May 14, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
I hope and pray that all of you are doing well during these challenging times. Believing that Our Lord Jesus Christ is with us at every moment allows us to move forward and with St. Paul proclaim, “I can do all things in Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) THE PLAN, as it has been put forward by the Bishops of the State of Illinois in consultation with and the approval of state and local public health officials and civil authorities, guides us on how to slowly and carefully begin having people enter our churches once again. There are many restrictions and guidelines that must be followed and everything happens in stages. As we all know, the safety and well-being of our parish family is of the utmost importance.
I ask that you read the attached documents carefully so that you may have a good understanding of what re-opening our churches involves. There is a letter from Bishop Pates as well as the Executive Summary explaining THE PLAN. A parish leadership team is in place here at St. James the Apostle that will provide guidance and assistance as we move forward. All of the input that will be given to our leadership team will come from the Bishop’s office in conjunction with state and local authorities. In a short time, we will be asking for assistance from non-vulnerable parishioners to work with the leadership team in implementing the particular practices that will be required before, during and after each gathering in the church.
Finally, I ask that you continue to ask God for healing, peace and wisdom as we move forward. God is good and in the end He will triumph. Thank you for your continued support of the parish and may you experience God’s loving and gentle presence always!
Fr. David
St. James the Apostle Parish 