UPDATE AS OF JUNE 23, 2021 – Guidance as Michigan opens to full capacity:

There is nothing ordinary about what has transpired over these past 15 months. Our pastors and their staff members have worked tirelessly to nourish the spiritual lives of parishioners while also safeguarding the physical health of their communities. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

As of June 22, the State of Michigan has lifted its broad epidemic orders. This is positive news, and we are hopeful that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. Daily numbers of new cases have been falling steadily. Positivity rates statewide are below 3% and have decreased 88% since their high on April 8.

Understanding that parishioners who are homebound or in long-term care facilities may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, ministers who are not fully vaccinated and bringing holy Communion to individuals in these groups must wear a mask. Other than this norm, the Diocese of Grand Rapids is terminating any remaining particular law in response to COVID-19, effective immediately. This decision aligns with guidance from public health officials and is supported by the data mentioned above.

Moving forward, COVID-19 directives in our parishes will be determined by the pastor and his staff, recognizing that situations differ locally across the 11 counties of our diocese. CDC recommendations for communities of faith may be found on their website.

May 14, 2021

Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners,
Governor Whitmer has announced the current State epidemic order will expire tomorrow morning, May 15, at 9 a.m. Therefore, the following changes will become effective  immediately, with regards to Mass at St. Mary’s.
· Masks are not required during liturgical worship. It is recommended that those who are unvaccinated follow CDC guidance and wear a mask for the safety of fellow parishioners.
· We will not ask parishioners to reveal their vaccination status.
· We will remove rope or tape from pews.
· There will be a designated seating area, in the section to the far right of the church, where social distancing will remain in effect to accommodate individuals for whom mitigation strategies remain an important safeguard or who may choose to sit there.              
·  The Community Room will also remain open to those parishioners who wish to attend Mass away from the larger crowd in the sanctuary.

Further guidance on non-liturgical events will be forthcoming.
I want to thank you all for your continued cooperation as we navigated through these difficult times together.  You have followed the guidelines set forth by the Bishop to the best of your abilities, and for that I am extremely grateful.  The news today brings us one step closer to an end to this pandemic.
May God continue to Bless you and keep you safe,
 
Fr. Ayub Francis Nasar

Updates can be found at: https://grdiocese.org/bishop-walkowiak-guidelines-to-help-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/ 

Please be sure to use the “social distancing” guidelines.  If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home.  We appreciate your patience during these uncertain times  Please share this information to anyone who maybe homebound and/or does not have access to the internet.  Thank You.

Helpful Links and Information...
Diocesan Guidelines for Parishes & Schools 
Ottawa County COVID-19 Response

We want to encourage you to explore your Catholic faith at home, our diocese is partnering with the Augustine Institute to give you a FREE 40-day subscription to FORMED – an online platform that provides the best Catholic movies, programs, audio books and talks, all at your fingertips, on your Roku, Apple TV, web browser, or FORMED iOS and Android apps. 

FORMED is a great way to help you and your entire family understand, live and share the Catholic faith during these times. Visit https://formed.org/signup and enter “Faith At Home Grand Rapids” for access to faith-fueling, inspiring and informative stories, teaching and more.

Additional resources may be found on the diocesan website and Facebook page:
Holy Week at Home
Spiritual Resources

Feel free to share this link and information with your friends and family!