Mass During the COVID-19 Outbreak

[Annie]

I am not saying everyone should barricade themselves, but I do think informed decisions are better than uninformed decisions.

Each person is in a different location, with different circumstances. Personally, I think that knowing this information is very helpful to me in making decisions and I am grateful to those who have shared as I need to be very careful about exposure. There are also cases in my area.

I don’t know your situation, so I can’t and am not commenting on your decision.

 

[Annie]

Viral shedding is nothing new.

But for 14 days as opposed to 1 to 4 days is not the usual situation.

Overreacting and shutting everything down can have equally devastating effects on the populace.

OTOH, “flattening the curve,” as they have found out in Italy, can be vital to reducing the devastation.

The media is inducing mass panic.

Not all of us indulge in the media. I am careful about what I read about this issue because I want to make appropriate decisions, but I do come in contact with vulnerable people so my decision is very important.

 

[skyglass]

I honestly think the biggest problem right now is not panic–it’s denial. There are some people in this thread who think that because they don’t feel sick now, they can go to mass and everything will be fine.

People, do you not understand that this virus can survive on a hard surface for an estimated 10 days? Think of everything you come in contact with in the church. Even if you cut out the holy water font, what about the pews? There are studies that indicate you can contract the virus from 15 feet away.

 

[tafan2]

Reasonable people can come to different conclusions as to what to do at this time. Having spent some time studying the covud-19 statistics globally and in various countries, I have come to the conclusion there us little over-rraction among people and authorities, as this is a very real and serious threat. Something we have never been through before. I can understand why some would even forego Sunday mass. Our Bishop just came out with who was dispensed, and it I was on that list, I would not go, as it appears to be well thought out and sensible “advice”. But for now, I will continue to attend mass.

 

[do_justly_love_mercy]

I’ve not read all 105 posts on this thread, but I think you’re broadly speaking taking a sensible approach. The fact is that people can acquire the virus without having symptoms (or have very mild symptoms and not realize they are infected). However, those people can still transmit the virus to other people who may develop symptoms and even die - and, of course, infect other people.

 

[HomeschoolDad]

I am not saying everyone should barricade themselves, but I do think informed decisions are better than uninformed decisions.

Each person is in a different location, with different circumstances. Personally, I think that knowing this information is very helpful to me in making decisions and I am grateful to those who have shared as I need to be very careful about exposure. There are also cases in my area.

I don’t know your situation, so I can’t and am not commenting on your decision.

I live just a few miles from a “hot spot”, a small town with a disproportionate number of cases, and I am being very circumspect about all of my outside dealings. I have even looked into grocery delivery or pickup in the parking lot (where they bring the cart out to you). If I go to get prepared food, I use the drive-through. I do have to go get potting soil and a planter box for my tomato and pepper plants at the lawn and garden store, but that is just going to be “straight in and out” at an uncrowded time. Aside from that, I’m staying home.

 

[Swiftdove]

We have only 5 confirmed cases so far in Ohio, but their estimated number of people who actually will catch by community spread is 1% of the population. If a person is not showing symptoms for 2 weeks, its hazardous for wll the people they put themselves around. I sure wasn’t worried bc of my healthy age, but I would hate to infect the elderly in our small parish. Our governer shut down schools k-12 for three weeks to slow the spread by the world wide professionals reccomendations, who perhaps wish they would’ve taken these measures in their own locations before it became so severe. Our bishop removed obligation. It is definitely there.

 

[Cruciferi]

I would hate to infect the elderly in our small parish

But, at risk individuals have already been instructed to stay home.

One of our ushers has some form of immunodeficiency. If her and other at risk individuals continue to attend, it’s on them.

 

[Swiftdove]

Even 40 to 50 year olds have a risk of death, 1 in 250 . I’m already sick anyway, so definitely won’t be going anywhere. .I rarely get sick and have a terrible chest cold as do 2 of our children. Our governer has warned against gatherings of any kind greater than 100 , but not mandated, Other than schools .

 

[Swiftdove]

A mass in our relatively small parish has at least 200 people every Sunday. Never 50.

 

[annad347]

I still dont undestand why some posters are making it seem that if a person choose to be careful with their health by not attending church they are losing their faith?

You know church services including taking in the body and blood of Christ was done in the home before it took place in a formal church service. Yes, I might be talking about the first or second century of the world but it did happen.

During natural disasters people have had to forgo going to services for specific reasons. Then soon everything was fixed and things went back to normal.

Here we have a fellow Christian who wants to serve the Lord, post how active they are in the church… but is now trying to be careful, that’s not a sin. This is not the same as the flew, we never shut things down as we are doing now because someone has a cold… but for whatever reason those who make those decisions are making them, its happening… so there is something different from this virus then not remembering to get a flew shot then taking Air-Born to stay safe.

Why instead of condemning someone for not attending church, accusing them for over reacting, for panicking unnecessarily can’t we help them know God is every where?

Why can we not take this moment to teach each other that no matter where we are as long as God is at the head we are in church.

Why are we not realize that us here on this thread are gathered together in the Name of The Lord are in church. Praying for those in vulnerable areas are safe and remain healthy. Praying for doctors, nurses and all who have no choice but to be in the middle of this mess stay safe and healthy. Praying that the small business and people’s lively hood are not destroyed by this. Praying that things get back to normal soon. Praying for those who’s church have already been shut down. Praying for Disney World open can again soon. (okay last one was little joke), but I pray you all understand what I’m trying to say.

We are all gathered here to help each other learn about God, to find ways to bring Him to each other… we are in church… so I say let us pray as the Lord taught us

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Me personally, if I have to go to work, then I’m BLESSED to be able to attend church.

 

[marybobo]

This thread has gotten totally out of control. Both sides are being judgmental IMO. (Notice, I said OPINION).

It seems to me that the OP was only stating his own opinion, and it is not for any of us to judge where he is right or wrong in his opinion. That is between him/her and God.

I have been wondering myself what to do as I am in my 80’s and have COPD. But I am not looking for anyone on this forum to tell me what I should or should not do in my case. Again, that is between me and God.

 

[TheLittleLady]

We have standing dispensation in our Diocese effective today. All public masses cancelled beginning Mar 21-22 through April 15 with option to extend the time if needed.