This past week, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that parishes could individually choose (with some conditions) whether to require masks or not for attendees a Mass. Saint Andrew Parish has chosen to continue universal wearing of masks, even by those who are vaccinated, for these reasons:
- It is a charity to others. Not every adult can be vaccinated and they would still be required to wear masks. Some who cannot be vaccinated expressed to us the concern that they would not come to Mass without the assurance of knowing masks were in use. Even if you are vaccinated, your charity and kind sacrifice is allowing others to attend Mass who do not have the privilege of a vaccination.
- We have a large contingent of families with children in this community. Children cannot yet be vaccinated and thus are more prone to both contract and infect others unless they are wearing masks. By everyone wearing masks, it helps our children feel safe as well as prevents them from feeling outcast and marginalized when in public. We want our children to come to Mass!
- Our safety team still needs additional help. The Archdiocese instructed that only individuals who presented their vaccination card could go without wearing masks in church. This requirement would burden our safety team which is already stretched thin. If not wearing masks is a priority to an individual, we’d invite them to utilize that energy by joining the safety team! More information can be found at https://standrew.org/volunteer-church-safety/
Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to wear masks while in Saint Andrew for public worship.
