Sister Mary Kay Moran said she appreciated the way the online Masses, offered both daily and on Sunday, “kept us united.” 

 

She said “it has been a very scary time,” and she appreciated the efforts of the many priests who tried to keep “people nourished and less fearful.”

 

Several council members agreed with Bishop Malloy in pointing out that the pandemic has taught Catholics that there is a need for more catechesis about the Mass and the meaning of our participation in the Mass whether we are present or not. 

 

Members also suggested that there be some “post pandemic training” offered for parishes so they can evaluate their technological preparedness, communication strategies and financial options such as online giving and direct deposit.

 

Council member Dan Payette agreed this would be a good strategy moving forward since it is important to realize that “some parishes are suffering more than others.”

 

Mike Gallagher also offered suggestions for the post pandemic planning saying that it would be good, on a diocesan level, to hold a gathering to “learn what we have learned” from the time of closure. 

Mass reopening discussed

 

Council members also shared their varied experience of returning to the public celebration of Mass. 

 

Some members said it has been a very slow return to Mass while others reported all Mass sign-ups have been full. But as different as the experiences were in all areas of the diocese, members agreed that they all have tried to avoid any divisiveness of reopening to the public.

 

Racism concerns surface

 

Racism was the next huge topic of discussion for the council. 

 

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota and the resulting protests occurring nationwide, Bishop Malloy listened to experiences and thoughts in regard to the Catholic response to racial issues from the council members.

 

Council members suggested more community engagement on the part of pastors, more preaching on the issues and more recognition of the “issues outside our doors.” 

 

While some council members suggested more need for Catholic action on the issues of race, others said the Church does and should consider this a “life issue.” 

 

Fathers David Finn and John McNamara said they felt many young Catholics believe this to be true as they participate in the annual March for Life which spotlights each year the need to respect and uphold the rights and “dignity of each person, not just the preborn.”

 

Bishop Malloy said there must be reform in the way people of color are treated not just by law enforcement but by all citizens. 

 

“There has to be reform but we need to do this also with spiritual reform that comes from real change and from forgiveness,” the bishop said.

 

Fuss said these discussions were important and that “Bishop Malloy wanted to be sure council members were able to provide the same feedback and information they would have if the meeting was held in a conference room. He also wanted to be sure that everyone had a chance to contribute to the discussion in a way that was comfortable to them. I think this was accomplished.

 

“Unfortunately, as good as technology is, it cannot replace the actual interactions, the informal chats, and the conversations that happen when people are physically present together,” Fuss said, adding he and others hope the fall meeting can be held in person.

 

The DPC now meets twice each year.