Diocese Takes Another Step Toward Reopening
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
July 2, 2020
DIOCESE—The Diocese of Rockford took another step toward bringing back business-as-usual in the not-so-usual time of pandemic.
Bishop David Malloy issued a letter to pastors on June 29 authorizing the opening of parishes for meetings, prayer groups and Bible study with restrictions that respect the fact that while coronavirus cases have somewhat stabilized in Northern Illinois, they are rising in over 30 states across the U.S.
“I take this opportunity to communicate to you another step in our gradual reopening not only of the sacramental life of the church, but also the administrative and social life of our parishes,” Bishop Malloy’s letter stated.
“In the context of all of the applicable guidelines of Back in His Presence issued on May 15, especially those related to the wearing of masks at all times, social distancing and disinfecting, I am now authorizing parish groups to reconvene in parish halls and meeting rooms. Effective immediately Pastoral and Finance Councils, prayer groups, Bible study, etc., may again be called together for in person meetings with masks, social distancing and proper sanitizing in groups not to exceed 50 if space allows.
“To assure safety, sharing of food and drinks at these meetings is still strictly prohibited at this time. All other gatherings not related to prayer or administration such as social gatherings, potlucks, coffee and donuts, funeral luncheons are still prohibited.
“Your efforts to protect the faithful from the still-present threat of coronavirus are greatly appreciated. Please continue to respect all guidelines so our parishes can carry out the mission of the Gospel in safety and avoid a future rise in virus cases or necessary closures due to illness,” the letter said.
Also announced on June 29 was the reopening of the Diocesan Administration Center, home to the bishop’s office.
Msgr. Glenn Nelson, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, issued a memo to all administration center employees announcing the reopening of the center to the public.
“In light of Bishop Malloy’s Phase 4 letter issued to pastors today, the Diocesan Administration Center will be opening to the public on July 6,” Msgr. Nelson’s memorandum said.
Most all employees will be returning to the office from remote work unless there are special health concerns.
“We will be observing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation that everyone practice social distancing, wear facial coverings, and follow proper prevention hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and using alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available,” the memo said.
Included in the memo was a comprehensive list of guidelines for the operation of the building in general, for employees and for visitors.
Visitors will be welcomed back to the DAC for meetings and appointments but will not be admitted without face covering.
The memo said that face masks, gloves and sanitizer would be available for guests.
All employees will wear masks outside of their offices and cubicles along with following the guidelines already in place by the CDC and those issued in the diocesan Back in His Presence documents.
“We understand these new rules are a bit restrictive but they are put in place to limit any potential exposures and to protect each of us while we move to full service with the public. We appreciate your cooperation and teamwork in keeping our Diocesan Administration Center a safe and welcoming environment,” Msgr. Nelson’s memo concluded.
Office hours for the Diocesan Administration Center are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The front entrance and phones are closed from 12 to 1 p.m.
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