Dear Parishioners,

The report today shows that the number of positive tests has dropped below 10 percent of those tested. The number of hospitalizations is also down.

We will have Adoration again on Sunday. But, I think we will try to do it in the Church over several hours. Although, we cannot have more than ten people in the Church at a time, if we do it over a three to four hour period we should be able to accomodate everyone who would like to come. More details on Friday.

The Archdiocese has passed on to the parishes the various letters sent to county officials to try to have our Churches open again. Here is the letter sent by Fr. Carson, who is the Moderator of the Curia, to County Executive Alsobrooks:

May 29, 2020
Dear County Executive Alsobrooks:

Today I am writing on behalf of the Archdiocese of Washington to ask for your support in allowing members of our community to attend worship services in Prince George’s County under the next phase of the County’s re-opening plan, which is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2020, as outlined in Executive Order No. 10-2020, dated May 28, 2020. As you may know, the Archdiocese of Washington participated in a diverse working group of faith leaders who advised Governor Hogan on how to safely resume public religious worship. Consistent with the recommendations of the faith community, the Governor’s re-opening plan allows for indoor religious services to resume with the number of worshippers in attendance at any one service to be capped at 50% of building capacity. These measures are set forth in the Governor’s Executive Order No. 20-05-27-01.

Section VI of the Prince George’s County Order No. 10-2020 proposes to limit religious gatherings to no more than 10 people and also does not allow for larger outdoors religious services. We ask that the County reconsider this provision and allow for members of our community to attend indoor religious services at 50% capacity, consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order. This practice has been implemented throughout most of the
counties in the State, including the three Archdiocesan counties located in Southern Maryland, as well as in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We also note that grocery stores, retail establishments, manufacturing facilities, childcare centers, hotels, and other enclosed spaces where people congregate are not currently limited to a specific number of people or restricted by any building capacity limitations under the next phase of Prince George’s County’s re-opening plan. Similarly, with respect to outdoor religious gatherings, the County’ Order does not impose a 10-person limit on the number of people who may congregate in outdoor areas, such as outdoor restaurant seating, parks, farmer’s markets, and other outdoor spaces.

The Archdiocese of Washington is ready to resume public Mass at its parishes, including those in Prince George’s County, and has prepared detailed written guidelines to do so safely. In preparing these guidelines, we have worked collaboratively with health experts and public agencies to ensure that indoor and outdoor religious services are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, utilizing safeguards and best practices that are consistent with the applicable guidelines for social distancing and public safety (including the latest CDC guidance). These plans have been shared with each of our parishes, along with other information to communicate the new procedures with our parishioners. We have attached a copy of these guidelines to this letter. We have also asked each parish to address any additional logistical concerns that may be specific to their individual location and to make it clear that those who feel uncomfortable or are at higher risk should continue to stay home and access remote worship resources.

The Archdiocese of Washington respectfully requests that Prince George’s County adopt the resumption of indoor religious services at 50% building capacity, as set forth in the Governor’s Order, as well as allowing for outdoor religious services to proceed in a manner that accommodates the celebration of Catholic Masses, effective June 1, 2020. Should you wish to discuss these recommendations or the procedures we are prepared to
implement in our churches, please contact our Chancellor and General Counsel, Kim Fiorentino, who can be reached at fiorentinok@adw.org or 301-853-4521.

Thank you for your kind consideration of this request. Please know of our continued prayers for you and for all of the residents of Prince George’s County.

Sincerely in Christ, Reverend Daniel B. Carson
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
Archdiocese of Washington