will outline a new set of protocols for maintaining your health and wellness, while also providing a robust and Christ-centered liturgy. This Sunday, we celebrate the Third Sunday in Lent, and hear a moving story about Jesus offering a woman living water for a greater life.
All other cathedral events, classes, and meetings will be suspended for the next two weeks. This decision will be revisited on a weekly basis, and we will keep you well informed during this time.
Obviously, this was not an easy decision to reach, but it was made with the intent of safeguarding our community and all who live in our urban community situated in the heart of Phoenix. Even if we believe our congregation is vibrant and in good overall physical health, we recognize the need for all people in our society to collaborate and confront any further infections or outbreaks of this disease.
Remember always to follow safety recommendations from our public health authorities, including the following:
a) Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, with soap!
b) Use hand sanitizer when appropriate.
c) Avoid touching your face.
d) Stay away from others if you are ill.
e) Cover your coughs and sneezes.
f) Avoid handshakes or hugs.
g) Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Here are additional resources to help you stay informed:
This Sunday's sermon will outline further measures that Trinity is taking to safeguard the well-being of our community. We believe that Jesus blessed us with his life so that we might be a blessing for others. Now is our greatest time to claim our blessing and to share it with the greater community -- not just for the people of Trinity but for absolutely everyone in our reach.
Please contact me, troy@trinitycathedral, if you have any questions or concerns. Your clergy and staff are here to support you.
In Christ’s peace and love,
The Very Rev. Troy D. Mendez, Dean
