Measure being taken to help elderly, consideration is asked

Father William Felix of All Saints Parish was ordained “to be a priest, not a policeman,” he writes in a parish

bulletin for December 13. To that end, the parish has mostly relied on members and visitors to show concern for others in following public health guidelines, along with providing supplies like hand sanitizer to make this easier. After receiving some phone calls from several elderly parishioners who would like to attend services but who don’t feel safe in a space without masks, an adjustment is being made for the 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass at Holy Family, in Stanley: No one gets in without a face covering.

“I received a couple of phone calls this week from elderly parishioners who would like to be present for Mass but are beginning to become fearful,” Felix wrote

in his bulletin update for December 13. “It is not so much about numbers as the lack of wearing masks,” he goes on.

Acknowledging that there is

con_icting information on

the effectiveness of masks in stopping COVID, Felix notes that both the Governor and La Crosse bishop William Callahan have asked they be worn.

“Because of the fear of some of being in a con_ned space

without masks I want to make sure that on Christmas Day there is at least one Mass that MASKS ARE REQUIRED,”

Felix informs the parish. “Because we have added an additional Mass on Christmas Day I have decided that the 8:30 a.m. Christmas Mass at Holy Family Church will require the wearing of a mask,” Felix writes. “In this way, those that are concerned will have at least one Mass they know will be safe and comfortable. If this is your concern, be assured that no one will be admitted to that Mass without a mask.”

Going on to note an expected increase in the number of people attending this time of year, Felix likewise asks for consideration of others and making accommodations for families and others in need of a space. “People can’t expect to have an entire pew to themselves,”

he writes. “If you see a family come in who needs space be kind enough to move over or even to another pew with fewer people and proper distance. I know this is tough and inconvenient but it is a lesson in kindness and love for each other.” In closing out his “Pastor’s Journal,” Felix asks parishioners to remember not to let themselves become dehumanized in the pandemic.

“This whole pandemic has, in a certain way, been dehumanizing to all of us,” he writes. “The challenge for us is to not let that happen, especially when we come to worship God who has given us our life, a Redeemer who saves us, and a Spirit calling us to greater love and communion with each other. Let us greet each other with love, joy, and respect this Christmas season and make every act of kindness a gift to one another.”