St. Anne Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners, 

Bishop Stephen Parkes has extended the Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass through the end of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Christ the King which is celebrated on November 22, 2020.  

We have seen, though, more and more of our parishioners and visitors returning to Sunday Mass.  I am grateful for you courage and the precautions you take not to spread contagion to others. 

Of course, in the Covid-19 age, attending Mass or religious services, indoor dining at a restaurant, and other events in closed spaces continues to be risky business.  Thus all the parishes of the diocese have this posted on our public buildings:  

Warning
Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises.

Given the risk inherent with any contagious disease which could lead to critical illness and death,  it is important for your decision to attend or not attend Mass to be based upon the following:

1. You should wear a mask that protects you.  Be defensive as no one is turned away from Mass for not wearing a mask at St. Anne’s. Like being a defensive driver, today it is important to be defensive with this virus and those who could transmit it to others. 

2. Make sure you have a mask that is effective and clean. Not all masks are equal and fleece bandanas are practically useless. But, the mask you wear must give you some assurance that you are protected from contagion from others who may spread it to you in the church.

3. If you are fearful about the practices at St. Anne, such as singing, some not wearing masks and the manner in which Holy Communion is distributed, you are dispensed from attending Mass.  Do not blame others who aren’t doing what you expect. Don’t come to Mass if you don’t trust the environment. 

We will continue to live-stream our daily Masses, and the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass.  You can still make a  “an Act of Spiritual Communion” and "The Act of Perfect Contrition" from home until you can get to Confession, and Mass. As well, If you haven’t done so,  PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ON-LINE GIVING WITH “OUR SUNDAY VISITOR”  by going to our secure Our Sunday Visitor on-line giving and setting up your personal account. If you need help with that Sarah Thomas in our office can assist you. Email her or call her at the office during office hours. 

We have hand sanitizer available. Use it. We clean the Church after each weekend Masses. We promote physical distancing and our large church is ideal for it. Most but not all wear masks. This is the sticking point for some. Again, I reiterate, if you do not want to be in an environment where some don’t wear masks and you are not sure how protected you are with your mask, do not attend Mass. You must be responsible for your decisions, not someone else’s decisions. 

Listen to your favorite doctor, scientist and studies regarding the spread of the Coronavirus. Listen to your heart and God given common sense. Be defensive and wear a proper mask to protect yourself. We are adults and we are responsible for our decisions and are quite capable of discerning risks and the ability to assume a risk or not. God bless you and pray for a morally produced vaccine to end this scourge as well as a developing immunity.

God bless you,

Your pastor, 
Fr. Allan J. McDonald