July 23, 2020
COVID-19 Update
See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.

Psalm 54:6,8
Dear Friends in Christ,

The big news is the Governor’s press conference yesterday. New restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic take effect tomorrow, Friday, July 24. See below for how it impacts churches, and check the other headings for additional information.

Archbishop Sample

Livestream Schedule

New Restrictions Impact Churches
Indoor venue gatherings (including in churches) are reduced to no more than 100 people as of Friday, July 24. The new number of maximum 100 people for indoor gatherings applies to Phase 2 counties. The previous number of up to 250 will no longer be allowed. This order does not impact Phase 1 counties, which are still limited to 25 people for indoor gatherings. Outdoor gatherings in Phase 2 counties continue to have the 250 person limit. In addition, the face mask requirement has been expanded: those 5 years and up must wear masks. The previous age requirement was 12 years and older. As a reminder, anyone attending Mass MUST WEAR A MASK, with the exception of the presider, lectors, cantors, or other liturgical ministers with proclamation roles during the Mass. There are rare exceptions for people with disabilities or diagnosed medical conditions. A recording of the Governor’s press conference from Wednesday, July 22, is available HERE . A transcript of the Governor’s remarks from Wednesday, July 22, is available HERE .

Safety First Grant Program Cancelled
Due to the unforeseen financial challenges brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, it is necessary to cancel the 2020 SAFETY FIRST Grant Program. Apologies for this disappointing news. The decision to cancel this important program was not easy, however practical circumstances and best stewardship of financial resources require it. See full memo H ERE .
 
PFT Rate Announcement
Parish Funds Trust Rate Announcement for the quarter July 1 – Sept 30, 2020: See memo HERE .
 
Don’t Forget to Register!
Armatus and Background Check Admins.
Pre-register for training:  Tuesday, July 28  or  Thursday, July 30 . Contact Info: 503-233-8370,  acp@archdpdx.org .
 
Vatican Speaks on Evangelizing Mission!
Attention Pastors and Parishes: “The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelizing mission of the Church” is a new instruction to guide the reform of parish communities. It was released on Monday by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy as an aid to reforming parishes and restructuring dioceses to better serve our singular mission of evangelization. Check out the 24-page  document .
 
OHA Contact Tracing & Testing Webinar July 27
The Oregon Health Authority will be holding a webinar to address questions relating to COVID-19 case investigation, contact tracing and testing specifically for faith leaders. It will take place on Monday, July 27th at 11 AM. For this GoToWebinar meeting,  More Info & Register Here .

This is NFP Week (July 20-26)
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the general title for the scientific, natural and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either  achieve or postpone pregnancies .  NFP methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's  menstrual cycle . No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. Since the methods of NFP respect the  love-giving  (unitive) and  life-giving  (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for married love!
 
 
Next Mailing:  Tuesday, July 28.
 
Blessings,

Todd Cooper
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair



REMINDERS

Financial Reports Due
Submit your year-end financial data by  Monday, August 31, 2020 . Use this  Report Template . Questions? spoehler@archdpdx.org  or 503-233-8311.

Solemnity of the Assumption (Aug. 15)
MEMO  ODW memo.


Reopening Resources
  • Re-Imagining the Catholic Parish –HERE
  • FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED in Church Statewide: More Info HERE
  • Guidance for Faith-Based Gatherings in Phase II Counties: OHA FAQ HERE
  • Phase Two Reopening Memo ENGLISH and SPANISH
  • Limited Plan for Reopening Masses (English/Spanish)
  • Readiness Checklist – Use with above Plan
  • Use of Satellite Sites for Mass: MEMO
  • Protocol for COVID-19 exposure at Mass: HERE
  • Information about Contract Tracing - HERE.
  • Archdiocesan web resources: CLICK HERE.
  • Guidelines for Returning to the Workplace - Find materials from OHA HERE
  • CDC guidelines for faith communities
  • CDC Guidelines for Daily Life
  • FlockNote Mass Sign-Up, Tracking - How it works.