Our East Fishkill Supervisor, Nicholas D’Alessandro, has passed on to our parish this Statement from the County Executive, Marcus Molinaro. The Statement was also signed by all the County Executives of the Hudson Valley and some Mayors:
Beginning of Statement
“The protests we are witnessing over the last several days following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have caused significant destruction and disruption throughout many major cities in the United States.
We understand the anguish, sadness, and anger so many across our country are feeling; and we acknowledge the urgent need to address injustice wherever it resides in America, including right here in our own communities.
As Governor Cuomo himself said, although we do not condone violence, theft, and property destruction, we understand the anger and grief being expressed as a result of this senseless killing. It could not happen at a worse time as people have been cooped up in their homes as we shelter in place to stem the transmission of a vicious and deadly virus.
Our churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of faith need to be available for neighbors, leaders, and community to come together. And, the personal interaction that occurs in faith communities can prove invaluable. We respectfully request the reopening of faith-based organizations allowing at least 25% occupancy with adherence to guidelines for social distancing, use of face coverings and with proper cleaning and hygiene at their facilities.
Embrace these men and women of faith to help address the pent-up anger, anguish, and tensions. Our faith leaders can and must be a key part of healing our communities. This can be a powerful sign and send a strong message to the people of America that we are still one nation, indivisible- and that we seek liberty and justice for all. Open the doors to our houses of faith - if only with limited capacity - to help us heal.”
End of Statement
Governor Cuomo has heard this request and granted permission for Houses of Worship to reopen at 25% capacity in Phase Two.
In turn, we have received this Message from the
Vicar General of the Archdiocese of NY – Msgr. Joseph LaMorte:
Beginning of Message
Good news is spreading
throughout the Archdiocese about the governor’s announcement that houses of
worship have been moved from NYS phase four to phase two; the upper counties
will enter Phase 2 this Tuesday, June 9. In addition, the maximum number
of people allowed to attend has been raised from ten individuals to 25% of
occupancy, provided physical distancing and other guidelines are followed.
I am pleased that the Faith Forward initiative was critical in
laying the foundation for this announcement.
The governor reiterated that the
City of New York will begin NYS phase one of reopening on Monday with the
resumption of construction, manufacturing, and curb-side retail pickup.
He also noted new information about the virus itself, which will continue to drive
decision making. Now we are told the virus can live in the air for three hours,
surfaces are less likely to cause transmission, children may be affected,
infected people may get re-infected, and masks are more important than
originally thought.
Presently, all our parishes and institutions are at level one of our Faith Forward plan with churches open for visits and confession.
Very
shortly, His Eminence, Cardinal Dolan will be addressing an adjustment in the
archdiocesan levels.
End of
Message
This is
all the information we have at this moment. Stay tuned and keep praying!
